Guitar Strings Q & A

Did you ever think about your guitar strings? Like What size to use or which string is the B string? Or even whats the best strings to use? Well if you have questions. That you want answers to. About your Guitar strings, take a look at this:

In this article learn; What are the best Acoustic guitar strings. If the guitar strings are the same on acoustic or electric, Names of the Guitar strings. What is an open string. What size is the high E string. Is it hard to change guitar strings. What do guitar string numbers mean, & What is the smallest Guitar string.

What Size is the High E String on a Guitar?

The high E string is the thinnest string. But the size is based on the Diameter of the string. The most common size is .010. The gauge of the string is measured in thousandths. Here are other high E string Gauges: .008, .0085, .009, .0095, .009, .011, .012, .013. Source

What are the Names of the 6 Guitar Strings?

On an Acoustic guitar and electric guitar there are 6 strings. There are guitars with more than 6 strings. Most acoustic steel string guitars have 6 strings.

The name of the 6 guitar strings are E A D G B E. When holding the guitar and looking down. The first string you see is the thickest string. You may think that this is the first string. Because it is the closest one to you.

The string that you are looking at is actually the thickest string. It is also the lowest in pitch. This is the low E string. Then the 5th string is next. It’s name is the A string.

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You guessed it under the A string is the 4th string. Which is named the D string. The G string is the 3rd string, from the bottom of the guitar.

The 2nd string is the B string, and the last string. Which is the first string is called the high E string.

The strings get thinner the higher the pitch. You can remember the names of the strings like this: Eddy Ate Dynamite Good Bye Eddy.


Related Article: When Changing Guitar Strings do You Change One at a Time?

What are Guitar Open Strings?

When you play a string without fretting any of the strings. Meaning using your fretting hand on any of the strings. This is an open string.

When the strings are tuned properly, and you play one of the strings. The sound of the pitch that the string makes is the name of the string.

So for instance if you play the thickest string open. Which is picking that string. The sound or pitch that the 6th string makes is an E.

If you pick an open A string. You are playing the 5th string without fretting any notes. The pitch that the string makes is A.

When you play the 3rd string open you are playing the G string. Which also has a G pitch. This holds true with all the open strings. If you want to learn more about the notes on the guitar. Take a look at this free lesson 11 Tips for Learning the Guitar Notes

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Related Article: Do Locking Tuners Keep Guitar Tune.

Are Acoustic Strings the Same as Electric?

The acoustic steel strings are steel just like the electric, but there are several differences. The acoustic guitar string is coated with phosphor, bronze, or a brass alloy.

They usually have more winding’s, and a larger gauge. The larger gauge wire works well with the acoustic guitar. Which allows more vibration that is needed for the sound of the acoustic guitar.

The electric strings are steel, nickel or chromium. These alloys were well with the magnetic pickups in an electric guitar. To learn more about the way an electric guitar works look at the Electric Guitar Buyers Guide.


What Electric Guitar Strings Should I use?

My favorite strings that I use on my Fender, and my Variax guitar are D’Addario. The reason I like them so much is that they have a great tone to them. Also they stay in tune longer. Especially when you are bending strings. I have found that a lot of strings go out of tune.

With the D’Addario they stay in tune longer, and the string just seems to last longer. Your not having to replace as many broken strings. So this is why I highly recommend you use them too. If you haven’t tried them yet, Here is a link to the D’Addario strings I found the best price Amazon. You can check the current price here D’Addario Electric Guitar Strings.


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Is it Hard to Change Guitar Strings?

Replacing guitar strings are really not hard at all. There are steps that need to be taken in order. So that replacing them is easier to do.

Also you will want a couple of tools that again make it easier to install new strings. Recommended Tools:

  • String Winder
  • Guitar String Cutter
  • Cleaner
  • String Pin Puller

These are tools that will make replacing the strings a breeze. I found A kit that has all the tools on Amazon. You can check the current price of the String Changer Kit.

Once you have all the tools. Now you need the know how. Here is a complete easy step by step How to Change Acoustic Guitar Strings for Beginners.


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What Do Guitar String Numbers Mean?

Guitar strings are measured by the gauge of the string. Gauge is the thickness of the string or there Diameter. The Diameter also affects the tone of the string.

Manufacturers list the strings by there diameter. Which is in thousandths of an inch. The larger the diameter, the heavier the string.

You will see various numbers on the package of strings. Here are a few examples:

  • Light strings (10 – 46) .010, .013, .017, .026, .036, .046
  • Medium (11 – 52) .011, .014, .018, .028, .038, .049
  • Heavy (13 – 56) .013, .017, .026, .036, .046, .056

Looking at the above numbers the Manufacturer shows on the packaging of the strings (10-46) This lets you know that the High E string is a diameter of 10 and the 6th string is at 46. Once you open the string package there are numbers in thousandths. Indicating the diameter of each string.

Related Article: What is the Order of Guitar Strings.


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You can see by the three examples how the strings get thicker the heavier the strings are. When you are starting out a light or extra light string is recommended. So that playing is much easier.

When you go with heavier strings it takes more tension to get the right pitch. The strings are heavier and your fingers will get tired sooner. Here is a more in depth look at What Are Electric Guitar Strings Made Of.


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What is the Smallest Guitar String?

On the acoustic guitar as well as the electric the smallest guitar string is the high E string. If you are holding the guitar the high E is the first string on the guitar.

The one at the bottom when looking down as when you are playing the guitar.

There are different sizes of guitar strings. Based on the thickness of the strings. The strings are measured by there thickness. The high E string is going to be one of these measurements; .010, .011, or .012, .013.

If you want to learn more about how guitar strings are made take a look at Which Acoustic Guitar Strings to buy.


Related Questions


Is There a Difference Between Acoustic and Electric Guitar Strings?

The way the strings are made are the primary differences in the Acoustic guitar and electric guitar strings.

They are both steel stringed, but the material is different. They are also wound to different specs. Basically the diameter of the acoustic guitar is bigger than the electric.

There are usually more winding on the acoustic strings allowing for more area for the string to vibrate to get the tone.

The electric guitar works off of magnetic pickups that sends a signal to the amplifier. So the strings of an electric guitar don’t need the same amount of mass that is found on the acoustic string. To get the sound of the string.

The electric guitar string is steel, nickel or chromium. Which works well with the use of a pickup.

You will find acoustic guitar strings are usually coated. This coating is a phosphor, brass or Bronze. This helps transmit the overall tone of the strings vibration.

Related Article: How to Mute Guitar Strings (Electric or Acoustic Techniques)


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Can You Put Acoustic Steel Strings on an Electric Guitar?

Maybe you have thought to yourself “I wonder what it would sound like if I put my Acoustic steel strings on my electric guitar?” Well if you haven’t and you want to know. Let me let you in on a little secret.

Acoustic guitar strings do not work on an electric guitar. Yes, you can string them on your electric guitar. Yes, you can here it through the amp. But the overall balance of the tone will be way off.

The reason being the phosphor coating that is found on an acoustic string is not conducive with the magnetic pickups. You can hear the string through the amp because of the core steel wire. That is the core of the string. Source

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