kid learning to read musical notes on an acoustic guitar, practicing sheet music for easy guitar lessons.

If you’re just starting to play the guitar, one of the first things you need to learn is the Guitar String Order & Names. Understanding the names of the strings helps with tuning, following chord charts, and improving your overall guitar skills.

Guitar String Order & Names Explained

A standard guitar has six strings, each assigned a letter corresponding to its musical note. Starting from the thickest (lowest) string to the thinnest (highest), the guitar strings are:

Guitar string names chart showing the standard tuning for six-string acoustic and electric guitars, labeled from the thickest (E) to the thinnest (E)
  1. E (6th string – the thickest)
  2. A (5th string)
  3. D (4th string)
  4. G (3rd string)
  5. B (2nd string)
  6. E (1st string – the thinnest)

An easy way to remember the Guitar String Order & Names is by using mnemonic phrases.

Easy Mnemonics to Memorize Guitar Strings

Here are a few fun phrases to help you recall the order from the thickest to the thinnest string:

  • Eddie Ate Dynamite, Good Bye Eddie
  • Every Amateur Does Great Before Exams
  • Elephants Are Dancing Gracefully Beneath Earth

Try saying one of these mnemonics out loud a few times, and you’ll quickly remember the order of the strings!

Reverse Mnemonic for Learning from the Thinnest String Up

Sometimes, you may need to remember the strings from the thinnest to the thickest. Here’s a simple trick:

  • Every Boy Gets Donuts After Exercise

Hands-On Techniques to Reinforce Guitar String Names

  1. Label Your Strings – Use sticky notes or small labels on your guitar for the first few weeks.
  2. Say the Names Out Loud – Each time you pick up your guitar, say the names of the strings from thick to thin.
  3. Use a Flashcard Game – Write each string letter on a flashcard and quiz yourself.
  4. Practice Tuning Your Guitar – Tuning forces you to recall string names regularly.
  5. Play Beginner Chords – Chords involve specific strings, reinforcing their names naturally.

Final Thoughts

Learning the Guitar String Order & Names is an essential first step for any guitarist. Whether you use mnemonics, hands-on techniques, or repetition, the key is consistent practice. Once you’ve memorized the string names, you’ll find it much easier to tune, play chords, and follow lessons.

Start practicing today, and soon, you’ll know your guitar strings like the back of your hand!

February 5, 2025