When you play the guitar do you hit all the strings when you play?

Not always...it depends on what you are doing. If you are playing chords, then you will hit all of the strings that make up that chord. I am going to explain this briefly...you will need a basic background with reading guitar tab to understand the explanation.

G chord

e---3---

B---3---

G---0---

D---0---

A---2---

E---3---

This is a tab of an open G chord. Because each string contributes to the sound of the chord, you would strum all of the string in one, fluid motion.

C chord

e---0--

B---1--

G---2--

D---0--

A---3--

E-------

This is an open C chord. Notice that the "big" E does not have a number listed. That is because it is not played. You will strum every string except that one.

Last but not least...if you are playing individual notes...you will not have to hit every string. Just the string that corresponds with that note.