It doesn’t take long when you first pick up a guitar to notice something a bit… unusual about the order of the strings – especially how they’re tuned. If you look at instruments like the mandolin, which follows a logical tuning pattern (GDAE, lowest to highest), where each string is tuned a perfect 5th apart, the guitar seems a little out of sync. This consistent tuning on instruments like the mandolin makes intuitive sense and allows even beginners to start playing chords and creating music quickly.
However, the guitar presents a twist. For the first four strings, there’s a resemblance to the mandolin, albeit in reverse order (EADG). But then comes the “B” string, which, instead of continuing the perfect 4th interval, is tuned a major 3rd away from the “G” string. This is often the moment when guitarists begin to explore the fascinating world of alternate guitar tunings as a way to break free from standard tuning.
The guitar strings order, from the lowest pitch (thickest string) to the highest pitch (thinnest string), is:
E A D G B E
In this article, we’ll delve into why the guitar is tuned in this specific way. We’ll also provide expert tips to easily memorize the guitar strings order, whether you’re using electric guitar strings or acoustic guitar strings. Finally, we’ll uncover the unique advantage that the “B” string offers guitar players compared to musicians playing other stringed instruments.
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The Evolution of Guitar Strings and Tuning
To understand the guitar’s unique string order, it’s helpful to look back at its history. The ancestor of the guitar, dating back 5,000 years, resembled an early banjo or an ancient Egyptian tanbur. Over centuries, this instrument evolved through various forms, including lutes and vihuelas (a flat-backed lute), eventually leading to the classical Spanish guitar with gut or nylon strings in 1859.
Alt text: Close-up of an acoustic guitar headstock and neck showcasing tuning pegs, emphasizing the mechanics of string tension adjustment.
During this evolution, the number of strings gradually increased from four to five and then to six. This increase in string count directly influenced the development of the current guitar strings order: EADGBE.
As the demand for louder guitars grew, further modifications were made. The guitar body was enlarged, and bracing systems were redesigned to accommodate stronger steel strings. The invention of pickups and amplifiers marked another significant turning point, leading to the divergence between acoustic and electric guitars, each catering to different musical styles and preferences.
Why EADGBE? The Practicality of Guitar String Order
The question of why guitar strings are tuned the way they are has fascinated guitarists for generations. While there isn’t one single, universally accepted answer, a combination of historical context and practical musical considerations points towards a functional origin rooted in musical necessity.
As early guitars evolved into their modern form, the neck length and the number of frets increased. Simultaneously, the number of strings grew from four to five and then six, replacing the double strings found on lute-like instruments.
Alt text: Guitarist’s hand expertly fretting chords on an electric guitar neck, highlighting string spacing and fretboard design for comfortable chord transitions.
The major 3rd interval between the G and B strings (compared to the perfect 4th intervals between other adjacent strings) significantly reduces the physical strain on a guitarist’s wrist and fingers when playing chords and scales across the extended guitar neck. Without the current guitar strings order, common “Cowboy Chords” would be extremely difficult to play, making learning guitar considerably harder and potentially causing hand cramps.
Furthermore, this tuning arrangement resolves some potentially complex harmonic issues that would have arisen if early luthiers had insisted on tuning all six guitar strings in perfect 4ths. The unique major 3rd interval adds a distinct characteristic to the guitar’s sound and chord voicings.
Mastering Guitar String Numbers: Names and Order
Memorizing the guitar string order (EADGBE) is a fundamental step for any guitarist. For beginners, it can seem daunting, but with the right techniques, it becomes second nature.
Mnemonic Devices for Remembering EADGBE
The most popular and effective method for memorizing the string order is using mnemonic phrases or acronyms. These catchy phrases assign a word starting with each letter of the string names (EADGBE). Here are some creative and memorable examples:
- Every Amateur Does Get Better Eventually
- Elephants And Donkeys Grow Big Ears
- Eddie Ate Dynamite, Good Bye Eddie
- Eat All Day Get Big Easy
- Eric And Dave’s Guitars Beat Everyone
Choosing a phrase that resonates with you will make memorization easier and more enjoyable.
Understanding Intervals
Another helpful approach is to understand the musical intervals between the strings. Starting from the low E string, you can count up in perfect 4ths: E to A (4th), A to D (4th), D to G (4th). Then, the interval changes to a major 3rd from G to B. Finally, from B to the high E string is a perfect 4th again (or you can think of it as a 7th to get back to E).
By understanding this pattern of intervals (4th, 4th, 4th, 3rd, 4th), you can reinforce your memory of the string order and understand the relationships between the notes on the guitar.
Numerical String Order (1st to 6th String)
It’s also crucial to understand the numerical order of guitar strings. When referring to strings numerically (1st string, 2nd string, etc.), the thinnest string, which is the high E string, is designated as the 1st string. The string numbers then increase as you move towards the thicker strings, with the thickest string (low E string) being the 6th string on a standard six-string guitar.
Therefore, the numerical string order is as follows:
- 1st string: E (thinnest)
- 2nd string: B
- 3rd string: G
- 4th string: D
- 5th string: A
- 6th string: E (thickest)
Remembering this numerical order is essential for string changes, guitar maintenance, and when discussing strings with other musicians.
Beyond Standard: Exploring the World of Alternate Tunings
While mastering standard tuning (EADGBE) is crucial for beginners, it’s just the starting point. The beauty of the guitar lies in its versatility, and exploring alternate tunings opens up vast new sonic landscapes.
Once you’re comfortable with standard tuning, experimenting with alternate tunings can unlock new creative avenues and inspire your playing. Whether you’re drawn to the delicate sounds of Joni Mitchell or the powerful riffs of Rage Against the Machine, alternate tunings are a key element in many genres and styles.
You can explore alternate guitar tunings used by famous guitarists and even create your own unique tunings to express your musical ideas. Popular alternate tunings include Nashville Tuning, DADGAD tuning, and Open E Tuning, each offering distinct tonal qualities and playing possibilities.
Conclusion
The modern guitar string order of EADGBE, found on both 6-string and 12-string guitars, evolved due to a combination of player comfort and musical practicality. It’s a testament to the instrument’s adaptability and the ingenuity of its designers.
Mastering the standard tuning and understanding the string numbers on your guitar is the first step in a lifelong musical journey. From there, you can embrace the freedom to experiment, tweak, and even break the “rules” of standard tuning. Once you grasp the fundamentals of guitar tuning, you have the power to use it as a foundation or venture into uncharted musical territories.
If you’re considering changing your tuning significantly, remember to use a String Tension Calculator to ensure optimal string tension and consider whether a new set of guitar strings is needed. Stringjoy offers a wide selection of high-quality strings, including the option to create your own custom set, empowering you to explore the full potential of your guitar.
