Number of Strings Explained: What It Means for Electric Guitars

Understanding Number of Strings Explained

The number of strings on an electric guitar defines its tonal range and physical layout. This spec is one of the first things you see on any listing. It determines which chords you can play and which scales fit your hands. Most guitars have six strings, but seven-string models are common for modern styles. You need to know the difference to pick the right instrument for your style.

A six-string guitar is the industry standard. It covers a wide range of notes suitable for rock, blues, jazz, and pop. The tuning is typically E to E. This configuration allows for familiar chord shapes and soloing patterns. If you are learning or playing classic genres, this is the logical choice. The neck width is moderate, making it comfortable for most hand sizes.

A seven-string guitar adds a low B string below the standard low E. This extends the bass range, allowing for heavier riffs and deeper tones. It is popular in metal and progressive rock. The extra string requires more finger strength and wider fret spacing. You must adjust your chord shapes and scale patterns. The neck is wider, which can be challenging for smaller hands.

When shopping, look at the product specifications carefully. Listings will clearly state whether the instrument has six or seven strings. Do not assume all guitars are the same. The number of strings explained helps you avoid buying the wrong tool for your needs. Consider your current skill level and the music you want to create. If you play standard rock, six strings are sufficient. If you need extended range for djent or metal, seven strings are necessary. Check the scale length and nut width as well. These factors affect playability alongside the string count. Make your decision based on these hard facts. This ensures you get an instrument that fits your technique and musical goals.

7-String vs 6-String Guitars

7-String

A 7-string guitar adds a low B string below the standard low E. This extends your range for heavier genres like metal. You get deeper tones and wider chord voicings. The neck is wider, which may challenge smaller hands. The AKLOT XRN Multi-Scale 7-String offers a roasted maple neck for tight low-end response. It weighs 6.61 pounds. The Jackson JS22Q-7 provides a hardtail bridge for tuning stability. It includes accessories for immediate play. The Ibanez GRG7221 is a solid-body option for beginners needing extra range. It weighs 9.81 pounds. These instruments prioritize extended bass over traditional versatility. You sacrifice some comfort for extended tonal depth.

6-String

A 6-string guitar is the standard configuration for most players. It offers a balanced range suitable for rock, blues, and jazz. The neck width is narrower, making fretting easier. The KGD Relic Mahogany Explorer delivers stable tuning for heavy metal. It features a solid body for reliable performance. The Ibanez GRX20 offers a maple neck and humbucker pickup. It weighs 7.5 pounds. The Ibanez GRGM21M is a 3/4 size model for smaller hands. It weighs 5.73 pounds. These guitars prioritize comfort and familiar control schemes. You gain versatility and ease of play. The trade-off is a limited low-end range compared to 7-string models.

Is a 7-String Guitar Worth It

Who needs it

You should choose a 7-string electric guitar if you play modern metal or progressive rock. The extra low B string gives you deeper tones that standard 6-strings cannot reach. This range is essential for heavy riffs and complex chord voicings. The wider neck accommodates these additional strings, allowing for specialized techniques. If your music requires extended range without switching instruments, this spec is critical. You benefit from a seamless transition between low bass notes and standard mid-range chords. The layout supports intricate solos that span a broader frequency spectrum. This choice is practical for musicians who demand maximum tonal versatility in a single instrument. It suits those who prioritize depth and aggression in their sound profile.

Who can skip it

You can ignore the 7-string option if you play classic rock, blues, or jazz. These genres rarely require notes below the standard low E. A 6-string guitar offers a narrower neck, which is easier to navigate for smaller hands. It provides a familiar fretboard layout that most players learn quickly. Prioritize comfort and playability over extended range. The standard 6-string is versatile enough for most musical styles. It allows for faster chord changes and simpler finger positioning. You will not miss the extra low note in these contexts. Stick with the 6-string for better accessibility and traditional tonal balance. This spec is unnecessary for players who value speed and familiarity.

Guitar Specs Glossary

Number of Strings

This count defines your tonal range and physical layout. Most electric guitars have six strings, while seven-string models add a low B for deeper tones and heavier genres.

Hand Orientation

This specifies if the guitar is designed for left or right-handed players. Most models are standard right-handed, but left-handed versions exist for specific ergonomic needs.

Pickup Configuration

This describes the number and type of pickups, such as HSS or HSH. It determines your tonal palette, offering options from bright single-coils to thick humbucker sounds.

Body Type

This refers to the guitar's shape and construction, like solid, semi-hollow, or hollow. It affects weight, resonance, and feedback resistance, influencing both comfort and sound character.

Target Audience

This indicates the intended skill level, such as beginner, intermediate, or professional. It helps you gauge if the instrument's features match your current playing experience and goals.

Fretboard Material

This is the wood on the fretboard, often rosewood or maple. It impacts playability feel and tone, with maple offering brightness and rosewood providing warmth.

