The 6 strings of a guitar

Most of us know this already, but some of you might still be unclear on exactly which string is which.

This information is for 6 string guitars only, not 4,5,6,7,8,12, etc. stringed instruments.

If you're not sure that you own a 6 string because strings are missing, just count how many tuning pegs there are.

How to find the string numbers:

pick up guitar as you would to play it.
the string closest to the ground is string number 1.
It should be the thinnest, highest pitch string.
the string closest to the ceiling is string number 6.
It should be the thickest, lowest pitch string.
string diameters should gradually go from thick to thin
(ceiling to floor, low to high in pitch, the string numbers from 6 to 1)

This method will work whether you hold your guitar left or right handed. (right handed is the most common)

NOTE: Most guitarists refer to string #1 as the top string, even though physically it is on the bottom.
We say this because, MUSICALLY it is higher in pitch.
For the same reason, the 6th string is the bottom string because its the lowest sounding string.

The string names:

NOTE: Don't be fooled by the way I ordered the strings. This is not a mirror image of your guitar. The strings are written in this order for musical reasons and it's the standard TAB way of writing them.

string 1 = high E  (highest pitch, thinnest string, closest to ground)
string 2 = B       
string 3 = G
string 4 = D
string 5 = A
string 6 = low E   (lowest pitch, thickest string, closest to ceiling)

The name of the string also represents what note it sounds. Ex. To play a B note, just play the 2nd string open.

How to buy an individual string:

To walk into a music store and order the exact replacement string, you need to know 3 things-

1 If your guitar is electric or acoustic. This should be straight forward. If unsure, bring your guitar in to the music store and they should know. ( I have used electric strings on an acoustic, it wasn't as loud but had a softer touch )
1b Some acoustics (classical) use nylon strings. Know if your acoustic uses nylon or metal strings.

2 What the string number and name is.

3 What the string diameter is.

The string diameter of each string should be listed on an old pack of strings. If you don't have an old pack of strings, I recommend buying a whole new set (all 6 strings) and starting with a fresh new set on your guitar.

There are different gauges to buy, so if your unsure here's my recommendations (remember this is only my opinion - others may disagree)

For electrics try a pack with string #1 (high E) .009mm in diameter.
For Acoustics try .011mm as the high E string.
( the rest of the strings will follow accordingly )

Another name for the above sets of strings are electric 9's or acoustic 11's.

I choose these because they are a light gauge and easy on the fingers, but not too light that they'll bend out of tune easily. You'll get to know what you like in time - different guitars and different people need different strings.

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