Open Strings
The Six Strings
From the thickest (lowest pitch) to the thinnest (highest pitch), here are your six strings:
E
Mi
String 6
Thickest string, lowest pitch
A
La
String 5
Second thickest
D
Re
String 4
Middle thickness
G
Sol
String 3
Second thinnest
B
Si
String 2
Very thin
E
Mi
String 1
Thinnest string, highest pitch
Visual Reference
Here's how the strings look on your guitar. The diagram shows the strings from your perspective when holding the guitar:
Notice how the strings get progressively thicker from top to bottom!
Memory Tricks
Here are some popular mnemonics to help you remember the string names:
From Low to High (E-A-D-G-B-E):
- •"Every Amateur Does Get Better Eventually"
- •"Eddie Ate Dynamite, Good Bye Eddie"
- •"Eat All Day, Get Big Easy"
From High to Low (E-B-G-D-A-E):
- •"Every Body Gets Dinner At Eight"
- •"Elephants And Donkeys Grow Big Ears"
- •"Even Bad Dogs Get A Bone Eventually"
Practice Exercise
Let's practice identifying and playing the open strings. Try this exercise:
Open String Exercise:
- Start with the low E string (6th string, thickest). Pluck it and say "E" out loud.
- Move to the A string (5th string). Pluck it and say "A".
- Continue with D (4th), G (3rd), B (2nd), and high E (1st).
- Now go back down: High E → B → G → D → A → Low E
- Repeat this 5-10 times, saying each note name as you play it.
E → A → D → G → B → E → B → G → D → A → E
Practice this pattern slowly and deliberately
Understanding String Numbers
String numbering can be confusing at first. Here's the system:
- •String 1 = High E (thinnest, highest pitch) - closest to the floor when holding the guitar
- •String 6 = Low E (thickest, lowest pitch) - closest to your face when holding the guitar
- •When reading tabs, the top line is string 1 (high E), and the bottom line is string 6 (low E)
Pro Tips:
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Practice daily: Spend 2-3 minutes just naming and playing open strings
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Use your tuner: Our tuner tool can help you hear what each string should sound like
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Visual memory: Look at your strings while you name them - connect the visual with the name
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Test yourself: Close your eyes, pluck a string, and try to name it by sound alone
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Be patient: This might feel overwhelming at first, but it will become second nature quickly!
Common Mistakes:
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Confusing string numbers: Remember, string 1 is the thinnest (high E), not the thickest
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Forgetting the two E strings: There are TWO E strings - one high, one low. They're an octave apart!
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Rushing: Take your time to really learn these. You'll use this knowledge constantly