How many strings do guitars have?

Beginning musicians are often faced for the first time with the fact that there are guitars with different numbers of strings. This creates certain difficulties when choosing a tool for teaching and realizing creative potential. By the number of strings, guitars can be conditionally divided into standard and non-standard. Some tools even exist in only one copy.

Most musicians begin their career with the choice of an instrument. The number of strings on a guitar depends on its type. Thus, the bass will have fewer threads than the classic model. The number of strings affects the characteristics of the sound and the technique of playing the instrument.

There are 2 types of these guitars. The first option provides for the same distance between the strings. But the second has 6 pairs. In other words, the strings seem to be forked. Usually it is the second type of instrument that is called twelve-stringed.

Guitars of this type appeared in America at the beginning of the 20th century and were especially popular with folk musicians. Nowadays they are more often used for rhythm. The large number of strings makes the service life shorter. To increase the period of use, musicians tune the guitars down and loosen the tension.

An equally interesting instrument in this category is GRAN - a new Russian acoustic guitar, it has 2 sets of strings at different heights from the neck. In this case, one set is metal, and the other is nylon. The tool is rarely used.

The gypsy guitar with the Russian system was popular before the revolution. It is believed that Andrei Sikhra invented it. He also created many compositions for the seven-string.With the help of nomadic gypsies, the instrument got to Brazil and got a new life there. Now the 7-string guitar is used to perform Russian romances.

The most common option. Classical guitars can be acoustic or electric, or a combination of both. It is especially popular among performers in the style of rock and blues. The six-string guitar is also used by bards.

Pupils of music schools often play such an instrument. Many compositions of varying complexity have been written for the 6-string guitar. As a result, the instrument can be played in a courtyard or in an academic hall with equal success.

A guitar with that many strings can be tenor or bass. A striking representative of the first species - ukulele. Bass guitars are used to play various styles of music. Usually this is an additional tool in a team, a group. That being said, the bass line can be quite complex and sonorous.

There are quite a few intermediate and hybrid models that are less popular with musicians. So, a standard bass guitar can have 5 or 6 strings. There is also a doubling, tripling of some or all of the threads. At the same time, there are author's handmade one-string and three-string guitars.

Here are some examples of interesting tools.

• Nine-stringed. Paired strings or extended range instruments are possible. In the first case, thin or bass strings can be combined from 9 strings. The first option is more common, it allows you to achieve a choral sound.

• Ten-string. This pattern is called a decacord. With 10 strings, you can use more overtones and enjoy a warm, deep sound thanks to low bass.

• Guitar Shtryanin. The instrument appeared in 1934. The master created a 23-string electric guitar. Where the instrument is now located is unknown. However, Shtryanin played on that model, he was even going to make a new one for 38 strings.

• Djent 2018. Perry Ormsby created this model at the request of Jared Dines. The fanatic guitarist dreamed of an instrument with a lot of strings. Only one master agreed to the experiment. The result is a unique 18-string construction with quality and versatility.

• Grand Sadora. The model received 2 necks and 32 strings. It is extremely original and has an interesting structure. The instrument with double and regular strings gives the musician a wide range of possibilities for performing complex compositions. One such model will combine the properties of an entire ensemble.

• Warr's guitar. A unique instrument with no standard tuning. Can have 8, 12 or 14 strings. At the same time, the guitar is tapped, which significantly expands the musician's horizons. It is possible to use it as a regular bass.

• Guitar Picasso. The model received the maximum number of strings - 42 pcs. In this case, the musician is offered 4 bars at once. The recordings have Pat Metiny tunes played on this guitar. It was he who asked the masters to make such a masterpiece back in 1984. It took 2 years to make the guitar.

There are also guitars on 11, 13, 15 strings. This instrument can be played with different techniques. If there are eighteen or more strings, then it is more convenient to use the tapping or pizzicato technique. It should be noted that tools with 17-20 threads are rarely used. They can only be seen at concerts in the hands of rather daring musicians.

The five-stringed and the most stringed varieties are commonly used in rock music. There you can also find models for 24-30 strings with two or more necks.Such an instrument makes it possible to play a variety of melodies, and also has an extremely effective look.

The guitar should be a reflection and extension of the musician. A good tool allows you to fully realize your full creative potential. The sound depends on the number of strings, this should always be taken into account when choosing. It is equally important to consider the type of tool.

The lead guitar should have a sharp and clear sounding of every note. Rhythm parts are played using chords. In this case, the guitar should have a uniform timbre at low frequencies. But the bass line is actually a low-range instrument.

At the same time, it is important to understand that guitars with a large number of strings are more often author's, they cannot be bought in a regular music store. It makes sense to take an instrument to order only for professional play. For beginners and amateurs, this pleasure will be too expensive.

And a few more tips for choosing.

1. The guitar should be comfortable in shape and size. For example, children often get a 4-strand ukulele because of the size of the instrument. For adults, it is better to take a full-size instrument, it will be more convenient with it.
2. It is recommended to start training with nylon strings. They are softer, do not injure your fingers when using various playing techniques. At the same time, steel is better for professionals.
3. High quality sound. A good guitar, made with the right materials, has a clear sound at all frets.
4. The attractiveness of the tool. The product should make the musician feel good. Only in this way will the use of the tool be enjoyable and beneficial.

Guitar with a non-standard number of strings is usually taken by professionals who play in the rock style or in other alternative directions. Beginners and hobbyists usually use a standard set to solve their problems. When choosing, it is worth considering what technique of the game can be used. The decision is purely individual and based on personal preferences.