Understanding the Strings of a Standard-Tuned Six-String Guitar: Names, Memory Trick and Common Terminology

Guitar strings represent one of the most fundamental yet crucial elements of any guitar. For beginners and even seasoned musicians, understanding the names and tuning of each string can significantly enhance your playing experience. In this article, we delve into the names of the strings on a standard-tuned six-string guitar and a helpful memory aid to remember them, along with common terminologies related to these strings.

Names of the Strings

A standard six-string guitar, whether acoustic or electric, is tuned to the following pitches: low E, A, D, G, B, and high E. The first string from the tuning peg (closest to the tuning pegs when the guitar is held vertically) is the high E, and the last string is the low E. These names can be confusing at first, especially for beginners. However, there is a mnemonic device that can help you remember them easily and quickly:

Recite the following phrase to remember the strings in order from the thickest to the thinnest: “Every American Dog Grows Big Ears.”

This mnemonic works as follows:

Every (6th string) - Low E American (5th string) - A Dog (4th string) - D Grows (3rd string) - G BIG (2nd string) - B Ears (1st string) - High E

Common Terminology and Musical Notation

Understanding the names and tuning of each string is just one part of the journey in mastering a guitar. Musicians often refer to the strings using other terms such as the string number and the standard notation for chord positions. Here are some key concepts to help you navigate this terrain:

String Numbering: The low E is the 6th string. A is the 5th string. D is the 4th string. G is the 3rd string. B is the 2nd string. The high E is the 1st string.

Note and Fret Terminology: Note on string 6 (low E): The open string is E, a note on the 1st fret is F#, the 2nd fret is G, and so on. Note on string 5 (A): The open string is A, a note on the 1st fret is A#, the 2nd fret is B, and so on. Note on string 4 (D): The open string is D, a note on the 1st fret is D#, the 2nd fret is E, and so on. Note on string 3 (G): The open string is G, a note on the 1st fret is G#, the 2nd fret is A, and so on. Note on string 2 (B): The open string is B, a note on the 1st fret is C, the 2nd fret is C#, the 3rd fret is D, and so on. Note on string 1 (high E): The open string is E, a note on the 1st fret is F, the 2nd fret is F#, the 3rd fret is G, and so on.

Practical Application and Tuning

Once you have a good grasp of the names and numbers of the strings, it's important to practice tuning your guitar. Proper tuning is crucial for producing harmonious sounds. Here’s how to do it manually with a tuning fork or a digital tuner:

1. Start with the 6th string (Low E):- If you’re using a tuning fork, match the frequency of the E note on the tuning fork to the open string of the guitar.- If you’re using a digital tuner, simply point it at the 6th string and adjust until the green or blue light indicates it is in tune (typically a ‘C’ or ‘S’ signal on the tuner).

2. Move to the 5th string (A):- Once the 6th string is in tune, use the 6th string as the reference to tune the 5th string (A). You typically match the E of the 6th string to the A of the 5th string.- Repeat the process with the digital tuner for accuracy.

3. Continue this process for the other strings:- Use the in-tune strings as references for the remaining strings until the 1st string (High E) is in tune with the 4th string (D).

Conclusion

Learning the names, memory tricks, and common terminology related to guitar strings is just the beginning of your journey with the instrument. Practice these techniques to enhance your musical skills and ensure clear and in-tune playing. Remember, the more you practice, the better you will get. Happy strumming and good luck on your musical journey!