The Guitar String Notes, Names, and Order

Written by

Julian Acosta

April 6, 2023

The Guitar Strings (Notes, Names, and Order)

Learning the guitar string notes, names and order can be a bit tricky. Many people skip this part, but it's important in order to be able to tune your guitar and start learning notes to play. But don't worry, this lesson will help you by giving you easy to remember phrases that correspond to the strings.

The Guitar String Order

A guitar has 6 strings. Just to refresh your memory about the few things you learned in the last lesson about the string numbering system, the thin string is the first string and the thick string is the sixth string.

When you start to learn the names of these strings, it will seem rather counterintuitive because many people learn counting from the sixth to the first string.

The Guitar String Notes & Names

Counting the way from the thickest string to the thinnest string, you'll find that the thickest string is called the E string (the sixth string).

Next, you'll find the A string (the fifth string), then the D string (fourth string), then the G string (third string), then the B string (second string) and finally another E string (first string).

How to Remember the String Notes & Names

I know you're wondering how you'll know all of these strings names when there seems no logical way to remember. Don't fret (pun intended), there is an easy way to remember using mnemonics, acronyms or phrases that correspond to each string name (E, A, D, G, B, E). Here are a few favorite memory aids, but you can make up your own too:

While this may seem silly, it really comes in handy. Also, keep in mind that the outside rings are always E strings, so that leaves you with only four other strings to remember: A, D, G and B. Easy right?

Now you'll be ready to learn how to tune your guitar strings electronically or by ear in the next lesson.