How Do Guitarists Learn the Fretboard?

The fretboard can seem like a mystery.

You try memorizing scale and chord patterns.

But you’re not sure what notes you’re playing.

While knowing fingering patterns is useful, it’s important to go further and learn the letter names on the fretboard.

Here are three ways to do that:

1. Play a Scale on a Single String

This allows you to see the notes in a row in alphabetical order, which removes a lot of the mystery from the fretboard.

Say the letter name of each note as you play it.

2. Play a Scale in a Single Position

This is the way we normally play scales.

To go beyond mere pattern knowledge, say the letter name of each note as you play it.

3. Learn Relationships Between Strings

Think about the familiar 5^th-fret tuning method.

A note can normally be found 5 frets higher on the adjacent string.

The exception is that a note on the second string is found 4 frets higher on the third string.

This does not just apply to open strings.

For example, you can find the E from the first string 5 frets higher on the second string.

And another 4 frets higher on the third string (9^th fret).

And another 5 frets higher on the fourth string (14^th fret).

As you learn the fretboard in multiple ways, you start to create a network of connections in your brain, allowing you to more quickly recall what note is on what fret.

Have fun learning the fretboard!

Keep making music!