The open strings
From thickest to thinnest: E, A, D, G, B, E. The thinnest is the 1st string, the thickest the 6th. A classic way to remember (6th to 1st): Eddie Ate Dynamite, Good Bye Eddie.
C, D, E, F, G, A, B in first position
The first scale almost every guitarist learns. Each fret uses the finger with the same number: fret 1 index, fret 2 middle, fret 3 ring.
| Note | |
|---|---|
| C | 5th string, fret 3 (ring finger) |
| D | 4th string open |
| E | 4th string, fret 2 (middle) |
| F | 4th string, fret 3 (ring) |
| G | 3rd string open |
| A | 3rd string, fret 2 (middle) |
| B | 2nd string open |
| C | 2nd string, fret 1 (index) |
The rule to find any note
Each fret is a half step. Between natural notes there is always a whole step (two frets), except between E and F and between B and C, which are one fret apart. On the 6th string: open E, fret 1 F, 3 G, 5 A, 7 B, 8 C. At fret 12 the open string's note repeats, one octave higher.
Natural notes on every string, up to fret 12
| String | open | frets of the natural notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 E | E | 1: F · 3: G · 5: A · 7: B · 8: C · 10: D · 12: E |
| 2 B | B | 1: C · 3: D · 5: E · 6: F · 8: G · 10: A · 12: B |
| 3 G | G | 2: A · 4: B · 5: C · 7: D · 9: E · 10: F · 12: G |
| 4 D | D | 2: E · 3: F · 5: G · 7: A · 9: B · 10: C · 12: D |
| 5 A | A | 2: B · 3: C · 5: D · 7: E · 8: F · 10: G · 12: A |
| 6 E | E | 1: F · 3: G · 5: A · 7: B · 8: C · 10: D · 12: E |
Once you know the notes, the next step is the guitar chord chart. For other instruments, see notes on each instrument.
🎹 Chords: chord notes chart · piano chords · guitar chord chart
Frequently asked questions
What are the guitar's open string notes?
From 6th (thickest) to 1st (thinnest): E, A, D, G, B, E.
Where is C on the guitar?
The most used one is on the 5th string, fret 3. There's also one on the 2nd string, fret 1, and on the 6th string, fret 8.
Why is there only one fret between E and F?
Because E and F are a half step apart, like B and C. Other natural notes are a whole step (two frets) apart.