How to Remember EADGBE on the Guitar

Remembering the EADGBE tuning on the guitar can sometimes feel like a bit of a mental workout. But don’t worry, it’s a lot easier than it seems. Think of it like learning to ride a bike—once you get the hang of it, you’ll never forget. In this guide, we’ll explore some simple and memorable ways to keep those strings in check, so you can focus on what really matters: shredding those killer riffs and solos.

Why EADGBE?

Before we get into the tricks for remembering EADGBE, let’s talk about why this tuning is so widely used. The standard tuning of EADGBE is like the alphabet for guitarists; it’s the foundation upon which countless songs are built. From classic rock to the heaviest metal, it’s the starting point for most players.

The EADGBE tuning allows for a balance between playing chords and scales easily. The intervals between the strings provide a convenient way to play a wide range of music. For metal guitarists, this tuning offers a solid basis for power chords and riffs, while still being versatile enough for the intricate leads found in genres like death metal and prog metal.

With this tuning, you can play most chords and scales without too much finger stretching, which is especially helpful when you’re playing fast-paced metal riffs. It’s also easier to transition between open chord shapes and barre chords, making it a versatile choice for both beginners and seasoned players.

Using Mnemonics

One of the simplest ways to remember the order of the strings is to use a mnemonic. This involves creating a memorable phrase where each word starts with the same letter as the string. Some classic examples include:

• Elephants And Donkeys Grow Big Ears
• Eddie Ate Dynamite, Good Bye Eddie
• Every Animal Does Good Behavior Everyday

Feel free to come up with your own! The sillier, the better, as they tend to stick in your memory. Once you’ve got your phrase, repeat it a few times, and you’ll soon find you remember the string order without even thinking about it.

Visualizing the Fretboard

Another approach is to visualize the fretboard. Imagine the strings as a ladder, with each rung representing a different string. Starting from the thickest string, work your way up to the thinnest. This visualization helps reinforce the order in your mind.

Visual learners might find it helpful to draw the strings on a piece of paper or use a guitar app that displays the fretboard. Label each string with its corresponding note, and refer to it whenever you pick up your guitar. Over time, the visual association will help cement the string order in your memory.

Using Colors

If you’re a visual learner, associating colors with each string can be extremely useful. Assign a different color to each string and visualize them when you play. You could even use color-coded stickers on your guitar to start with, gradually removing them as you become more comfortable with the string names.

Fingering Exercises

Practice makes perfect, and this is especially true with guitar. By incorporating the EADGBE tuning into your daily practice routine, you’ll naturally commit it to memory. Here are a few exercises to get you started:

• Play each string open, repeating the note name as you go. This reinforces the order and sound of each string.
• Practice playing simple scales on each string, starting and ending on the open string note.
• Use a metronome to keep time and gradually increase the speed as you become more confident.

These exercises not only help you remember the string order but also improve your finger dexterity and accuracy, which are crucial for playing metal guitar.

Chunking Technique

Chunking is a memory technique where you break down information into smaller, more manageable pieces. Instead of trying to remember all six strings at once, split them into two groups: EAD and GBE. Focus on memorizing each chunk separately before putting them together.

By breaking the strings into smaller groups, you reduce the amount of information your brain has to process at once. This technique is especially helpful for beginners who might feel overwhelmed by learning the entire fretboard at once.

Regular Practice and Repetition

Regular practice is key to memorizing anything, and the EADGBE tuning is no exception. Integrate it into your warm-up routine by playing scales or simple riffs that use all six strings. Repetition will help reinforce the string order in your mind, making it second nature.

As you practice, say the string names out loud. This engages multiple senses, strengthening your memory. You could also practice tuning your guitar by ear, starting with a known pitch (like the low E string) and tuning the rest of the strings relative to it. This not only helps with memorizing the string order but also improves your ear for pitch.

Learning Through Songs

Applying what you’ve learned to real music is a fun and effective way to remember the EADGBE tuning. Choose songs that use open strings prominently, and practice playing along. Classic metal riffs or simple chord progressions are great starting points.

As you play, pay attention to which strings you’re using. This active engagement with the music will help reinforce the string order in your mind. Plus, playing along with your favorite songs is a great way to stay motivated and enjoy the learning process.

Incorporating Technology

Technology can be a great aid in learning guitar. There are numerous apps and online resources available to help you remember the EADGBE tuning. These tools often include interactive fretboards, quizzes, and games designed to make learning fun and engaging.

Platforms like Riffhard offer lessons from some of the world’s best metal guitarists, focusing on both rhythm and lead guitar techniques. These lessons often include tips and exercises tailored to memorizing and mastering the guitar fretboard.

By incorporating these tools into your practice routine, you can accelerate your learning and gain a deeper understanding of the guitar.

Teaching Others

One of the best ways to solidify your own understanding of a concept is by teaching it to someone else. Share your newfound knowledge of the EADGBE tuning with a friend or fellow guitarist. Explain the mnemonic or visualization techniques you’ve found helpful, and demonstrate some of the exercises you’ve been practicing.

This process not only reinforces your own memory but also helps you identify any areas where you might need to improve. Plus, teaching others can be a rewarding experience, and you might learn something new in the process.

Final Thoughts

Remembering the EADGBE tuning is a crucial step in becoming a proficient guitarist. By using mnemonics, visualization, practice, and technology, you can easily commit this string order to memory. At Riffhard, we’re here to support your journey with lessons from world-class metal guitarists. Keep practicing, stay patient, and enjoy the process!