Guitar String Names: A Complete Guide to All 6 Strings and Standard Tuning
MusicChamps
Music Educator
Introduction
The guitar is one of the most popular instruments in the world today — but surprisingly, many players who can strum chords don't know the names of their own strings. Understanding string names is fundamental to learning scales, reading chord charts, and communicating with other musicians.
The 6 Guitar Strings — From Thickest to Thinnest
| String Number | Name | Note | Character | | ------------- | ------------- | ---- | --------------------------------------------- | | 6th | Low E string | E | Thickest — provides deep bass and foundation | | 5th | A string | A | Second thickest — adds low-mid warmth | | 4th | D string | D | Mid-range — provides overall sound balance | | 3rd | G string | G | Slightly thinner — adds brightness | | 2nd | B string | B | Second thinnest — melodic and delicate | | 1st | High E string | E | Thinnest — bright, high-pitched melodic tones |
Standard memory phrase:
Eddie Ate Dynamite, Good Bye Eddie
Standard Tuning — EADGBE
The standard way to tune a guitar is called E Standard. From the 6th string to the 1st string, the notes are:
E — A — D — G — B — E
This tuning is used across virtually all guitar styles — classical, pop, rock, jazz, and folk. All chord charts, scales, and tablature are written assuming this standard tuning.
String Anatomy and Materials
Historical strings were made from animal gut (catgut), which provided a warm but inconsistent tone.
Modern strings use far superior materials:
| Material | Best For | | --------------------------- | ---------------------------------------- | | Steel (Phosphor Bronze) | Acoustic guitar — bright, balanced tone | | Nickel-wound | Electric guitar — warm vintage tone | | Nylon | Classical guitar — soft, mellow tone | | Stainless steel | Electric guitar — brighter, more sustain |
The quality of strings significantly affects the sound of the instrument. Changing strings regularly — typically every 1–3 months depending on play frequency — keeps the tone fresh and accurate.
Additional Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the names of the 6 guitar strings?
The six guitar strings from thickest to thinnest are: Low E (6th), A (5th), D (4th), G (3rd), B (2nd), and High E (1st). The standard memory aid is the phrase: Eddie Ate Dynamite Good Bye Eddie.
What is standard guitar tuning?
Standard guitar tuning from the 6th string (thickest) to the 1st string (thinnest) is E-A-D-G-B-E. This is the most common tuning used across all guitar styles.
What were guitar strings made of historically?
In ancient times, guitar strings were made from animal gut (catgut). Modern strings are made from metal, nickel, nylon, or different metal alloys, which provide better durability, consistency, and tone quality.
Why does a guitar have two E strings?
The guitar has a Low E (6th string, thickest) and a High E (1st string, thinnest). Both are tuned to the note E but are two octaves apart. The Low E provides bass and depth while the High E creates bright, melodic, high-pitched tones.
