Learn Notes on Guitar in Standard Tuning

Learn Notes on Guitar Series: All Together & the Process | Sharps Names with Naturals

It can be a challenge to learn notes on guitar (tone-names of the frets) in standard tuning, especially in the upper positions. In this lesson, we'll use a process list that is repeated until you 'can't not know it'. This list is specifically for standard tuning, yet you can apply it to any tuning. However, for open tunings, we use a different process/system.

Here is a chart of what we are memorizing - All Together

Some frets on the grid have 2 names. These are called enharmonics. Enharmonic means same note, different name. The sharp - raises any tone one half step, & the flat - -lowers any tone one half step. One half step = one fret on the guitar. Naturally occuring half steps (natural half step to another natural) are between B/C & E/F. [E = F; E = F; B = C; B = C].

For memorizing the tone-names on the fretboard, may I suggest

1. Name tone-names (vocally & subvocally) on each string using the chromatic scale going up each fret.
   Say the tone-name, repeat on each string in multiple passes.
   Visual this naming process when you are away from the guitar.
2. Find & compare unisons. Make sure they are what they are.
   Example: the high E is…1, open; 2nd string, 5th fret…3rd string, 9th fret, etc.
   Find every tone on the fretboard where they exist. Double check - compare. Know your board.
   You will find that only the low E, F, F#, G, & G# on the 6th string appear once.
   Make maps – Blank fretboard PDF - a pencil & a picture is always sticky.
3. Then map your octaves…the exercises at the bottom of this lesson really work.
   Get bouyant.
4. Then a tough one…name each tone in a fret space (across the strings)…1st fret low to high…F, Bb, Eb, Ab, C, F…also could be named…F A# D# G# C F.
5. And finally, play all 7 of the C Major scale patterns, saying the tone-names aloud as you play them. You can start on the root C & play to C in each pattern, then play all of the tones for each of the 7 (including the tones below & above the lower & upper roots).

Visualizing away from the guitar is good for all 5. Saying things out loud also helps. Talk yourself into knowing it. In extreme cases, such as 9th position, you can introduce yourself to each tone-name. Build a dialogue with them.

Repeat the process list (1-5) for a few weeks, & you should be more comfortable with your tone-names.