Learning the correct order of guitar strings forms the foundation of playing this beloved instrument. Whether someone’s picking up a guitar for the first time or looking to refresh their knowledge, understanding string arrangement is essential for proper tuning and playing technique.
The six strings on a standard guitar follow a specific sequence from thickest to thinnest, each producing its own distinct note when properly tuned. These notes – E, A, D, G, B, and E – create the familiar sound that’s powered countless songs across genres. Musicians often use memory devices and visual cues to remember this sequence, making it easier to maintain proper string identification during tuning and playing.
Guitar String In Order
Guitar strings follow a standardized naming convention using both numbers and letter names. Each string has a specific designation that indicates its position and pitch in the standard tuning arrangement.
Standard Tuning Explained
The standard tuning system assigns numbered positions from 1 to 6 to each string, starting with the thinnest string as number 1. These numbers correlate with specific musical notes:
String Number
Note Name
String Position
1st String
E
Thinnest/Highest
2nd String
B
Second Thinnest
3rd String
G
Middle Upper
4th String
D
Middle Lower
5th String
A
Second Thickest
6th String
E
Thickest/Lowest
By number (1-6)
By note name (E B G D A E)
By thickness designation:
6th string: Low E/thick E
5th string: A
4th string: D
3rd string: G
2nd string: B
1st string: High E/thin E
Essential String Notes in Standard Tuning
Standard guitar tuning follows a specific pattern of notes from the thickest (6th) string to the thinnest (1st) string: E A D G B E. This tuning system creates optimal intervals between strings for playing chords and scales effectively.
String Memory Tricks and Mnemonics
Common mnemonic devices make remembering the guitar string order simple and memorable:
“Every Amateur Does Get Better Eventually”
“Eat All Day Get Big Easy”
“Eddie Ate Dynamite Good Bye Eddie”
“Elvis Always Digs Good Banana Eating”
Musicians also use visual patterns to recall string notes:
Low E (6th string) matches High E (1st string)
The first four strings (E A D G) follow a pattern of perfect fourth intervals
The B string creates a unique major third interval from G
First letter memorization focusing on E-A-D-G-B-E sequence
String Number
Note
Interval from Previous
6th (thickest)
E
–
5th
A
Perfect 4th
4th
D
Perfect 4th
3rd
G
Perfect 4th
2nd
B
Major 3rd
1st (thinnest)
E
Perfect 4th
These patterns create logical connections between strings, helping guitarists quickly identify notes during tuning or playing. The combination of mnemonics and interval recognition reinforces string order memory through both verbal and musical association.
Different Guitar String Gauges
Guitar string gauges refer to the thickness of guitar strings measured in thousandths of an inch. The gauge selection impacts playability tone brightness sustain.
Light vs Medium vs Heavy Strings
Light gauge strings (.009-.042):
Offer easier string bending flexibility
Produce brighter tonal characteristics
Create less tension on the guitar neck
Ideal for lead guitar playing styles
Common choice for electric guitars
Medium gauge strings (.011-.052):
Provide balanced playability resistance
Generate fuller midrange frequencies
Create moderate neck tension
Suitable for rhythm strumming patterns
Popular for both electric acoustic guitars
Heavy gauge strings (.012-.056):
Deliver maximum volume output
Produce deeper bass response
Create higher tension on the neck
Excel at drop tuning stability
Preferred for heavy rhythm playing
String Gauge
Tension (lbs)
Best Used For
Light
13-15
Lead electric guitar, beginners
Medium
16-18
Versatile playing, rhythm guitar
Heavy
19-22
Heavy rock, drop tunings
Extra Light: .008 .010 .015 .021 .030 .038
Custom Light: .009 .011 .016 .024 .032 .042
Regular Light: .010 .013 .017 .026 .036 .046
Medium: .011 .014 .018 .028 .038 .048
Heavy: .012 .016 .020 .032 .042 .052
String Material Types and Their Impact
Guitar string materials significantly influence tone production tonal characteristics. Different materials create distinct sounds while affecting string longevity durability.
