Updated 7/22/24
The guitar fretboard or “fingerboard” is the part of the guitar where all of the metal frets are placed.
The fretboard is used by holding down the strings against each fret and then either picking or strumming some, or all of the strings.
The vibrating motion of the string against the metal frets create the sounds of different musical notes.
The fretboard of a modern guitar is made up of a number of pieces and it’s important for guitar players to know which piece is which, as well as learn ways to develop memorization of the fretboard notes.
The fretboard is usually a piece of wood that sticks out from the body of the guitar, and is also referred entirely as the “neck” of the guitar.
In this beginner guitar lesson we'll go over everything you need to know about guitar fretboard notes and the anatomy of the neck.
Guitar Fretboard Anatomy
At the very top of the guitar is the headstock, where all of the strings are tied up on a post, but right below that is the nut. 
The guitar nut is the piece of the guitar where the strings run through to get to the headstock.
The nut of the guitar is a vital piece of the hardware since it holds each string in place and can affect the tuning and playability of a guitar.
A nut that is too small or too big in its cavity can result in a guitar that can feel difficult to press down - high action.
A nut that is too deep can result in the strings being too low and that will cause rattling.
A poor nut can contribute guitar tuning issues, strings fretting out or the aforementioned string buzz.
Next on the fretboard are the frets themselves.
The frets are metal strips that are slotted into the wooden part of the board.
You press the strings down onto the fretboard between these frets to make musical notes or guitar chords.
The distance between one fret to the next will vary as you ascend, or go higher in pitch.
For example, since guitars are constructed so that the lower notes are closer to the nut, this means that as you move toward the body of the guitar on the fretboard, the notes you play will sound higher-pitched.
This is because the length of the vibrating string is getting shorter each time you hold down a fret, moving toward the body.
A three foot piece of vibrating steel string will sound lower than a 1 foot piece of vibrating string.
The same applies to guitar strings.
The fretboard itself can be a separate piece of wood that sits on top of the neck wood.
Popular wood combinations are a neck made of maple, and rosewood fingerboard.
But it’s also common for the entire neck and fingerboard to be entirely one piece of wood.
This is all great information if you ever plan to build a parts guitar.
Another great way to learn the fretboard is to practice your guitar scales with the Guitar Tricks Scale Finder
If you’re learning how to play guitar, you’re probably also wondering what the small dots or marks on the guitar fretboard are.
There are usually 20 or more frets on a guitar and most guitars will have markers on the 3, 5, 7, 9 and 12th frets.
These markers help guitar players move around the fretboard without having to count the frets!
They’re a simple visual cue for helping one move across the neck and find the correct note.
Why Learn Guitar Fretboard Notes?
It’s important to know the guitar fretboard because that’s where all of the notes are, and if a guitarist can easily identify different notes of the board, then they’re in great shape.
It’s also important for a guitar player to understand the anatomy of their instrument so that they can easily troubleshoot any issues they’re having while playing.
If a guitar is tuned to the standard E tuning, this means that the playing the open E string is an E note.
But we also know, from the power of basic guitar music theory, that the first fret of the low E string is an F note, and that the fifth fret of that same string is an A, etc.
There are a number of great ways to learn and memorize the fretboard notes.
FAQ
How do you memorize notes on a fretboard?
Memorizing notes on the fretboard can be done by breaking it down into smaller sections, like focusing on one string at a time, and using mnemonic devices or patterns. Regular practice and visual aids, like fretboard diagrams, can also help reinforce your memory.
What are the notes on a guitar fretboard?
The notes on a guitar fretboard repeat every 12 frets and include all the natural notes (A, B, C, D, E, F, G) and their sharps/flats. Each string starts with a different note, with the low E string starting at E, and so on.
How to tell what fret a note is on?
To tell what fret a note is on, you can use the musical alphabet and count up from the open string, remembering that each fret represents a half step. Learning the notes on the open strings and the fifth and seventh frets as reference points can make this easier.
How to read guitar notes for beginners?
Reading guitar notes for beginners involves understanding standard notation and tablature (tabs). Tabs show the strings and frets to play, while standard notation indicates pitch and rhythm. Starting with simple melodies and practicing regularly helps in getting comfortable with both.
How can I learn guitar notes easily?
Learning guitar notes easily can be done by practicing scales and simple songs, using fretboard diagrams, and focusing on one string or one section of the fretboard at a time. Consistent practice and using mnemonic devices to remember note positions also help.
What should be the first chords to learn on guitar?
The first chords to learn on guitar are usually the open chords like G, C, D, E, Em, A, and Am. These chords are easy to play and are the building blocks for many songs.
What is the easiest way to memorize guitar chords?
The easiest way to memorize guitar chords is through regular practice and repetition. Playing songs that use the chords you are learning helps, as does visualizing the chord shapes and practicing chord transitions.
What is the hardest beginner chord on the guitar?
The hardest beginner chord on the guitar is often considered to be the F major chord. It requires a barre technique that can be challenging for new players to master.
What is the easiest guitar chord to play for beginners?
The easiest guitar chord to play for beginners is typically the E minor (Em) chord. It only requires two fingers and is easy to switch to and from other chords.
What is the easiest genre of guitar to learn?
The easiest genre of guitar to learn is often considered to be folk or pop music. These genres frequently use simple chord progressions and strumming patterns that are beginner-friendly.
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