Terms of UseHow to Number Guitar Strings Explore this Article Steps Steps Other Sections Expert Q&A Video Tips and Warnings Related Articles References Co-authored by Aaron Asghari
Last Updated: February 12, 2022
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This article was co-authored by Aaron Asghari. Aaron Asghari is a Professional Guitarist and the lead guitarist of The Ghost Next Door. He received his degree in Guitar Performance from the Guitar Institute of Technology program in Los Angeles. In addition to writing and performing with The Ghost Next Door, he founded Asghari Guitar Lessons, where he was the primary guitar instructor for many years. This article has been viewed 37,141 times.
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.
Steps
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.[1]XResearch source
This string is an E. It is sometimes known as the “high-E,”[2]XResearch source 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. Advertisement
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.[3]XResearch source
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.[4]XResearch source Advertisement
Expert Q&A
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Question How do you adjust a strap on a guitar? Aaron Asghari Professional Guitarist & Instructor Aaron Asghari is a Professional Guitarist and the lead guitarist of The Ghost Next Door. He received his degree in Guitar Performance from the Guitar Institute of Technology program in Los Angeles. In addition to writing and performing with The Ghost Next Door, he founded Asghari Guitar Lessons, where he was the primary guitar instructor for many years. Aaron Asghari Professional Guitarist & Instructor Expert Answer Attach the strap to your guitar and slide the strap over your shoulder while standing up. To adjust the strap, pull one end of the strap through the buckle until it has reached the desired length. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 0 Helpful 1
Question How do I tune my guitar? Community Answer Generally, the guitar is tuned to the notes EADGBA. To tune the guitar you should use a tuner, or an tuning app that you can get for free on a phone. The string with the lowest pitch is at the top of the guitar when in the playing position, this string should be tuned to E. The string with the highest pitch is also tuned to E, but two octaves higher. To tune the string you twist the corresponding peg. You may have to twist it one way and then the other to determine which way you need to turn to get the pitch that you need. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 17 Helpful 4
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Tips
Once you know the numbers of the strings, check out this article on memorizing the notes. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
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Co-authored by: Aaron Asghari Professional Guitarist & Instructor This article was co-authored by Aaron Asghari. Aaron Asghari is a Professional Guitarist and the lead guitarist of The Ghost Next Door. He received his degree in Guitar Performance from the Guitar Institute of Technology program in Los Angeles. In addition to writing and performing with The Ghost Next Door, he founded Asghari Guitar Lessons, where he was the primary guitar instructor for many years. This article has been viewed 37,141 times. 7 votes - 57% Co-authors: 7Updated: February 12, 2022 Views: 37,141
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Co-authored by: Aaron Asghari Professional Guitarist & Instructor This article was co-authored by Aaron Asghari. Aaron Asghari is a Professional Guitarist and the lead guitarist of The Ghost Next Door. He received his degree in Guitar Performance from the Guitar Institute of Technology program in Los Angeles. In addition to writing and performing with The Ghost Next Door, he founded Asghari Guitar Lessons, where he was the primary guitar instructor for many years. This article has been viewed 37,141 times. 7 votes - 57% Co-authors: 7 Updated: February 12, 2022 Views: 37,141 
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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.[1] 
Aaron Asghari Professional Guitarist & Instructor Aaron Asghari is a Professional Guitarist and the lead guitarist of The Ghost Next Door. He received his degree in Guitar Performance from the Guitar Institute of Technology program in Los Angeles. In addition to writing and performing with The Ghost Next Door, he founded Asghari Guitar Lessons, where he was the primary guitar instructor for many years. 
Community Answer Generally, the guitar is tuned to the notes EADGBA. To tune the guitar you should use a tuner, or an tuning app that you can get for free on a phone. The string with the lowest pitch is at the top of the guitar when in the playing position, this string should be tuned to E. The string with the highest pitch is also tuned to E, but two octaves higher. To tune the string you twist the corresponding peg. You may have to twist it one way and then the other to determine which way you need to turn to get the pitch that you need. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 17 Helpful 4