Understanding the string names on the guitar is a crucial first step in every guitarist’s journey. The standard tuning of E-A-D-G-B-e forms the backbone of guitar playing, offering a perfect balance of low, mid, and high tones.
This sequence, from the thick, resonant low E to the bright, piercing high e, is more than just a tuning convention—it’s a gateway to understanding chord structures, scale patterns, and fretboard navigation.
While alternative tunings can expand your sonic palette, proficiency with standard tuning is essential for most musical genres and effective communication among musicians. Whether you’re a beginner learning your first chords or an experienced player exploring complex harmonies, a solid grasp of string names is your key to unlocking the guitar’s full potential.
Key Takeaways:
- The standard tuning for guitar strings is E-A-D-G-B-e, ranging from the lowest (thickest) to the highest (thinnest) string.
- Memorizing string names is crucial for navigating the fretboard, forming chords, & effective communication with other musicians.
- Mnemonics like “Eddie Ate Dynamite, Good Bye Eddie” can help beginners quickly recall the order of guitar string names.
- Understanding string names is essential for reading chord diagrams, learning scales, & developing proper playing techniques.
- The numerical order of strings (6th to 1st) corresponds to their names (E-A-D-G-B-e), providing an alternative way to reference individual strings.
Guitar String Names, Notes, & Numerical Order
Understanding guitar string names on the guitar, their corresponding notes, and numerical order is fundamental to mastering the instrument. This three-part system provides a comprehensive framework for learning, playing, and communicating about guitar techniques.
In standard tuning, each string is assigned a specific note name and a number, creating a dual reference system. The strings are numbered from 6 to 1, starting with the thickest (lowest-pitched) string and ending with the thinnest (highest-pitched) string.
Here’s a comprehensive table illustrating this system:
| Numerical Order | String Name & Note | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 6th string | Low E | Thickest, Lowest-pitched string, & Wound |
| 5th string | A | Wound String |
| 4th string | D | Wound String |
| 3rd string | G | Normally Plain, Sometimes Wound |
| 2nd string | B | Plain String |
| 1st string | High E | Thinnest, highest-pitched string, Plain |
This arrangement creates a unique pattern of intervals between adjacent strings. Most strings are tuned a perfect fourth apart (5 semitones), except for the interval between the G and B strings, which is a major third (4 semitones).
Knowing this system is crucial for:
- Accurate tuning (See standard tuning on guitar)
- Reading tablature and chord diagrams
- Understanding scales and chord construction
- Communicating with other musicians
- Navigating the fretboard effectively
Mastering this three-part system of string names, notes, and numerical order is an essential step in developing a comprehensive understanding of the guitar and advancing your musical repertoire.
Memorizing Guitar String Names
Trying to remember all 6 letters associated with each string can be a challenge for some. Personally, I like to divide the 6 into two sets of 3. EAD (lower strings) & GBE (higher strings).
It also helps to know that the lower 3 strings (EAD) are typically the only ones that are wounded strings, while the higher 3 strings are plain (unwound).
While it might seem daunting at first, here are several other effective strategies to make this process easier & more engaging.
- Mnemonic Devices: Mnemonics are powerful memory aids. Here are some popular ones:
- “Eddie Ate Dynamite, Good Bye Eddie””Elephants And Donkeys Grow Big Ears””Every Amateur Does Get Better Eventually”
- Visual Aids: Create colorful labels for each string or use a fretboard diagram. Visual learners often find this method particularly helpful.
- Repetition and Practice: Regularly say the string names out loud while plucking each string. This multi-sensory approach reinforces memory.
- Reverse Order Practice: Learn the strings from both low to high (E-A-D-G-B-E) and high to low (E-B-G-D-A-E) for better retention.
- Association Techniques: Link each string name to something personal. For example, “E” could be “Elephant,” “A” for “Apple,” etc.
- Musical Context: Learn simple chord shapes and associate string names with finger positions. This practical application aids memory.
- Numerical System: Remember that the 6th string is the lowest E, and count up to the 1st string (highest E).
- Tuning Practice: Regularly tune your guitar by ear, saying each string name as you tune.
Remember, everyone learns differently. Experiment with these methods to find what works best for you. Consistent practice is key – spend a few minutes each day focusing on string names, and soon it will become second nature.
Understanding Standard Tuning
Standard guitar tuning assigns specific pitches to each string, creating the familiar E-A-D-G-B-E sequence. This arrangement is designed to facilitate easy chord formations and scale patterns, while providing a wide range of musical possibilities.
The string names, from lowest (thickest) to highest (thinnest), are:
- Low E (6th string)
- A (5th string)
- D (4th string)
- G (3rd string)
- B (2nd string)
- High E (1st string)
This tuning creates perfect fourth intervals between most adjacent strings, except for the G and B strings, which form a major third. The unique configuration allows for versatile chord voicings and melodic possibilities across the fretboard, making it the foundation for most guitar-based music genres.
Memorizing the string names in both ascending (E-A-D-G-B-E) and descending (E-B-G-D-A-E) order can greatly enhance a guitarist’s ability to navigate the fretboard and learn new techniques.
Frequently Asked Questions
Understanding the string names on the guitar & their order is crucial for tuning, learning chords, and navigating the fretboard effectively.
What is an effective mnemonic for memorizing guitar string names?
One popular mnemonic to remember the order of guitar strings from the thickest to the thinnest is “Eddie Ate Dynamite, Good Bye Eddie,” which stands for E, A, D, G, B, E.
How can beginners easily learn the names of guitar strings?
Beginners can learn guitar string names by using mnemonics, regularly practicing string identification exercises, and labeling the strings with stickers or fret markers that have the guitar strings labeled with their corresponding notes.
Why is there no C & F in guitar strings for standard tuning?
Standard guitar tuning (EADGBE) omits C and F strings to facilitate a wide range of chords and easy playing in various keys. This tuning allows for the most common chord progressions in Western music while maintaining a balanced range across the instrument.
While C and F aren’t present as open strings, they can be played on fretted positions, and some alternate tunings do incorporate these notes as open strings for specific musical styles or techniques.
What are the bass string numbers & letters?
Bass guitars typically have four strings, tuned to E, A, D, and G, which correspond to the 4th, 3rd, 2nd, and 1st strings respectively.
These strings are an octave lower than the corresponding guitar strings and are often referred to by their letter names or numbers (4th string = E, 3rd string = A, 2nd string = D, 1st string = G).
Some extended-range bass guitars may have additional strings, such as a 5-string bass with a low B string or a 6-string bass with both a low B and a high C string.
How are guitar string names associated with guitar chords?
Guitar chords are formed by playing multiple notes simultaneously, and these notes are typically outlined by referring to guitar strings letters. For example, a C major chord includes notes from the A, D, and B strings.
Can you explain the reason behind having two E strings on a guitar?
Having two E strings, one low and one high, allows for a broader range of pitches and the ability to play the same note in different octaves. This adds to the versatility and harmonic possibilities of the guitar.
What numerical order do the guitar strings follow, starting from the top?
Starting from the top (the thickest string), the guitar strings follow a numerical order: 6th (E), 5th (A), 4th (D), 3rd (G), 2nd (B), and 1st (E). The first string is the thinnest, while the sixth is the thickest, and they are commonly referred to as guitar strings in order.
