Learn guitar: string names and a simple first practice session

Know which string you are playing

In standard tuning, string 6 is the thick, low E; string 1 is the thin, high E. Between them are A, D, G, and B. An open string is played without pressing a fret. Name a string before plucking it so that the note name becomes connected to its location.

This guide is for a standard six-string guitar. Other instruments and alternate tunings need different notes. If you are unsure how to tune your instrument, use its instructions or ask a teacher rather than repeatedly tightening a string that does not sound right.

Tune before comparing your notes

Use a tuner suited to your instrument and follow its instructions one string at a time. Melody Garden includes an optional microphone-based guitar tuner. It analyzes live sound on your device without saving or uploading microphone audio. On-screen practice remains available if you do not grant microphone access.

Choose a quiet place and let one string sound clearly before moving to another. If detection is inconsistent, reduce competing sound and check microphone permission. Do not assume an unclear reading means that the string needs a large adjustment.

Try a short open-string exercise

1. Choose one comfortable open string and identify its name.
2. Pluck it once, let the sound settle, and repeat with a light, controlled movement.
3. Count four steady beats and try one pluck on each beat. Start slowly enough to stay consistent.
4. Move to a neighbouring string and repeat, saying its name before playing.
5. Finish by returning to the first string without looking at a note list.

This is a suggested beginner exercise, not a named app mode. Focus on a clear sound and an even gap between notes. Chords and complete songs can wait until selecting a string and keeping a slow pulse feel less unfamiliar.

Use an app or online lesson with a clear goal

In Melody Garden, choose guitar and the appropriate learning age range, then start a suitable lesson. Keep your first goal small: recognizing string names, following an on-screen exercise, or using the tuner. Local results and favorites can help you return to the same material.

Learning guitar online can mean watching instruction, reading a chord diagram, or using a virtual instrument. These are different activities. Check that the resource teaches the skill you want, and distinguish a computer keyboard shortcut from a real fret or string. Wonderworld Labs plans a web version; no browser guitar player, release date, pricing, or song catalogue is promised here.

Build towards playing a song

Choose a short beginner arrangement from a lawful source. Identify the tuning and the notes or chords it requires before starting. Work on a small phrase slowly, then connect it to the next phrase. A physical guitar is needed to develop pressure, finger placement, and strumming control.

Keep practice comfortable, take breaks, and avoid forcing a difficult movement. An app can guide repetition, but it cannot inspect your posture or replace individual feedback. Check the app page for current download access before relying on a new installation.

Questions and answers

What are the standard guitar string names?

From thickest to thinnest: E, A, D, G, B, E. The thickest string is number 6; the thinnest is number 1.

Can I learn guitar without allowing the microphone?

Melody Garden supports on-screen practice without microphone permission. Its optional tuner and microphone practice need that permission.

Can I play guitar online on this website?

The Wonderworld Labs web version is planned. The current Melody Garden app is for Android; this guide is not a playable browser instrument.

Further reading

• Fender: standard guitar tuning

Related Android guides

• How to practice piano and guitar offline on Android
• Piano app not detecting notes? Microphone checks for Melody Garden
• Learn Piano on Your Phone: Beginner Android Practice