Lesson 7 - Fret Notes
In the previous lesson, we learned to play the chords we have learnt using different strumming patterns. If you have not done the previous lesson, we advise you start there.
Its worth refering back to it every now and again to jog your memory.
And Remember, take the lessons at your own speed, there is no rush, good luck!
What's involved in this lesson?
This lesson looks at the notes on each string. Try to learn how to work out where any note is
Contents:The E (low) and A Strings
The D and G Strings
The B and E (high) Strings
Summary
The E (low) and A Strings
We refer to these two strings as the bottom 2 strings because they are the lowest in pitch. These strings are the closest to you, and the furthest from the floor, they are also the thickest strings.
Take a look at the diagram:
The notes of each fret for strings E and A have been placed for you.
Note that # = Sharp and b = flat.
Lets take C# for example (A string, fret 4). Notice how it is the same note as Db... this means you can call it by either name. To get from C# to D you have to move one note up (or one fret up). Moving up or down single note (or fret) is moving a semi-tone. To get from D to E you have to move 2 notes (or 2 frets). This is called a tone.
Tones and semi-tones are common language in music and are worth remembering. Just remember: semi-tone = one note, tone = 2 notes.
If we look at the space between B and C as well as between E and F, you will notice they do not have a sharp or flat between them. These are the only exceptions to the pattern.
By looking at the diagram, ask yourself what comes after G#? You don't have to remember them all off by heart... yet! But make sure you can work out where certain notes are by remembering 1 or 2 (it's handy to remember where A is on the E string, and where D is on the A string - both in fret 5!).
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The D and G Strings
Now, an easy way of learning the notes on strings D and G is remembering a pattern. By knowing the notes on low string E (learnt in previous diagram) you can work out the notes on string D. And by using the same method... if you know what notes are on string A, you can work out what notes are on string G.
Look at this diagram:
You will notice that string D, fret 5 is the same note as string E, fret 3 (the note is G). String D, fret 6 is the same as low string E, fret 4 (the note is G# or Ab). See the pattern? If you take string A, fret 7 for example. This is the same as string G, fret 9 (this note is E).
See if you can work out some more on your own. Check the diagram to see if you are right.
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The B and E (high) Strings
Look at this diagram:
Learning the notes on the high E string should be easy. If you have already learnt the notes on the low E string, then you're in luck, they are the same.
The difference between these notes is that they are two octaves apart. An octave is the 12th note up from the starting note. For example, count 12 notes up from the low E string; F, F#/Gb, G, G#/Ab, A, A#/Bb, B, C, C#/Db, D, D#/Eb, E. So you should find another E note on the 12 fret of either E string. That's an octave.
The B-string is a little trickier. I am unaware of an easy pattern. So to work out the notes, you simply start at B and work your way up to fret 12 which should be B again (an octave higher). For example: B (open), C (fret 1), C#/Db (fret 2), D (fret 3) etc...
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To summarise:
- Try to get to the point where you can work out where any note is on any string. What note is on fret 3, D string? It's F.
- Try to grasp the concept of tones and semi-tones.
- Try to understand what an octave is.
When you feel you are able to work out where any note is take a look at lesson 8.
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