Feb 05 2009
Learn the fretboard - The notes on the guitar strings
The above example shows a color coded diagram of the notes on the guitar fretboard. When the color changes it means the notes are available on the next string.
The key to mastery of the guitar fretboard is in knowing the notes on each string. The fastest way to knowing the fretboard is by learning the notes on each string up to the fifth fret and learning the pattern in which the notes will reappear in as you continue your way up the neck.
In the following series of strings you will see the notes that are unique to each string. The notes appear in other place but they are the first five notes on each guitar string before they begin to repeat themselves.
- The notes on the 1st E string: E-F-Fb-G-Gb-A
- The notes on the 2nd B string:B-C-Cb-D-Db-E
- The notes on the 3rd G string:G-Gb-A-Ab-B-C
- The notes on the 4th D string:D-Db-E-F-Fb-G
- The notes on the 5th A string:A-Ab-B-C-Cb-D
- The notes on the 6th E string: See first.
From looking at the above example you will no doubt notice that the musical notes appear in alphabetical order as they go down the fretboard.
Once you arrive at the first fret, you are able to determine what the next note is by:
A: Counting the number of frets past the fifth you are and determining what note it would be on the next string
-or-
B: Continuing through the alphabet and the sharps in your head and remembering to restart at five (skipping one each for E and B)
It takes a little practice, but soon you will be able to master the fretboard and instinctively know which note comes next no matter where you are playing.
