Guitar Strings Order: Master the 6 Strings (Easy Guide & Tips for Beginners)

Learning the correct order of guitar strings forms the foundation of playing this beloved instrument. Whether someone’s picking up the guitar for the first time or refreshing their knowledge, understanding string arrangement is crucial for proper tuning and maintenance. From thickest to thinnest, standard guitar string order follows a logical sequence: E A D G B E. This arrangement has remained consistent for centuries, enabling musicians to create everything from simple melodies to complex harmonies. While it might seem confusing at first, mastering string order becomes second nature with practice and helps players navigate the fretboard more effectively.

Guitar Strings Order

Guitar strings follow a standardized numbering system that counts from bottom to top when looking at the guitar in playing position. This system aligns with both numeric labels (1-6) and musical notes (E A D G B E) to help players identify strings accurately.

Standard String Order From Thickest to Thinnest

The guitar string order uses a numerical system starting with string 6 (thickest) at the top and ending with string 1 (thinnest) at the bottom:

• • String 6: Thickest string (.053 inches / 1.35mm)

• • String 5: Second thickest (.042 inches / 1.07mm)

• • String 4: Medium thick (.032 inches / 0.81mm)

• • String 3: Medium thin (.024 inches / 0.61mm)

• • String 2: Second thinnest (.013 inches / 0.33mm)

• • String 1: Thinnest string (.010 inches / 0.25mm)

• • String 6 (Low E): Produces the lowest pitch

• • String 5 (A): Perfect fourth above low E

• • String 4 (D): Perfect fourth above A

• • String 3 (G): Perfect fourth above D

• • String 2 (B): Major third above G

• • String 1 (High E): Perfect fourth above B

String Number	Musical Note	Common Name
6	E	Low E
5	A	A
4	D	D
3	G	G
2	B	B
1	E	High E

How to Remember Guitar String Order

Learning guitar string order becomes effortless with proven memory techniques that create lasting associations for quick recall.

Using Common Mnemonic Devices

Popular mnemonic phrases help guitarists memorize string order from thickest to thinnest (E A D G B E):

• • “Every Amateur Does Get Better Eventually”

• • “Eat All Day Get Big Easy”

• • “Elephants And Donkeys Grow Big Ears”

• • “Every Andy Drinks Good Beer Everyday”

Each word’s first letter corresponds to the string notes in sequence, making string identification automatic with regular practice.

• • Color coding strings: E (red) A (yellow) D (blue) G (green) B (black) E (silver)

• • String thickness pattern: Three thick strings (E A D) followed by three thin strings (G B E)

• • Number-to-note mapping:

• • String 6 (thickest) = Low E

• • String 3 (middle) = G

• • String 1 (thinnest) = High E

String Number	Note	Relative Thickness
6	Low E	Thickest
5	A	Very thick
4	D	Thick
3	G	Medium
2	B	Thin
1	High E	Thinnest

String Gauge and Material Differences

Guitar strings come in various materials and thicknesses, each producing distinct tonal characteristics and requiring different playing techniques. These variations affect playability, sound projection and durability.

Steel vs Bronze vs Nylon

Steel strings create bright, crisp tones ideal for rock, country and blues music. Phosphor bronze strings produce warm, rich overtones perfect for acoustic folk and fingerstyle playing. Nylon strings deliver mellow, soft sounds essential for classical and flamenco guitar styles.

String Material	Tone Character	Best For	Durability
Steel	Bright, metallic	Electric, modern acoustic	2-3 months
Bronze	Warm, resonant	Acoustic folk, bluegrass	1-2 months
Nylon	Soft, mellow	Classical, flamenco	3-4 months

Light vs Medium vs Heavy Gauge

Light gauge strings (0.009-0.042) enable fast playing with minimal finger pressure. Medium gauge strings (0.011-0.052) balance playability with fuller tone. Heavy gauge strings (0.012-0.056) produce maximum volume with increased finger strength requirements.

Gauge Type	E String Thickness	Tone Quality	Playing Ease
Light	.009-.042	Bright, thin	High
Medium	.011-.052	Balanced, full	Moderate
Heavy	.012-.056	Deep, loud	Low

Restringing Your Guitar the Right Way

Replacing guitar strings requires precise technique to ensure optimal sound quality and string longevity. The process involves systematic steps and attention to detail for proper installation.

Step-by-Step String Replacement

1. 1. Remove Old Strings

• • Loosen each string by turning the tuning pegs counterclockwise

• • Unwind the strings from the tuning posts

• • Remove strings from the bridge pins (acoustic) or bridge (electric)

1. 1. Clean the Guitar

• • Wipe the fretboard with a dry cloth

• • Remove debris from bridge holes

• • Clean tuning posts with string cleaner

1. 1. Install New Strings

• • Insert strings through bridge holes or pins

• • Leave 1.5 inches of slack at the tuning post

• • Create a 90-degree bend at the post hole

• • Wind strings clockwise 2-3 times below the insertion point

• • Pull string tight while winding

1. 1. Tune and Stretch

• • Bring each string to pitch

• • Pull gently upward at the 12th fret

• • Retune after stretching

• • Repeat 3-4 times per string

1. 1. Bridge Pin Issues

• • Incorrect pin placement

• • Missing string ball placement

• • Loose or overtight pins

1. 1. Tuning Post Problems

• • Too many/few string wraps

• • Crossed wraps on post

• • Improper winding direction

1. 1. String Installation Errors

• • Insufficient slack for winding

• • Wrong string gauge order

• • Missing string locks on locking tuners

1. 1. Maintenance Mistakes

• • Cutting strings before winding

• • Forgetting to stretch strings

• • Installing strings with old debris present

Maintaining Proper String Order and Care

Proper guitar string maintenance extends string life expectancy from 1-3 months to 3-6 months. Regular cleaning removes corrosive elements while correct storage prevents oxidation damage to strings.

String Cleaning and Storage

Guitar strings require cleaning after each playing session using a microfiber cloth. Here’s an effective maintenance routine:

1. 1. Wipe strings lengthwise from bridge to nut

1. 1. Clean both top and bottom surfaces of each string

1. 1. Apply string conditioner using manufacturer recommendations

1. 1. Store guitar in a case with humidity control between 45-55%

String care products enhance longevity:

• • Fast Fret String Cleaner

• • D’Addario XLR8

• • GHS Fast-Fret

• • Planet Waves String Cleaner

When to Replace Guitar Strings

Guitar strings exhibit specific signs indicating replacement needs: Physical indicators:

• • Visible rust spots or discoloration

• • Uneven wear patterns on wound strings

• • Flat spots where strings contact frets

• • Unwinding at contact points

• • Dull or lifeless tone

• • Difficulty maintaining tune

• • Reduced sustain

• • Inconsistent volume across strings

String Type	Average Lifespan	Playing Frequency
Bronze	1-2 months	Daily (2+ hours)
Nickel	2-3 months	Daily (2+ hours)
Nylon	3-4 months	Daily (2+ hours)
Coated	4-6 months	Daily (2+ hours)

Learning and mastering guitar string order is fundamental to every guitarist’s journey. The standard E A D G B E arrangement combined with proper string selection and maintenance creates the foundation for excellent playing. Whether using memory aids like mnemonics or color coding players can quickly become familiar with string identification. Through consistent practice and proper care guitar strings can deliver optimal sound and performance for months. Understanding string characteristics gauge types and maintenance requirements empowers players to make informed choices that match their playing style and musical preferences. This knowledge transforms a seemingly complex aspect of guitar playing into a natural part of every musician’s routine.