Guitar FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About Strings, Tabs, and More

Whether you’re a beginner guitarist or a seasoned player, questions about strings, guitar tabs, and techniques come up all the time. Let’s dive into some of the most common questions people have about guitars, with clear and relatable answers to help you on your musical journey. Understanding your guitar better can help you develop your skills faster and make playing much more enjoyable.

What is the Most Used String on a Guitar?

The most used guitar string is generally the G string (third string), especially for solos and improvisations. It's easy to bend and is located right in the middle, making it perfect for a wide range of playing styles. The G string is often a favorite because it allows for expressive techniques, like bending and vibrato, that bring solos to life. If you're strumming basic chords, however, the low E string (sixth string) is often used because it provides the bass note for many chords. This helps create a solid foundation for the music and adds depth to the sound, especially in rhythm playing.

What is the Mnemonic for the Guitar Strings?

A popular mnemonic to remember the names of the strings from the sixth (lowest) to the first (highest) is: Eddie Ate Dynamite, Good Bye Eddie. This helps you recall the order: E, A, D, G, B, E. If you prefer something less violent, try Elephants And Donkeys Grow Big Ears. Whatever works to help you memorize it! There are countless mnemonics out there, so feel free to create your own. The goal is to make it stick in your memory, so if you find something funny or personal, that’s even better.

How Often Should You Change Guitar Strings?

For casual players, changing guitar strings every three months is a good rule of thumb. If you play more often, like several times a week, you might want to change them every 1-2 months. Strings tend to lose their tone and brightness over time, especially if you sweat a lot or play aggressively. If you notice your strings sounding dull, feeling sticky, or if they’re difficult to keep in tune, it’s probably time for a change. Keeping your strings fresh ensures your guitar always sounds its best and makes playing more enjoyable.

How Long Do Guitar Strings Last?

Unused guitar strings can last years if stored properly, but once on the guitar, their lifespan is shorter. They last anywhere between 1 to 6 months, depending on how often you play and the conditions they're exposed to (humidity, oils from your fingers, etc.). Factors like how much you play, how hard you play, and even the climate where you live can all affect the lifespan of your strings. For instance, if you live in a humid area, your strings may rust faster. Proper maintenance, like wiping down your strings after playing, can help extend their lifespan.

How Do You Read Tabs on Guitar?

Guitar tabs (short for tablature) are like a map for your fingers. The lines represent the guitar strings, with the top line being the high E string (first string) and the bottom line being the low E string (sixth string). Numbers on the lines indicate which fret to press. For example, if you see a "3" on the third line (which represents the G string), it means you should press the third fret on the G string. Tabs are one of the easiest ways to start learning songs because they provide a direct guide to where your fingers should go, making it much less intimidating than standard music notation.

Is It Hard to Read Guitar Tabs?

Nope! Guitar tabs are relatively easy to read, especially compared to standard musical notation. The numbers and lines are straightforward, making it an accessible way to learn your favorite riffs. With some practice, you'll get the hang of it quickly. One of the best things about tabs is that they make learning songs much more approachable, even if you have no prior knowledge of reading music. Plus, many guitarists share their favorite riffs and solos online using tabs, so you’ll always have access to new material.

What Do the Numbers Mean on Guitar Tabs?

The numbers tell you which fret to press on a particular string. For example, a "5" on the D string means you should press down on the fifth fret of the D string. Simple as that! Sometimes you might see multiple numbers stacked vertically—this indicates that you should play those notes simultaneously, like when playing a chord. It’s a great way to visualize the music and makes learning new pieces more intuitive, especially when tackling different genres like rock or blues.

What Does "9/11" Mean in Guitar Tabs?

The notation "9/11" means to perform a slide. You start on the 9th fret and slide your finger up to the 11th fret without lifting your finger from the string. Sliding adds a smooth, connected feel between notes. It’s a technique that gives your playing fluidity and is often used in solos to create a seamless transition between pitches. Mastering slides can make your solos sound more expressive and professional, and they’re commonly used in genres like blues and rock.

What Does 1-4-5 Mean in Guitar?

1-4-5 refers to a common chord progression. In the key of C, for instance, it would mean the chords C (1st), F (4th), and G (5th). This progression is found in countless rock, blues, and pop songs because of its simple but powerful sound. The 1-4-5 progression is fundamental to many musical styles, and understanding it will help you recognize patterns in songs and improvise more easily. It’s often used in 12-bar blues, which is a great starting point for learning to jam and create your own music.

What is 5 7 in Guitar?

The numbers "5 7" often indicate a power chord, which is popular in rock music. If you see it, you could be playing a 5th fret on the E string and 7th fret on the A string. Power chords are the building blocks of many rock songs, delivering that strong and gritty sound. They’re simple to play since they usually only involve two or three notes, and they have a full, driving tone that’s perfect for high-energy music. Learning power chords will allow you to play along with countless rock and punk songs.

What is the 1/3/5 Rule for Chords?

The 1/3/5 rule refers to the three notes that make up a basic chord: the root (1st), the third, and the fifth. For example, in a C major chord, the notes are C (1st), E (3rd), and G (5th). Understanding this helps with building chords and improvising. Knowing which notes make up a chord gives you a deeper understanding of harmony and how different chords relate to each other. This knowledge is useful not only for playing songs but also for writing your own music and jamming with others.

What is <> in Guitar Tabs?

The "<>" symbol indicates a natural harmonic. You lightly place your finger over the string, usually above a fret like 5, 7, or 12, and pick the string to produce a bell-like tone. Harmonics add a lovely touch to solos and riffs. They create a unique, ethereal sound that can add a lot of color to your playing. Natural harmonics are often used in intros, outros, or as a way to add some flair to your solos. Experimenting with harmonics can help you develop a more distinctive and expressive playing style.

Should a Beginner Use a 7-String Guitar?

Probably not! A 7-string guitar adds a lower string (usually tuned to B) that can be confusing for beginners. Start with a 6-string guitar to get comfortable with the basics before diving into extended-range instruments. The extra string adds complexity both in terms of physical playing and understanding music theory. Once you’re comfortable with a standard 6-string and feel ready for more range, then it might be a good time to explore 7- or even 8-string guitars. Until then, focus on mastering the basics.

Who Uses 8-String Guitars?

8-string guitars are typically used by metal and progressive rock players who want to explore lower tunings and extended range. Artists like Tosin Abasi from Animals as Leaders make incredible use of 8-string guitars to produce complex and heavy sounds. The extended range allows for a wider variety of notes, which is great for intricate riffs and heavy breakdowns. It takes some getting used to, but once mastered, an 8-string guitar can open up a whole new world of musical possibilities and allow for a very rich and layered sound.

What Guitar Does Queen Play?

Brian May, the legendary guitarist from Queen, plays a guitar called the Red Special, which he actually built himself with his dad. It’s a custom guitar with a unique tone that helped define Queen's sound. The Red Special is known for its distinctive tone, which comes partly from its construction and partly from Brian May’s playing style. It has helped create some of the most iconic guitar solos in rock history, and its story is a great reminder that a musician’s unique style can be amplified by their instrument.