- Learn how strings are numbered.
- Learn standard tuning.
- Learn how frets are numbered.
- Learn how to move around the fretboard (horizontally and vertically).
- Learn the notes on each string.
String Numbering and Standard Tuning
Strings are numbered from the thinnest string (1st string) to the thickest
(6th string). The tuning is given from the 6th string to the 1st string: E-A-D-G-B-E.
This tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) is called standard tuning.
Notes are named using the first seven letters of the
alphabet, however there are more than seven pitches, or notes, produced on the
guitar. The note names, or letters, repeat themselves. For example: the note
name after G is A: ... E-F-G-A-B-C-D-E-F-G-A-B-C ...
Frets are numbered from the headstock toward the body starting with 1. Sometimes
the number 0 or letter O is used to denote an open string, or one that is played
without fretting a note.
Fretting a note is executed by pressing the string down
behind a fret (on the headstock side of the fret).
Guitarists can move horizontally up or down the fretboard, or vertically across
the fretboard. These are common terms used to communicate how to shift your
hands when playing the guitar.
Fretboard Note Locations
This section will show you where each note on the guitar can be played. The
notation is given for completeness. Reading notation will be explained in the
1st String Notes (High E String)
2nd String Notes (B String)
3rd String Notes (G String)
4th String Notes (D String)
5th String (A String)
Fifth String Notes on the Fretboard (Frets 1 - 12)
6th String (E String)
Sixth String Notes on the Fretboard (Frets 1 - 12)
The following tablature shows the full range of the guitar in standard tuning.
Notice how some notes can only be played on 1 location while others can be played
in up to 5 locations. It is important to remember that learning the fretboard is complicated.
On a piano, each note has exactly one location. On a guitar you can play it in up to 5 locations with any of your four fretting fingers.
That is up to 20 possibilities for one note. Regardless, I find the following chart very useful when I need a cheat sheet on the notes.