Guitar Notes Chart

Learn all guitar notes on the fretboard. Master note positions, patterns, and improve your sight-reading.

Guitar Fretboard Notes
All notes from open strings to the 12th fret
FretString 6String 5String 4String 3String 2String 1
OpenEADGBE
1FA#/BbD#/EbG#/AbCF
2F#/GbBEAC#/DbF#/Gb
3GCFA#/BbDG
4G#/AbC#/DbF#/GbBD#/EbG#/Ab
5ADGCEA
6A#/BbD#/EbG#/AbC#/DbFA#/Bb
7BEADF#/GbB
8CFA#/BbD#/EbGC
9C#/DbF#/GbBEG#/AbC#/Db
10DGCFAD
11D#/EbG#/AbC#/DbF#/GbA#/BbD#/Eb
12EADGBE
The 12th fret marks one octave above the open strings. Notes repeat from here.
Alternative Tunings
Popular guitar tunings and their open string notes

standard Tuning

EADGBE

drop D Tuning

DADGBE

open G Tuning

DGDGBD

open D Tuning

DADF#AD

dadgad Tuning

DADGAD
How to Learn Guitar Notes

1. Start with Open Strings

Memorize the open string notes first: E, A, D, G, B, E. Use mnemonics like "Eddie Ate Dynamite, Good Bye Eddie" for standard guitar tuning.

2. Learn Natural Notes First

Focus on natural notes (A, B, C, D, E, F, G) before learning sharps and flats. These appear at specific fret positions across all strings.

3. Use Octave Patterns

Notes repeat at the 12th fret. Once you know the first 12 frets, you know the entire fretboard!

4. Practice with Scales

Learn major scales in different positions. This helps you see note relationships and patterns.

The Musical Alphabet
Understanding note names and enharmonic equivalents

Natural Notes

ABCDEFG

Enharmonic Equivalents

C# = DbD# = EbF# = GbG# = AbA# = Bb

Note: There is no sharp/flat between B-C and E-F

Note Identification Quiz
Test your knowledge

Practice identifying notes on the fretboardwith our interactive quiz.

Scale Patterns
Learn scales visually

See how scales map across the guitar with highlighted note positions.

Chord Finder
Find any chord

Use our chord finder to see how chords relate to the notes you've learned.

Why Learn Guitar Notes?

Understanding guitar notes is fundamental to becoming a proficient player. Knowing the fretboard unlocks the ability to play scales anywhere on the neck, find chord voicings, and improvise freely.

Benefits of Learning Notes

  • Read music and tabs more efficiently
  • Understand music theory and chord construction
  • Improvise and create your own music
  • Communicate better with other musicians
  • Learn songs faster and more accurately

How Long Does It Take to Learn Guitar Notes?

With consistent practice, most students can learn basic guitar notes in 2-4 weeks. Focus on the first 5 frets initially, then expand up the neck. Daily practice of just 10-15 minutes will yield significant results.