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Fretboard Diagram
A fretboard diagram is a grid pattern of strings (vertical lines) and frets (horizontal lines) which is used to indicate the position of notes.
Notes on the 1st String (G String)
The G Note
The open 1st string is a G note
The A Note
Play this A note with the second finger of your left hand just behind the second fret of the 1st string
The first example opposite uses the open (not fretted) first string. Because the open 1st string is a G note it is called the G string. The note on the second fret of the G string is an A note. It is played with the second finger of the left hand placed just behind the second fret.
The note should sound full and round. If it buzzes or rattles you have not placed your left hand finger close enough to the fret, and you are not pressing the string down hard enough. If the note sounds ‘muffled’ your finger is on the fret instead of just behind it.
The Quarter Note
This is a quarter note. It lasts for one beat. There are four quarter notes in one bar of 
time.
The Whole Note
This is a whole note. It lasts for four beats. There is one whole note in one bar of time.
In the count written underneath the note, the large number indicates that the note is played. The small numbers indicate that the note is held.
Chord Symbols
The letters above the staff are chord symbols. Chords are groups of notes played by the rhythm guitarist or keyboard player. Listen to the recording and you will be able to play along with the chords.
There are three types of chords used in this book. They are the most common chord types, i.e.: major, minor (m) and seventh (7) chords.
Major |
Minor |
Seventh |
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| e.g.: | A (A major) | Am (A minor) | A7 (A seventh) |
In the following example there are four quarter notes in each bar and one whole note in the last bar. The metronome symbol 
indicates the count.
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1 |
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1 | (Fingers) |
Video
Audio – Solo Track
Audio – Backing Track
|
1 | (Pick) |
Video
Audio – Solo Track
Audio – Backing Track
- Playing with the pick – when using a pick, play quarter notes with a downward pick motion as indicated by the symbol
. - Playing with the fingers – when playing the strings with your right hand fingers, anchor your thumb on the pickup and strike the A note with your index finger (i). As soon as it comes to rest on the 2nd string, pick the A note again, this time using your middle finger (m). Maintain this alternating movement between i and m. Make sure one of the two fingers is always resting on the 2nd string while the other is picking the 1st string and vice versa. Always use this alternating finger style as it will give you more possibilities when changing between notes and strings. It is important to be equally comfortable starting with either the i finger or m finger. Practice each example starting with i and alternating, and then with m and alternating.
Notes on the 2nd String (D String)
The D Note
The open 2nd string is a D note
The E Note
Play this E note with the second finger of your left hand just behind the second fret of the 2nd string
The F Note
Play this F note with the third finger of your left hand just behind the third fret of the 2nd string
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2 |
Each example chord progression should be ended by playing the opening note as a whole note. For example, when finishing this exercise, end it by playing the D note for four beats.
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2 | (Fingers) |
Video
Audio – Solo Track
Audio – Backing Track
The Half Note
This is a half note. It lasts for two beats. There are two half notes in one bar of time.
|
3 |
If playing with a pick, use a downward pick motion.
If playing with right hand fingers, alternate i, m, i, m etc., or m, i, m, i, etc.
|
3 | (Fingers) |
Video
Audio – Solo Track
Audio – Backing Track
|
3 | (Pick) |
Video
Audio – Solo Track
Audio – Backing Track
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