How to Remember Guitar String Names

It is necessary to memorize the notes of your guitar strings when learning the play the guitar. One of the most important reasons for remembering the names of the guitar strings is so you can properly tune each string to the correct note. This ensures the guitar produces the correct sounds when forming chords and playing with other instruments. Learning the notes of your guitar strings will also help you figure out the notes in the guitar chords you are playing.

Step 1

Learn the names of the guitar strings, which are the letter notes E, A, D, G, B and E. When reciting these notes, keep in mind that they go in order from the top string to the bottom string, or thickest to thinnest.

Step 2

Play each string as you recite its name. The sound can help associate the name of the note with the string.

Step 3

Repeat the notes, E A D G B E, over and over to ingrain them into your memory.

Step 4

Try using a mnemonic device or phrase to help remember the string names, such as "Eddie Ate Dynamite Good Bye Eddie" or "Eat All Day Get Big Easy." The first letter of each word represents a guitar string note, starting at the top string and moving to the bottom string. A silly or humorous phrase, such as those above, is usually easier to remember than simply trying to memorize the letter notes of each string.