When someone says to play a scale in a certain key how do we know where on the fretboard the specific key is on. For example, if the key is in C how do I know the root note could be 3rd fret fifth string and not 5th fret 3rd string?
Key knowledge
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#1
Originally Posted by:
noahwalford7
When someone says to play a scale in a certain key how do we know where on the fretboard the specific key is on. For example, if the key is in C how do I know the root note could be 3rd fret fifth string and not 5th fret 3rd string?
Good question. It has several possible answers depending on the context.
In general, this is indicated by music notation (sheet music) or tablature. The C notes you mention are an octave apart & shown that way in graphic representation like this:
This tutorial covers the basics of reading music notation.
https://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial/271/
Because you can play the same note in more than one place on the guitar, tablature is especially helpful, but you can also add fretboard position to the sheet music to indicate this (the Roman Numerals above the staff.
Finally if you know a piece of music is in C major, but you don't have sheet music or are just told to improvise, then any C major scale pattern is fine, but it would be helpful to know how your part fits into the music. You might play it in a lower register if it's a rhythm or supporting part. But you'd pick a higher register if it's a lead melodic part that is supposed to stand out or be featured.
I have beginner tutorials on the C major scale here.
https://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial/363/
And this tutorial covers more intermediate levels.
https://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial/453/
And these cover more advanced major scale patterns covering the fretboard.
https://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial/2643/
Hope that helps!
Christopher Schlegel
Guitar Tricks Instructor
Christopher Schlegel Lesson Directory
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"how do we know where on the fretboard the specific key is on. For example, if the key is in C how do I know the root note could be 3rd fret fifth string and not 5th fret 3rd string?"
Whilst everything Schlegal said is correct (of course)
a simple answer is:
The "and not" part is erroneous assumption on your part.
Key doesn't change depending on how low or high the particular C is.
(so it doesn't matter at all which C you choose)
(beyond your own aesthetic preference)
They 're both Cs.
(it's just that one is C3 and the other is C4)
The choice of what C you choose is the same thing as deciding if you want to sing high like John Mayer; or lower like Muddy Waters or whatever.
My advice:
Don't concern your self with trying to understand this at this point.
Just absorb music theory lessons about scales and song keys and eventually it'll make more sense to you.
(Trust the process: absorb... apply... understand)
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