Neck Material

This is the wood used for the neck, typically maple or mahogany. It influences sustain and stability, with mahogany often adding warmth and maple providing clarity.

Color

This is the cosmetic finish of the guitar, such as sunburst or black. It does not affect sound or performance but allows you to personalize the instrument's appearance.

Quick picks

Our 6 picks

1

AKLOT XRN Multi-Scale 7-String Electric Guitar

Best for: Modern metal players needing extended range

Number of Strings

7-String (what this guide is about)

Body Material

Okoume

Neck Material

Roasted Maple

Body Type

Solid body

Scale Length

25.4" - 27"

Pickup Configuration

HH

View on Amazon: AKLOT XRN Multi-Scale 7-String Electric Guitar Affiliate link

This AKLOT XRN is a solid-body 7-string electric guitar designed for modern metal and extended-range playing. It features a multi-scale length ranging from 25.4 to 27 inches, which maintains proper string tension for lower tunings while keeping higher strings playable. The roasted maple neck and HH pickup configuration provide a fast, aggressive tone. It includes a distortion pedal and offers an arch-top design for improved resonance and upper-fret access.

Pros

• Multi-scale length from 25.4 to 27 inches for optimized tension
• Roasted maple neck with a flat-C profile for fast playability
• HH pickup configuration with slanted, scale-matched design
• Arch-top body construction for enhanced tonal resonance
• Includes a distortion pedal for high-gain clarity

Cons

• Heavier at 6.61 pounds compared to standard 6-string models
• Multi-scale design requires adjustment for traditional players
• Hardtail bridge limits tremolo vibrato effects

Good fit if

• You specialize in djent or low-tuning metal styles
• You want extended range without losing high-string clarity
• You prefer a fast, flat neck profile for speed

Skip if

• You need a standard 6-string configuration
• You require a tremolo bridge system
• You prefer a lighter, traditional body weight

Verdict: The AKLOT XRN Multi-Scale 7-String is built for players who demand tight low-end response and extended range. It fits those who prioritize modern metal tonal clarity and fast neck profiles over traditional tremolo versatility.

2

KGD Relic Electric Guitar, Mahogany Explorer

Best for: Players needing stable 6-string heavy metal performance

Number of Strings

6-String (what this guide is about)

Body Material

Mahogany

Neck Material

Mahogany

Fretboard Material

Rosewood

Pickup Configuration

Semi-Covered H-H

Body Type

Solid Body

View on Amazon: KGD Relic Electric Guitar, Mahogany Explorer Affiliate link

This KGD K-Explorer is a 6-string solid body electric guitar built for heavy metal tones. It features a mahogany body and neck for warm sustain, paired with a rosewood fretboard. The semi-covered humbucker pickups reduce noise while maintaining clarity. Weighing 11 lbs, it offers balanced handling. This instrument suits players seeking vintage aesthetics with modern stability and comfortable C-shaped neck ergonomics.

Pros

• Mahogany body and neck for natural sustain
• Semi-covered H-H pickups reduce hum
• Rosewood fretboard with C-shaped neck profile
• Fixed bridge ensures tuning stability

Cons

• Heavier build at 11 lbs
• Limited to 6-string configuration
• No adjustable tremolo system included

Good fit if

• You prefer warm, balanced tones from mahogany
• You need noise reduction in high-gain settings
• You want a stable fixed-bridge design

Skip if

• You require a multi-scale fretboard
• You need a lighter instrument under 8 lbs
• You are looking for a 7-string model

Verdict: KGD K-Explorer 6-String Solid Body delivers reliable tuning and warm tone for metal players who prioritize stability over weight. It fits those who want a straightforward, noise-controlled 6-string instrument without complex hardware.

3

Jackson JS22Q-7 DKA HT 7-String

Best for: Heavy music players needing stable 7-string tuning

Number of Strings

7-String (what this guide is about)

Body Material

Poplar

Neck Material

Maple

Dimensions

47.5 × 19.5 × 5.4 inches

View on Amazon: Jackson JS22Q-7 DKA HT 7-String Affiliate link

This Jackson JS22Q-7 is a 7-string solid-body electric guitar designed for extended range playing. It features a poplar body and a bolt-on maple neck with graphite reinforcement for stability. The hardtail bridge ensures tuning stability and improved sustain. Dual high-output humbuckers deliver a thick tone suitable for heavy music. This bundle includes essential accessories like a strap, cable, and clip-on tuner.

Pros

• 7-string configuration for extended range
• Hardtail bridge for tuning stability
• Bolt-on maple neck with graphite reinforcement
• Dual high-output humbucking pickups

Cons

• Poplar body is less resonant than tonewoods like ash
• Hardtail bridge limits vibrato effects
• Sealed die-cast tuners lack fine-tuning capability

Good fit if

• You need a stable 7-string setup for heavy genres
• You want a complete bundle with accessories
• You prefer hardtail bridge reliability

Skip if

• You require fine-tuning tuners for precise intonation
• You need a tremolo system for vibrato
• You prefer a lighter tonewood like ash

Verdict: Jackson JS22Q-7 7-String Electric Guitar is a practical choice for players seeking tuning stability and a thick tone in a 7-string format, especially those who value the included accessories. It suits heavy music styles where hardtail reliability is preferred over vibrato flexibility.

