How to Remember the 6 Strings on a Guitar

Remembering the names of the six strings on a guitar might seem like just a small hurdle in your guitar journey, but it’s actually the foundation for everything you play. If you’re not sure which string is which, it can make learning chords, scales, or even tuning your guitar a bit of a hassle. Today, we’re going to explore some fun and practical ways to memorize these string names painlessly, so you can focus more on playing and less on figuring out where to put your fingers.

Starting with the Basics: EADGBE

Let’s kick things off with the standard tuning for a six-string guitar: E, A, D, G, B, E. This is something every guitarist should know like the back of their hand. The strings are named from the thickest (the 6th string) to the thinnest (the 1st string): E, A, D, G, B, E. It’s pretty straightforward, but if you’re just starting out, it can be a bit tricky to remember.

One of the first things I like to do with beginners is to create a mnemonic—a fancy word for a memory aid. Here’s a classic one: “Eddie Ate Dynamite, Good Bye Eddie.” It’s a bit silly, but that’s the point. The sillier, the better. These kinds of phrases stick in your memory because they’re unique and often make you chuckle.

• E: Eddie
• A: Ate
• D: Dynamite
• G: Good
• B: Bye
• E: Eddie

Get creative and come up with your own if this one doesn’t do it for you. Maybe something like “Every Apple Does Good Baking Everytime.” Play around with it until you find one that sticks.

The Power of Visualization

Another effective method is visualization. Imagine the strings as a ladder, with each string being a rung. Visualize climbing up or down this ladder as you go from string to string. Picture each string with its corresponding letter. This method works well for people who are more visually inclined.

Additionally, you might find it helpful to use stickers or markers on your guitar neck as a visual cue, at least in the beginning. As you practice, these cues will become less necessary, but they can be a good starting point.

Interestingly enough, what I’ve noticed over the years is that students who engage more than one sense while learning tend to remember things better. So, combine sight with sound—say the string names out loud as you play them. The more you engage with the information, the more likely you are to remember it.

Muscle Memory and Repetition

You’ve heard it a million times: practice makes perfect. With guitar, repetition is not just about improving your playing but also about committing things to muscle memory. The more you play, the more your fingers will naturally gravitate to the correct strings without you even thinking about it.

Try this exercise: each time you pick up your guitar, play each string open and say its name out loud. Do this every time you practice, and pretty soon, it will be second nature. The act of saying it out loud while playing reinforces the connection between the string name and its position.

It’s similar to learning a new language. When you first start, you have to think about every word. But over time, phrases and sentences just start to flow naturally. The same thing happens with guitar strings.

Technology to the Rescue

In today’s digital age, we have access to a plethora of apps and online tools that can help reinforce your learning. Some apps are designed specifically to help you remember the names of the strings. They use quizzes and games to make learning fun and interactive.

While it’s hard to say for sure which app is the best, most of them offer something unique, so you might want to try a few and see which one you like the most. These tools often provide additional resources, such as tutorials on tuning and other essential guitar skills.

If you’re looking for a more structured approach to learning guitar, you might want to check out Riffhard. We offer a range of lessons, from mastering basic skills to tackling complex metal riffs, taught by some of the best guitarists in the metal world.

Incorporating String Names into Your Practice

Don’t just learn the string names in isolation; incorporate them into your daily practice. For example, when you’re learning a new scale or chord, say the string names as you place your fingers. This helps reinforce their positions while you’re learning something new.

Let’s say you’re practicing a simple G major chord. As you place your fingers on the strings, say the names: “E, A, D, G, B, E.” Over time, this practice will not only help you remember the string names but also improve your chord transitions and finger positioning.

The key is to integrate the learning process with your actual playing. This way, it becomes a natural part of your guitar routine, rather than something you have to consciously think about every time.

Teaching Others to Reinforce Your Knowledge

One of the best ways to solidify your understanding of something is to teach it to someone else. If you have a friend who’s also learning guitar, take turns quizzing each other on the string names. Explain the mnemonics or visualization techniques you’ve used.

It seems that when you explain a concept to someone else, you’re forced to understand it more deeply yourself. Plus, it’s a fun way to bond over a shared interest and encourages you to keep practicing.

Even if you don’t have a friend to practice with, try explaining the string names out loud as if you were teaching an invisible audience. It might feel a bit silly, but it really does work.

Using Songs and Rhythms

Songs are a fantastic way to remember things. Just think about how easily you can recall song lyrics compared to a random fact. You can use this to your advantage by creating a simple tune for the string names.

Try setting the string names to a familiar melody. It could be something as simple as “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” or any other tune that you know well. This method is especially effective if you enjoy singing or have a musical ear.

Rhythms work well too. Create a simple rhythmic pattern while saying the string names. This can make the learning process feel more like a jam session and less like a chore.

Exploring Alternate Tunings

Once you’re comfortable with the standard EADGBE tuning, you might be curious about other tunings. Exploring alternate tunings, such as drop D or open G, can give you a fresh perspective on the strings and their notes.

Each tuning has its own set of string notes. For instance, in drop D tuning, the strings are DADGBE. Learning these variations not only expands your musical repertoire but also strengthens your overall understanding of string names and their relationships.

And if you’re into metal, alternate tunings are a must. Many metal bands use them to create heavier sounds. Riffhard has a range of lessons that cover different tunings and how to utilize them in metal guitar playing, taught by top-notch instructors.

Final Thoughts

Remembering the names of the guitar strings is a small but vital step in your guitar journey. It’s the kind of foundational knowledge that opens up a world of possibilities on the fretboard. Whether you’re using mnemonics, visualization, or technology, there’s a method out there that will work for you. And if you’re eager to dive deeper into guitar mastery, our lessons at Riffhard can guide you through everything from the basics to advanced metal techniques. Happy playing!