Guitar String Names Explained (Standard Tuning EADGBE)
Guitar String Names (Standard Tuning Explained)
Knowing the guitar string names is one of the most important basics for beginners. This guide explains the six guitar strings in standard tuning, from thickest to thinnest, with simple memory tips and clear explanations.
🎸 📋 Standard guitar tuning (E A D G B E)
Most guitars are tuned to standard tuning, which uses these string names:
- 6th string (thickest): E
- 5th string: A
- 4th string: D
- 3rd string: G
- 2nd string: B
- 1st string (thinnest): E
From lowest-sounding to highest-sounding, the order is: E – A – D – G – B – E
🎸 ⚙️ Thick vs thin strings (what’s the difference?)
Guitar strings are numbered from thickest to thinnest:
- 6th string: lowest pitch, thickest string
- 1st string: highest pitch, thinnest string
Beginners often confuse this — the 1st string is the thinnest, not the thickest.
🎸 🧠 Easy ways to remember guitar string names
A popular memory phrase for E A D G B E is:
Every Adult Dog Growls Before Eating
You can make up your own sentence — the important part is remembering the order.
🎸 ⚙️ Why string names matter
Knowing guitar string names helps you:
- Tune your guitar correctly
- Follow chord and tab instructions
- Understand fretboard notes
- Change strings in the correct order
- Communicate clearly with teachers and tutorials
🎸 📋 Guitar string names on acoustic, electric & classical
The string names are the same on:
- Acoustic guitars
- Electric guitars
- Classical (nylon-string) guitars
What changes is the string material and thickness, not the names or tuning.
🎸 ⚙️ What about alternate tunings?
Some songs use alternate tunings (like Drop D), but standard tuning is what beginners should learn first.
Once you know E A D G B E, learning alternate tunings becomes much easier.
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Disclaimer: This page provides general educational information about guitar string names and tuning. It does not replace professional music instruction or instrument servicing.