Understanding the Order of Guitar Strings: A Comprehensive Guide

This article provides a clear and detailed explanation of the conventions and standard order of guitar strings, designed to help beginners and seasoned guitarists alike. We explore the traditional string order and offer mnemonic devices to aid memory. Additionally, we discuss the tuning process and common practices for both six-string and twelve-string guitars.

Introduction to Guitar Strings

Guitar strings are a fundamental element of the instrument, each with a specific pitch that contributes to the overall sound. Conventionally, the string with the highest open pitch is referred to as string 1, while the string with the lowest open pitch is string 6.

The Standard Order of Guitar Strings

The standard order of guitar strings, from the lowest (thickest) to the highest (thinnest), is as follows:

Six-String Guitar

6th string: E (lowest) 5th string: A 4th string: D 3rd string: G 2nd string: B 1st string: e (highest)

This tuning, E A D G B e, is commonly used for standard tuning on a six-string guitar, and the high to low string order is 1 2 3 4 5 6.

Twelve-String Guitar

For a twelve-string guitar, the situation is slightly more complex. The courses are numbered the same way, but the strings within each course are tuned in unison or in octaves. Typically, the top two courses have both strings tuned the same, whether that means they are both tuned to a lower or higher pitch.

Mnemonic Devices for Remembering String Order

There are various mnemonic devices to help remember the string order:

The "Eddie Ate Dynamite Good Bye Eddie" Method

For standard tuning from the bass to the treble, the order is E A D G B E. A common mnemonic is "Eddie Ate Dynamite Good Bye Eddie," which can be used to recall the order of the strings.

Descending Order Method

Another method is to start from the middle and work outwards. For instance, you can start with the 3rd string (G), then move to the 4th string (D), 2nd string (B), 1st string (E), and so on. This can be remembered as:

G (3rd string) D (4th string) B (2nd string) E (1st string) A (5th string) E (6th string)

Tuning Process for Guitar Strings

The tuning process involves several steps to ensure that your guitar strings are in the correct pitch. Here is a simplified procedure:

Start with the low E string: Begin by putting on the low E string, then the high E string, and then the remaining strings in descending order (B, G, D, A). Tune each string to near pitch: Stretch each string as you go. This helps in achieving the correct tension and pitch. Return to the low E: After tuning the other strings, go back and tune the low E string first. Review the order: Tune the strings from high to low, and then from low to high, to ensure all strings are in tune. Final check: Allow the strings to settle for a while before tuning them one more time to confirm the correct pitch.

Consistent practice and adherence to these steps will help you achieve the best sound from your guitar strings.