The six strings of a standard guitar are tuned to specific notes, which form the foundation for playing music and understanding the fretboard. Each open string corresponds to a musical note, and as you move up the fretboard, the notes ascend chromatically.
- The standard tuning for a six-string guitar is: E, A, D, G, B, E.
- This tuning is used on virtually all standard guitars and is essential for playing most guitar music.
- Knowing the open string notes helps with tuning, chord formation, and scale practice.
Each String and Its Note
Starting from the lowest-pitched string (thickest) to the highest-pitched string (thinnest), the notes are:
| String Number | Note | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | E | Lowest pitch, thickest string (bass) |
| 5 | A | Second lowest |
| 4 | D | Middle of the bass strings |
| 3 | G | Highest of the “bass” strings |
| 2 | B | Second highest |
| 1 | E | Highest pitch, thinnest string |
D
2nd string
Fretboard Note Progression
Notes on each string move chromatically up one half-step per fret. Starting from the open-string note, the sequence for each string is:
- Open string (fret 0): the string's base note
- Fret 1: Base note + 1 semitone
- Fret 2: Base note + 2 semitones
- ...
- Fret 12: Base note an octave higher (same note name, 12 semitones up)
For example, the 6th string (E) frets would be:
E (open), F (1), F# (2), G (3), G# (4), A (5), A# (6), B (7), C (8), C# (9), D (10), D# (11), E (12).
A (6th string, 5th fret)
12
String-to-String Relationships
There are specific intervals between adjacent open strings:
- 6th to 5th string: A (5th interval)
- 5th to 4th string: A (5th interval)
- 4th to 3rd string: A (5th interval)
- 3rd to 2nd string: B (major 3rd interval)
- 2nd to 1st string: A (5th interval)
This staggered tuning (especially the major 3rd between G and B strings) affects chord shapes and scale patterns.
Major 3rd
Perfect 4th
Conclusion
The guitar’s six strings are tuned E-A-D-G-B-E, from lowest to highest pitch. Each open string corresponds to a specific note, and notes ascend chromatically as you move up the frets. Understanding string notes and intervals is essential for mastering chords, scales, and the entire fretboard.
- Standard tuning is E-A-D-G-B-E for strings 6 to 1.
- Notes increase by a half-step with each fret.
- Intervals between strings shape how chords and scales are played.