Standard tuning from thickest to thinnest string

On a standard six-string guitar tuned to concert pitch, the strings from thickest to thinnest are E, A, D, G, B, E. The thickest string is low E (the 6th string), and the thinnest is high E (the 1st string). This tuning is called standard tuning and is what most guitars ship with and what most songs are written for.

A straightforward way to remember the order is the phrase "Eddie Ate Dynamite, Good Bye Eddie" — each first letter matches a string from 6th to 1st. Another common phrase is "Eat All Day Get Big straightforward." Pick whichever one sticks in your memory.

The two E strings are one octave apart — they are the same note, just at different pitches. This is why beginners sometimes find it confusing that a six-string guitar has only five different note names.

Key Takeaways

  • Standard tuning is E-A-D-G-B-E from the thickest string to the thinnest, and this is the tuning nearly all guitar music assumes.
  • The thickest string (6th string) is low E, and the thinnest string (1st string) is high E — they are the same note at different octaves.
  • A tuner (digital, clip-on, or app-based) is the fastest and most accurate way to check whether your strings match these notes.
  • If your guitar sounds off even after tuning to the correct notes, the problem is usually a bent string, a worn fret, or a truss rod issue rather than tuning itself.

How to tune your guitar to these notes

The most reliable method is a digital tuner. Clip-on tuners cost between $10 and $30, plug into the headstock, and read the vibration of each string. You pluck one string at a time, and the tuner displays which note it is and whether it is sharp (too high) or flat (too low). Turn the tuning peg until the tuner shows the correct note.

Smartphone tuner apps (many free, some $3 to $5) work the same way — they listen through your phone's microphone. They are less reliable in noisy rooms but work well at home. Search your phone's app store for "guitar tuner" and pick one with at least 10,000 downloads and a 4-star rating.

If you have no tuner, you can tune by ear using a reference note. Play a note you know is correct (from a piano, another guitar, or a tuning fork) and match your string to it by ear. This takes practice and is slower than a tuner, but it works. Start with the low E string and tune the others relative to it using intervals, but this method introduces more error.

Why standard tuning matters

Nearly every guitar song, tutorial, and chord chart assumes your guitar is in standard tuning. If your strings are tuned to a different set of notes, the same finger positions will produce different chords and melodies. A beginner who tunes to the wrong notes will practice chord shapes that do not match what they hear in videos or on recordings.

Standard tuning also balances the tension on the neck and body. Tuning strings much higher or lower than standard can damage the guitar over time — the neck can warp, and strings can break. If you want to experiment with alternate tunings (like drop D or open G), do so only after you understand standard tuning and have a tuner to verify each string.

What to do if your strings keep going out of tune

New strings take time to settle. If you just installed fresh strings, tune them, play for a few minutes, and retune — they will drift down as the windings stretch. Repeat this cycle three or four times over the first hour, and the strings will hold pitch much longer.

If your guitar goes out of tune during normal playing, check the tuning pegs first. They should turn smoothly without slipping or grinding. A tuning peg that spins freely without tightening the string is worn out and needs replacement — this is a $20 to $60 repair at a shop.

Bent strings also cause tuning problems. If one string sounds sharp compared to the tuner, the string itself may be bent. Straighten it by gently pulling it away from the fretboard at the point where it bends. If the problem persists after straightening, the string is damaged and should be replaced.

Alternate tunings and when to use them

Drop D tuning lowers only the 6th string from E to D, keeping the others the same. It is common in rock and metal and gives a heavier sound. Songs like "Come as You Are" by Nirvana use drop D.

Open G tuning changes all six strings to D-G-D-G-B-D, so strumming all open strings plays a G major chord. It is popular in blues and slide guitar. Open D tuning (D-A-D-F#-A-D) works the same way for D major.

Do not switch to an alternate tuning until you are comfortable with standard tuning. Each alternate tuning requires relearning chord shapes and finger positions. Start with standard tuning, master it, and then explore others if a song you want to learn uses a different tuning.

Checking your tuning regularly

Tune your guitar every time you pick it up, even if you tuned it yesterday. Temperature changes, humidity, and the straightforward act of playing cause strings to drift. A quick 30-second tuning check before practice keeps your ear trained to correct pitch and prevents bad habits.

If you play for more than an hour, retune halfway through. Your hands warm the strings, which expand slightly and go sharp. Letting them cool and retuning keeps everything consistent.

Keep your tuner in your guitar case or gig bag so it is always with you. A $15 clip-on tuner pays for itself in the first week by saving you from practicing out of tune.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I tune my guitar to a different set of notes?

Yes, but standard tuning is the default for a reason — nearly all songs and tutorials assume it. If you want to experiment with alternate tunings like drop D or open G, learn standard tuning first so you understand how intervals work. Tuning much higher than standard can damage the guitar; tuning much lower is usually safe but changes how the guitar feels and sounds.

What if I only have one string out of tune?

Use a tuner to identify which string is off and turn only that tuning peg until the tuner shows the correct note. If one string keeps going flat, it may be a worn tuning peg, a bent string, or a fret problem. A clip-on tuner costs $15 to $30 and will tell you exactly which note each string is.

Do I need a tuner, or can I tune by ear?

A tuner is much faster and more accurate, especially for beginners. Tuning by ear takes years of practice and is prone to error. A digital tuner removes guesswork and costs less than a single lesson. If you cannot afford one now, most smartphone tuner apps are free and work well in quiet rooms.

Why does my guitar sound wrong even after I tune it?

If the tuner says all strings are correct but the guitar sounds off, the problem is usually not tuning. Check for bent strings, frets that buzz, or a truss rod that needs adjustment. These are guitar setup issues, not tuning issues, and a repair shop can diagnose them for $30 to $50.

Should I tune up or down to reach the correct note?

Always tune up to the correct note when possible. Tuning down and then back up helps the string settle into the tuning peg. If a string is very sharp, you can turn it down past the note and then back up, which helps the winding grip the peg better and hold pitch longer.