How to Number Guitar Strings
Start numbering with the bottom, since the lowest, thinnest string is always your first string., Know the second string, the second from the bottom, is a B., Know the third string, the third from the bottom, is a G. Notice how, on many guitars...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Start numbering with the bottom
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. -
Step 2: since the lowest
The second string is the second thinnest string, one up from the bottom.
It is a B. , The G is usually the last unwound string. , 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. , This is the second string from the top, and also the second thickest string.
This is an A. , 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. -
Step 3: thinnest string is always your first string.
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Step 4: Know the second string
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Step 5: the second from the bottom
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Step 6: is a B.
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Step 7: Know the third string
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Step 8: the third from the bottom
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Step 9: is a G. Notice how
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Step 10: on many guitars
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Step 11: there are two “types” of strings – the thinner silver ones on the bottom
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Step 12: and thicker
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Step 13: wound strings on top.
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Step 14: Know the fourth string
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Step 15: the third from the top
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Step 16: is a D. The fourth string
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Step 17: or the third from the top
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Step 18: is a D in standard tuning.
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Step 19: Know that the fifth string
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Step 20: the second thickest
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Step 21: is an A.
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Step 22: Know that the sixth string
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Step 23: the thickest string
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Step 24: is your E string.
Detailed Guide
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.
The second string is the second thinnest string, one up from the bottom.
It is a B. , The G is usually the last unwound string. , 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. , This is the second string from the top, and also the second thickest string.
This is an A. , 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.
About the Author
Raymond Phillips
A passionate writer with expertise in organization topics. Loves sharing practical knowledge.
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