How to Number Guitar Strings

Remembering how to number the six strings of a guitar is essential for any level of player. Knowing the numbers for the guitar strings is often more important than knowing the notes for each string, which can change with different tunings.

EditSteps

1. Start numbering with the bottom, since the lowest, thinnest string is always your first string. The hardest thing to remember about guitar stringing is that it starts from the bottom, not the top. Your thinnest string is the first string. It is almost always silver and "unwound," compared to the thick, coated strings further up the guitar.
   
   
   • This string is an E. It is sometimes known as the “high-E,” since the top string is a much lower sounding E note.
2. Know the second string, the second from the bottom, is a B. The second string is the second thinnest string, one up from the bottom. It is a B.
   
   
3. Know the third string, the third from the bottom, is a G. Notice how, on many guitars, there are two “types” of strings – the thinner silver ones on the bottom, and thicker, wound strings on top. The G is usually the last unwound string.
   
   
4. Know the fourth string, the third from the top, is a D. The fourth string, or the third from the top, is a D in standard tuning. All of the notes here are for standard tuning, which is how guitars are strung in 90% of modern music. The numbers of the strings do not change based on tuning.
   
   
5. Know that the fifth string, the second thickest, is an A. This is the second string from the top, and also the second thickest string. This is an A.
   
   
6. Know that the sixth string, the thickest string, is your E string. This is often known as the “low-E” as well, or sometimes the “bass string.” No matter what, know that it is the sixth string of the guitar.^[1]
   
   

EditVideo

EditTips

• Once you know the numbers of the strings, check out this article on memorizing the notes.

EditSources and Citations

• Videos from GuitarLessons.com

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