4

Ibanez GRX20 Solid-Body Electric Guitar

Best for: Standard 6-string playing with simple controls

Number of Strings

6-String (what this guide is about)

Body Material

Poplar

Neck Material

Maple

Fretboard Material

Jatoba

Hand Orientation

Right-handed

Body Type

Solid-Body

View on Amazon: Ibanez GRX20 Solid-Body Electric Guitar Affiliate link

This Ibanez GRX20 is a right-handed, solid-body electric guitar with a white finish. It features a poplar body and a maple neck with a treated New Zealand pine fretboard. The instrument includes high-output Infinity R humbucker pickups and a 3-way selector switch. It is suitable for players seeking a classic 6-string configuration with a straightforward control layout for versatile tonal options.

Pros

• Poplar solid-body construction with a medium gloss finish
• Maple neck with treated New Zealand pine fretboard
• High-output Infinity R humbucker pickups
• 3-way selector switch for tonal variety

Cons

• Single humbucker limits tonal range compared to multi-pickup models
• No visible active electronics or onboard preamp
• Standard 6-string scale may feel tight for low-tuned genres

Good fit if

• You want a straightforward 6-string electric guitar
• You prefer a simple 3-way switch layout
• You are looking for a right-handed instrument

Skip if

• You need seven or more strings for extended range
• You require active pickups for high-gain clarity
• You play left-handed

Verdict: Ibanez GRX20 White 6-String Electric Guitar offers a classic solid-body design with a maple neck and humbucker pickup. It fits players who want a standard 6-string setup with a simple, reliable control scheme for general playing styles.

5

Ibanez GRG7221 7-String Solid-Body

Best for: Beginners needing 7-string range

Number of Strings

7-String (what this guide is about)

Body Material

Poplar

Neck Material

Maple

Fretboard Material

New Zealand Pine

Hand Orientation

Right

Body Type

Solid-Body

View on Amazon: Ibanez GRG7221 7-String Solid-Body Affiliate link

This Ibanez GRG is a right-handed, 7-string solid-body electric guitar. It features a poplar body bolted to a maple neck with a New Zealand Pine fingerboard. The instrument includes high-output Infinity R pickups for tone. It measures 45.8 inches in length and weighs 9.81 pounds. This model suits beginners and intermediate players seeking extended range capability.

Pros

• Seven strings for extended low-end range
• High-output Infinity R pickups
• Maple neck with New Zealand Pine fingerboard
• Solid poplar body construction

Cons

• Heavier build at 9.81 pounds
• Standard full-size length may feel bulky
• Limited to right-handed orientation only

Good fit if

• You want a 7-string guitar for metal or progressive styles
• You are a beginner or intermediate player
• You prefer a solid-body design for stability

Skip if

• You play left-handed
• You prefer a lighter instrument under 9 pounds
• You need a 6-string configuration

Verdict: Ibanez GRG 7-String Solid-Body Electric Guitar offers a straightforward 7-string setup for players needing extra range. It fits those prioritizing extended bass response over lightweight comfort.

6

Ibanez GRGM21M 3/4 Blue Burst

Best for: smaller hands or travel use

Number of Strings

6-String (what this guide is about)

Body Material

Basswood

Neck Material

Maple

Fretboard Material

Maple

Pickup Configuration

2 Humbucking Pickups

Hand Orientation

Right-Handed

View on Amazon: Ibanez GRGM21M 3/4 Blue Burst Affiliate link

This Ibanez model is a 3/4 size solid-body electric guitar designed for younger players or those needing a smaller instrument. It features a basswood body and a maple neck with a matching maple fingerboard. The guitar uses two humbucking pickups to deliver a standard 6-string tone. Weighing 5.73 pounds, it is lightweight and manageable. It is available in right-handed orientation, making it suitable for beginners starting on a compact scale.

Pros

• Compact 3/4 size body fits smaller hands
• Maple neck and fingerboard for bright tone
• Two humbucking pickups for versatile sound
• Lightweight at 5.73 pounds

Cons

• Smaller scale length limits reach for adults
• Basswood body is lighter than mahogany
• Limited to right-handed configuration in this listing

Good fit if

• You are a child or small-framed player
• You need a travel-friendly 6-string guitar
• You prefer a lightweight instrument for practice

Skip if

• You require a full-size 25.5-inch scale
• You are a left-handed player
• You want a heavier, resonant body wood

Verdict: Ibanez GRGM21M 3/4 Size 6-String is a practical entry point for smaller players who need a manageable 6-string instrument without sacrificing the humbucking pickup configuration found on larger models.

Specifications side by side

Frequently asked questions