The D'Addario String Colors

No symbols required. No words needed. Just six colors in an order that most great guitarists know by heart. We created it in the 1980s as a system to help change strings fast and accurately, all while reducing packaging for the planet. It’s become like a secret handshake among in-the-know players and a signal of quality wherever music is played.  

Silver. Purple. Green. Black. Red. Gold.

Each string in a set is represented by a specific color on the ball end, which you can quickly reference when restringing your instrument.

Acoustic Guitar String Colors

E (1st): Silver

B (2nd): Purple

G (3rd): Green

D (4th): Black

A (5th): Red

E (6th): Gold

Electric Guitar String Colors

E (1st): Silver

B (2nd): Purple

G (3rd): Green

D (4th): Black

A (5th): Red

E (6th): Gold

Bass Guitar String Colors

G (1st): Green

D (2nd): Black

A (3rd): Red

E (4th): Gold

B (5th): Purple (if applicable)

XS String Colors

E (1st): Silver

B (2nd): Black

G (3rd): Gold

D (4th): Silver

A (5th): Black

E (6th): Gold

Quality & Consistency

Learn more about how we are constantly improving.

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From arena stages to storied luthier shops, D'Addario makes strings and accessories for players who know the difference they can make to their sound.

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