Which string on a guitar is the first string

I'm not saying they don't exist, just that saying "the fifth string is the low B" makes perfect sense to me because it takes into account the vast majority of situations. I like that theory. If I read you right, you are saying that it is more likely to add heavier strings to the bass end if one is inclined to extend the range of a guitar like instrument by adding additional strings. I suppose there is a limit to how far you can go in the thin direction and still have a string that will have enough mass to vibrate the soundboard of an acoustic instrument.

But you can add beefier strings with no problem. You may be on to something - plus 1. Carcassi's method uses this numbering. I don't know if he was the first, but he certainly would have set a precedent. Show 3 more comments. In maths, graphs with positives number from bottom to top. At the moment the Lute connection looks the most likely to me. I'm not a historian but I believe the top lute string the Chanterelle was usually single, rather than a double course, and intended for playing the melody.

Is there a Lutenist in the house? Andy Not I, I've had to go luten-free for mental health reasons. Scott Wallace Scott Wallace 6, 13 13 silver badges 22 22 bronze badges. If it is indeed arbitrary - as is quite likely, I wonder what it would take to change the conventional nomenclature to a more logical system that would name the first string first string.

Rockin Cowboy- I think the reason that it's arbitrary in this case is that there isn't really a more "logical" system. The lowest pitched string and the highest pitched string can both be "logically" considered to be the "first" string, no?

Richard Richard 4 4 bronze badges. Sounds like a guess. Historically, guitar evolved from the lute, and tablature conventions may play a role here. Note that they are not referred to as base strings and base runs, but bass strings and bass runs.

Thanks David for pointing out the mis-spelling of bass - however, the word bass means 'deep or 'low' [adjective deep, low, resonant, sonorous, low-pitched, deep-toned e. Heather S. Except the first string isn't the one you first arrive at - 1st string is the thinnest string. The one closest to the ground.

DoktorMayhem, how do you figure that one is not the first you arrive at the way one holds a guitar? It is the string closest to the first finger. The thinnest string is the highest string pitch, not distance from floor. My answer is correct.

DoktorMayhem, my husband teaches guitar. I asked him what the first string taught and he uses a curriculum was, and he said the thinnest string. I also do not understand what you mean by not the 1st arrived at since it is closest to the first finger.

Please explain. I suppose which string is first taught is dependent on which book one is using. I assumed I guess wrongly that this was standard. Show 1 more comment. Mandor Mandor 1. You do know that the first string is the highest skinniest string and the bass or fattest string is called the sixth string? Seems counterintuitive and that is why I asked the question. So the open sixth string is the lowest note on the guitar.

I think it would make more sense to call that one the first string. Bittner 1. I'm sorry but, while being interesting, this doesn't seem to answer the question: "Why is the last string on a guitar called the first string and the first string called the sixth string? Featured on Meta. Now live: A fully responsive profile. Version labels for answers. Linked Related To really make it stick, make up a phrase of your own.

The crazier or more unusual the better. The fretboard, otherwise known as the fingerboard is where you will shape these notes. It is a is a thin, long strip of material, usually wood, laminated to the front of the neck with the strings running over it between the nut and the bridge. Where you press down on the individual strings on the fingerboard changes the vibration of the string, which changes the pitch.

Build your skills by exploring our guitar chords video library. And don't worry if you're not a Fender Play member yet. Click here for a free trial. Skip to main content. By Dan Macy. A Balancing Act The standard tuning system balances several factors: Playing chords: How easy is it to play groups of notes? The tone that emanates, because you are holding the string down at the 5th fret, will be an A.

Got it? See how to hold a guitar correctly, or buy a ChordBuddy today! To contact us about how to tune a guitar and more, click here or call Guitar Tuning Basics Tuning a guitar involves adjusting 6 strings on the instrument. Shop Tuners Shop Capo-Tuner.