The order of guitar strings forms the foundation of learning to play this beloved instrument. Whether someone’s a complete beginner or an experienced guitarist looking to maintain their instrument properly the correct string arrangement is essential for producing the right sound and playing technique.
Understanding guitar string order doesn’t just help with tuning – it’s crucial for everything from basic chord progressions to complex fingerpicking patterns. The standard six-string guitar follows a specific sequence from the thickest string to the thinnest each with its own note and gauge. While this arrangement has remained largely unchanged for centuries it’s still a source of confusion for many new players who are just starting their musical journey.
Order Of Guitar Strings
Guitar strings follow a standardized numbering system that counts from the thinnest to the thickest string. The numerical sequence runs opposite to the physical arrangement seen when holding the guitar in playing position.
Standard String Order From Top to Bottom
The guitar’s six strings are numbered from 1 to 6, starting with the thinnest string at the bottom:
String 1: High E (thinnest)
String 2: B
String 3: G
String 4: D
String 5: A
String 6: Low E (thickest)
This numbering system remains consistent across different guitar types including acoustic, electric, classical guitars. Music notation software packages, chord diagrams tablature use this standardized numbering format to communicate playing instructions.
String Thickness and Gauge Basics
Guitar string thickness correlates directly with the numbered sequence:
Medium gauges (.011-.052) provide balanced playability tension
Heavy gauges (.012-.056) deliver enhanced sustain resonance
Standard Guitar String Notes (EADGBE)
The standard guitar tuning follows a specific sequence of notes: E (low), A, D, G, B E (high). This tuning creates intervals of perfect fourths between most strings, except for the major third between the G and B strings.
Low E to High E String Sequence
Each string produces a distinct note in the standard EADGBE tuning:
String 6 (Low E): Produces the lowest note at 82.41 Hz
String 5 (A): Vibrates at 110.00 Hz
String 4 (D): Resonates at 146.83 Hz
String 3 (G): Generates a frequency of 196.00 Hz
String 2 (B): Produces a note at 246.94 Hz
String 1 (High E): Creates the highest pitch at 329.63 Hz
String Number
Note
Frequency (Hz)
6
Low E
82.41
5
A
110.00
4
D
146.83
3
G
196.00
2
B
246.94
1
High E
329.63
Alternative Tunings and String Order
Alternative tunings maintain the same physical string order while changing the pitch of individual strings:
Drop D: Lowers the 6th string to D (DADGBE)
Open G: Adjusts strings to DGDGBD
Open D: Changes tuning to DADF#AD
Half Step Down: Lowers all strings by one semitone (D#A#D#G#BE)
DADGAD: Creates a modal tuning popular in Celtic music
These alternate tunings enable different chord voicings, sonic textures, and playing styles while maintaining the standard string thickness arrangement.
Guitar String Materials and Construction
Guitar strings combine specific materials and construction techniques to produce distinct tonal characteristics. Each string type serves different musical styles and playing techniques through its unique composition and manufacturing process.
Steel vs. Nylon Strings
Steel strings produce bright, projective tones suited for rock, country, blues and folk music. A standard set includes three plain steel strings (E, B, G) and three wound strings (D, A, E) with gauges ranging from .010 to .046 inches. Nylon strings create warm, mellow tones ideal for classical, flamenco and bossa nova styles. Classical guitar sets feature three clear nylon treble strings (.028-.032) and three wound bass strings (.030-.047) with nylon or composite cores.
Roundwound – Traditional wrapped wire with raised ridges producing bright attack
Flatwound – Smooth polished surface creating mellow tone with reduced finger noise
Bronze – 80/20 or phosphor bronze wraps for acoustic guitars with enhanced projection
Nickel – Pure nickel or nickel-plated steel for electric guitars with balanced response
String Type
Core Material
Winding Material
Typical Gauge Range
Electric Plain
Steel
None
.008-.020″
Electric Wound
Steel
Nickel/Steel
.024-.060″
Acoustic Plain
Steel
None
.010-.020″
Acoustic Wound
Steel
Bronze
.024-.056″
Classical Plain
Nylon
None
.028-.032″
Classical Wound
Nylon
Silver-plated Copper
.030-.047″
Proper String Installation Process
Installing guitar strings requires a systematic approach to ensure proper tension distribution and stable tuning. Each step in the process contributes to optimal string performance and longevity.
Removing Old Strings Safely
String removal starts with completely loosening each string using the tuning pegs. Here’s the systematic process:
Loosen each string until it’s completely slack
Detach strings from the bridge pins on acoustic guitars
Unwrap strings from the tuning posts
Remove bridge pins using a bridge pin puller
Clean the bridge holes fretboard with a microfiber cloth
Bridge Pin Safety Tip: Place removed pins in a small container to prevent loss during the restringing process.
Installing New Strings in Sequence
String installation follows a specific order to maintain proper neck tension:
Insert the 6th string (Low E) first
Secure the bridge pin with the string slot facing the soundhole
Thread through the tuning post hole
Leave 1.5 inches of slack for wrapping
Create a 90-degree bend at the post
Wind the string clockwise 3 times around the post
Repeat the process for remaining strings in this order:
1st string (High E)
6th string (Low E)
3rd string (G)
4th string (D)
2nd string (B)
5th string (A)
String Position
Slack Length
Wrap Count
Low E (6th)
1.5 inches
3 wraps
A (5th)
1.5 inches
3 wraps
D (4th)
1.75 inches
4 wraps
G (3rd)
1.75 inches
4 wraps
B (2nd)
2 inches
5 wraps
High E (1st)
2 inches
5 wraps
Maintaining Proper String Order
Proper string organization and installation practices ensure optimal guitar performance and tuning stability. The correct arrangement of strings affects everything from playability to sound quality.
String Organization Tips
Store new strings in their original packaging until installation to prevent oxidation
Label each string immediately after removal from the package using the included color-coded identifiers
Install strings sequentially starting with the 6th string (Low E) to maintain balanced neck tension
Organize tools before restringing: wire cutters, string winder, tuner
Create 2-3 neat wraps around each tuning post for optimal stability
Leave 1.5 inches of slack when measuring string length before cutting
Incorrect String Order: Mixing up string positions alters intervals between strings affecting playability
Uneven Wraps: Messy or inconsistent wraps around tuning posts cause tuning instability
Wrong Direction: Wrapping strings clockwise instead of counterclockwise on the tuning posts
Over-Stretching: Pulling strings too forcefully during installation causes premature wear
Insufficient Slack: Cutting strings too short prevents proper wrapping around tuning posts
Cross-Threading: Improper bridge pin alignment creates buzzing or dead spots
String Number
Recommended Wrap Count
Slack Length
1 (High E)
2 wraps
1.5 inches
2-4 (B-D)
2-3 wraps
1.5 inches
5-6 (A-Low E)
3 wraps
1.75 inches
Understanding guitar string order is fundamental to every guitarist’s journey. The standardized EADGBE tuning along with proper string organization and installation techniques create the foundation for optimal sound quality and playability. Whether using nylon strings for classical music or steel strings for rock knowing the correct string arrangement ensures consistent tone and reliable performance.
By following proper string installation procedures and maintaining awareness of string gauges materials and their specific applications players can maximize their instrument’s potential. This knowledge empowers guitarists to make informed choices about their string selection and maintain their instrument effectively for years of musical enjoyment.
