Guitar String Order: A Complete Guide to Standard Tuning and String Numbers (2024)

” Ever wondered why guitarists don’t just slap any string anywhere on their instrument? There’s actually a method to the musical madness! Understanding guitar string order isn’t just about avoiding a jumbled mess – it’s crucial for creating those sweet melodies and mind-blowing riffs that make guitars so awesome. From the thickest to the thinnest, each string plays a vital role in bringing music to life. Whether you’re a beginner trying to restring your first guitar or a seasoned player who’s always mixed up the B and G strings, knowing the proper string order can save you from some seriously awkward moments on stage. Plus, it’ll help your instrument stay in tune longer and sound exactly the way it should.

Guitar String Order

Guitar strings follow a numerical order from 1 to 6, with string 1 being the thinnest and string 6 being the thickest. This standardized numbering system creates a universal reference point for guitarists across all skill levels.

What Each String Number Means

The guitar string numbering system starts from the bottom up when looking at the guitar in playing position:

• • String 1: The thinnest string (high E), positioned closest to the floor

• • String 2: The B string, second thinnest in diameter

• • String 3: The G string, middle-thin gauge

• • String 4: The D string, middle-thick gauge

• • String 5: The A string, second thickest diameter

• • String 6: The thickest string (low E), positioned closest to the ceiling

This numbered sequence helps guitarists identify strings quickly when reading tablature notation maintaining consistent communication between musicians during instruction or performance.

The Standard EADGBE Tuning

Standard tuning on a guitar creates a specific pitch for each numbered string:

• • 6th String (E): Lowest pitch at E2 (82.4 Hz)

• • 5th String (A): Perfect fourth up at A2 (110 Hz)

• • 4th String (D): Perfect fourth up at D3 (146.8 Hz)

• • 3rd String (G): Perfect fourth up at G3 (196 Hz)

• • 2nd String (B): Major third up at B3 (246.9 Hz)

• • 1st String (E): Perfect fourth up at E4 (329.6 Hz)

Each string increases in pitch by specific intervals creating a balanced range for chord formations rhythm patterns. This arrangement enables guitarists to play standard chord shapes open position notes across all musical genres.

How Guitar Strings Are Ordered From Thickest to Thinnest

Guitar strings follow a systematic order from thickest to thinnest, creating a balanced progression of string gauges that enables proper finger placement and tone production.

Low E (6th String) to High E (1st String)

The six guitar strings progress from thickest to thinnest in this order:

• • 6th string (Low E): The thickest string, producing deep bass tones

• • 5th string (A): Slightly thinner than the low E

• • 4th string (D): Medium thickness for balanced midrange notes

• • 3rd string (G): Transitions from wound to plain strings

• • 2nd string (B): Second thinnest plain string

• • 1st string (High E): The thinnest string for bright treble notes

String Gauge Measurements

Standard electric guitar string gauges typically measure:

String Number	Note	Gauge (inches)
6th	Low E	.046
5th	A	.036
4th	D	.026
3rd	G	.017
2nd	B	.013
1st	High E	.010

The first three strings (G B E) use plain wire while the bottom three strings (E A D) feature wound construction. Light gauge sets range from .009 to .042 inches while heavy gauge sets measure .012 to .054 inches.

Learning String Order Through Visual References

Visual aids enhance string memorization through practical reference methods that connect to standard tuning patterns. Several effective memory techniques help guitarists identify strings quickly:

Mnemonic Devices

• • “”Every Amateur Does Get Better Eventually”” represents EADGBE from 6th to 1st string

• • “”Eat All Day Get Big Easy”” creates a memorable phrase for string order

• • “”Elvis Always Digs Good Black Eats”” offers an alternative memory aid

Color Coding System

• • Red: 6th string (Low E)

• • Blue: 5th string (A)

• • Green: 4th string (D)

• • Yellow: 3rd string (G)

• • Orange: 2nd string (B)

• • Purple: 1st string (High E)

Physical Reference Points

String Position 

|


 Reference Point
----------------

|

----------------
6th string      

|


 Closest to thumb
5th string      

|


 Middle position
4th string      

|


 Center strings
3rd string      

|


 Center strings
2nd string      

|


 Near fingertips
1st string      

|


 Closest to floor

String Size Recognition

• • Thickest three strings feature wound construction

• • Middle strings transition from wound to plain

• • Thinnest strings use plain wire

• • Progressive thickness reduction from 6th to 1st

Visual learners benefit from string diagrams that illustrate the relationship between string thickness position note names. Guitar manufacturers often include colored dot markers on the side of guitar necks marking specific strings for quick reference during play.

Common String Order Mistakes to Avoid

Installing strings in reverse order creates immediate tuning problems. Reversed strings lack proper tension distribution across the guitar neck. Guitarists placing thicker strings in thinner string positions damage bridge saddles or nut slots. Three critical mistakes when stringing a guitar include:

• • Mixing up the wound strings (E, A, D) with plain strings (G, B, E)

• • Installing bass strings in treble positions

• • Crossing strings at the headstock during installation

String gauge confusion leads to common errors:

• • Using .046 gauge string in the high E position instead of .010

• • Placing .032 wound G string where plain .017 belongs

• • Installing .042 A string in the low E position meant for .046

Here’s a comparison of correct vs incorrect string installation:

String Position	Correct Gauge	Common Wrong Gauge
High E (1st)	.010	.046
B (2nd)	.013	.036
G (3rd)	.017	.032 wound
D (4th)	.026	.017 plain
A (5th)	.036	.026
Low E (6th)	.046	.042

Bridge height alignment suffers from improper string order placement. String slots cut into nuts accommodate specific string sizes. Using incorrect string sizes in these slots creates buzzing effects tuning instability.

• • Intonation accuracy across the fretboard

• • String action height adjustments

• • Bridge saddle wear patterns

• • Neck relief settings

Tips for Memorizing Guitar String Order

Memory devices create lasting associations for guitar string order mastery. Here are effective techniques to remember EADGBE tuning:

Pattern Recognition

• • Divide strings into pairs: E-A, D-G, B-E

• • Group strings by construction: wound (EAD) and plain (GBE)

• • Associate string thickness with position: thickest (6th) to thinnest (1st)

Visual Markers

• • Place colored stickers on the headstock near each string

• • Draw dots on the side of the neck for quick reference

• • Use guitar learning apps with color-coded string displays

Physical Reference Points

• • Touch each string while saying its note name

• • Count strings from thick to thin during practice sessions

• • Link string locations to fretboard markers

Mnemonic Phrases

1. 1. Eat All Day Get Big Easy

1. 1. Every Amateur Does Great Before Entering

1. 1. Elvis Always Digs Good Banana Eating

Practice Exercises

• • Name strings while tuning the guitar

• • Play single notes across different strings

• • Practice string skipping exercises to reinforce order

String Number	Note Name	Memory Aid
6	Low E	Elephant (deep)
5	A	Animal
4	D	Dog
3	G	Giraffe
2	B	Bird
1	High E	Eagle (high)

Understanding guitar string order is a fundamental skill that sets the foundation for every guitarist’s journey. With proper knowledge of string arrangement from the thickest low E to the thinnest high E string guitarists can maintain their instruments better and play more effectively. Whether using memory aids visual markers or physical reference points learning the correct string order opens up a world of musical possibilities. The standardized EADGBE tuning system provides a universal language that connects guitarists across all skill levels and musical genres. By avoiding common string installation mistakes and implementing proper maintenance practices players can ensure their instruments deliver optimal sound quality and performance. This essential knowledge empowers guitarists to focus on what matters most – creating beautiful music.