Bronze vs Phosphor Bronze
Bronze strings produce bright crisp tones with emphasized treble frequencies. The addition of phosphorus in phosphor bronze strings extends string life by 15-20% while delivering warmer mid-range frequencies. Here’s how they compare:
Characteristic
Bronze
Phosphor Bronze
Tone
Bright treble
Warm balanced
Durability
2-3 months
3-4 months
Corrosion Resistance
Moderate
High
Ideal Genre
Folk bluegrass
Country rock
Nylon vs Steel Strings
Nylon strings create mellow warm tones ideal for classical Spanish music styles. Steel strings generate brighter sounds with increased volume projection suitable for contemporary genres.
Property
Nylon Strings
Steel Strings
Tension
15-25 lbs
25-35 lbs
Finger Pressure
Light
Moderate-Heavy
Sound Character
Warm mellow
Bright metallic
Longevity
4-6 months
2-3 months
Cost Range
$15-30
$12-25
Common uses for each type:
Nylon Strings
Classical compositions
Flamenco music
Bossa nova
Fingerstyle playing
Steel Strings
Rock music
Country
Blues
Common Alternate Tunings and String Order
Drop D Tuning
Drop D tuning lowers the sixth string (low E) to D while maintaining standard tuning for the remaining strings:
6th string: D (dropped from E)
5th string: A
4th string: D
3rd string: G
2nd string: B
1st string: E
Open G Tuning
Open G creates a G major chord when strumming open strings:
6th string: D (dropped from E)
5th string: G (dropped from A)
4th string: D
3rd string: G (unchanged)
2nd string: B (unchanged)
1st string: D (dropped from E)
DADGAD Tuning
DADGAD tuning produces modal sounds common in Celtic music:
6th string: D (dropped from E)
5th string: A (unchanged)
4th string: D (unchanged)
3rd string: G (unchanged)
2nd string: A (raised from B)
1st string: D (dropped from E)
Half Step Down
Half step down tuning lowers each string by one semitone:
6th string: Eb
5th string: Ab
4th string: Db
3rd string: Gb
2nd string: Bb
1st string: Eb
Tuning Type
Popular Genres
Notable Artists
Drop D
Rock, Metal
Foo Fighters, Tool
Open G
Blues, Folk
Keith Richards, Robert Johnson
DADGAD
Celtic, Folk
Jimmy Page, Pierre Bensusan
Half Step Down
Rock, Grunge
Jimi Hendrix, Guns N’ Roses
6th string: B
5th string: E
4th string: A
3rd string: D
2nd string: F#
1st string: B
String Maintenance and Replacement Tips
Cleaning and Storage
Guitar strings require regular cleaning after each playing session to prevent corrosion buildup. Wiping strings with a microfiber cloth removes acidic oils from fingertips. Storing guitars in cases with humidity control packets maintains optimal string condition between 45-55% relative humidity.
Signs of String Wear
Discoloration or dark spots indicate oxidation points
Unwinding near frets reveals structural damage
Dull or dead tone suggests diminished resonance
Difficulty staying in tune signals string fatigue
Visible kinks or flat spots require immediate replacement
Replacement Schedule
Regular string changes preserve optimal tone quality based on usage patterns:
Player Type
Usage
Replacement Frequency
Professional
Daily (4+ hours)
Every 2-3 weeks
Intermediate
Weekly (5-10 hours)
Every 4-6 weeks
Casual
Monthly (2-5 hours)
Every 3-4 months
Proper Installation Technique
Remove old strings one at a time to maintain neck tension
Clean the fretboard during string replacement
Leave 1.5-2 inches of slack for proper winding
Stretch new strings gently to stabilize tuning
Cut excess string length leaving 1/4 inch beyond the tuning post
String Coiling Methods
The 3-wrap method ensures stable tuning:
Create a 90-degree bend at the tuning post
Guide the string down through the hole
Wind upward with no overlapping coils
Maintain downward pressure during winding
Tune to pitch repeatedly over 15 minutes
Play chromatic scales to distribute tension
Stretch strings gently at 12th fret
Re-tune until pitch remains stable
Understanding guitar string order and maintenance is essential for every guitarist’s journey. From standard tuning to alternate arrangements and the impact of different string gauges players have numerous options to shape their sound. The choice of string materials coupled with proper maintenance ensures optimal performance and longevity.
Armed with this knowledge guitarists can make informed decisions about their strings while developing their unique playing style. Whether they’re just starting out or looking to enhance their sound the right string setup will help them achieve their musical goals.
