The six strings on a standard guitar, from thickest to thinnest, are E, A, D, G, B, and E

The thickest string closest to your face when you hold the guitar is the low E string. Moving toward the thinnest string farthest from you, the order is A, D, G, B, and high E. The two E strings are the same note but in different octaves — the low E is much deeper, and the high E is much brighter. This tuning is called standard tuning and is what almost every beginner learns.

Each string has a number as well as a letter name. The low E is string 6, and the high E is string 1. Many teachers and tabs use the number instead of the letter, so knowing both helps you read instructions faster. When someone says "play the third string," they mean the G string.

Key Takeaways

  • Standard tuning goes E-A-D-G-B-E from the thickest string to the thinnest, and the two E strings sound different because they are in different octaves.
  • A common memory trick is "Eddie Ate Dynamite, Good Bye Eddie" — the first letter of each word matches the string order.
  • Strings are also numbered 6 through 1, with the thick E string as number 6 and the thin E string as number 1.
  • The thicker strings produce lower, deeper sounds, and the thinner strings produce higher, brighter sounds.
  • Knowing the string names helps you read guitar tabs, follow along with lessons, and communicate with other players.

How to remember the string order with a memory phrase

The most popular memory trick for standard tuning is "Eddie Ate Dynamite, Good Bye Eddie." The first letter of each word — E, A, D, G, B, E — matches the string order from thickest to thinnest. Once you say this phrase a few times while looking at your guitar, the order sticks in your head.

If that phrase does not work for you, you can make up your own. Some players use "Elephants And Donkeys Grow Big Ears" or "Eddie's Amazing Dog Gets Big Ears." Any phrase where the first letters spell E-A-D-G-B-E will work. The point is to anchor the order in your memory so you do not have to think about it every time you pick up the guitar.

Why the strings are tuned to these specific notes

Standard tuning balances playability with sound. The low E string gives the guitar a deep, resonant foundation. The spacing between the other strings — a fourth interval from E to A, A to D, D to G, then a third from G to B, and a fourth from B to E — creates a pattern that lets your fingers form common chords without stretching too far.

This tuning has been standard for decades because it works well for most styles of music, from folk to rock to blues. Beginners learn it first because chord shapes are easier to form, and experienced players stick with it because most songs are written and tabbed in standard tuning. Some players tune differently for specific sounds or styles, but standard tuning is the default.

The difference between the low E and high E strings

Both the thickest and thinnest strings are called E, but they sound completely different. The low E string (string 6) is thick and produces a deep, booming sound. The high E string (string 1) is thin and produces a bright, ringing sound. They are the same note name but separated by two octaves, which is a huge jump in pitch.

When you are learning, this can feel confusing — why use the same letter for two strings that sound so different? The answer is that they are the same note in music theory, just at different heights. Think of it like a man and a woman singing the same song: they are singing the same notes, but the woman's voice is higher. On a guitar, the low E and high E are the same note in different registers.

How string thickness affects sound and feel

Thicker strings produce lower pitches and require more finger pressure to press down. The low E string is the thickest and needs the most force. As you move toward the thinner strings, each one requires less pressure and produces a higher sound. The high E string is so thin that new players often press too hard and bend it out of tune by accident.

Thicker strings also feel rougher on your fingertips when you are starting out. Many beginners find that their fingers hurt after a few minutes of practice because the strings dig into the skin. This is normal, and your fingertips toughen up within a few weeks. Thinner strings are easier on your fingers but harder to control if you press too hard.

Reading guitar tabs and string numbers

Guitar tabs show you which string to play and which fret to press. The six horizontal lines in a tab represent the six strings, with the top line being the high E string (string 1) and the bottom line being the low E string (string 6). Numbers on the lines tell you which fret to press on that string.

Some tabs label the lines with the string names or numbers so you do not have to count. If a tab does not label them, remember that the top line is always the high E and the bottom line is always the low E. Once you know this, you can follow any tab without confusion. Many beginners mix up the line order and play the wrong string, so double-check before you start.

What happens when a string goes out of tune

If a string sounds off or does not match the others, it may be out of tune. You can check by using a tuner — a small device that listens to each string and tells you if it is too high or too low. Most tuners show the string name and a needle or light that points toward sharp (too high) or flat (too low).

Strings go out of tune for several reasons: temperature changes, humidity shifts, new strings stretching, or straightforward playing hard. Checking your tuning before each practice session takes 30 seconds and makes a huge difference in how your playing sounds. A guitar that is out of tune sounds bad no matter how well you play, so tuning is not optional — it is a basic part of the routine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are there two E strings instead of two different notes?

The two E strings are the same note in different octaves, which gives the guitar a wide range of sound. The low E provides a deep foundation, and the high E adds brightness. This setup lets you play melodies and chords across a large range without needing more than six strings.

Do I have to memorize the string names right away?

You do not have to memorize them on day one, but learning them in the first week makes everything easier. Once the names are automatic, you can follow lessons and tabs much faster. Use the memory phrase "Eddie Ate Dynamite, Good Bye Eddie" and say it out loud while pointing to each string until it sticks.

What if I tune my guitar differently — do the strings still have the same names?

No. If you tune to a different tuning, the string names change. For example, in drop D tuning, the low E string is tuned down to D. Most beginners use standard tuning, so the string names stay E-A-D-G-B-E. If you switch tunings later, your teacher or the tab will tell you what the new names are.

Can I tell which string is which just by looking at it?

Yes. The low E string (string 6) is noticeably thicker than all the others. The high E string (string 1) is the thinnest. The strings in between get gradually thinner as you move from thick to thin. You can also feel the difference — thicker strings feel sturdier, and thinner strings feel delicate.

What does it mean when a tab shows a number on a line?

The number tells you which fret to press on that string. For example, if you see a "3" on the bottom line of a tab, press the third fret on the low E string (string 6). The line itself shows you which string, and the number shows you where to press your finger.