Guitar Fretboard Notes by String (E, A, D, G, B, E)
Guitar Fretboard Notes by String
This guide breaks down guitar fretboard notes by string in standard tuning (E A D G B E). Instead of memorising everything at once, you’ll learn anchor notes on each string so you can find notes faster and build fretboard confidence.
🎸 📋 Standard tuning reminder (E A D G B E)
- 6th string: E
- 5th string: A
- 4th string: D
- 3rd string: G
- 2nd string: B
- 1st string: E
Main page: Guitar Fretboard Explained | Reference chart: Guitar Fretboard Notes Chart
🎼 Anchor Notes by String (Fast Memorisation Method)
Anchor notes are “landmarks” you learn first. The best anchors are the frets many guitarists use constantly: open, 3rd, 5th, 7th, 10th, 12th. After 12th fret, notes repeat in the same pattern.
🎸 6th string (Low E) – anchor notes
- Open: E
- 1st fret: F
- 3rd fret: G
- 5th fret: A
- 7th fret: B
- 8th fret: C
- 10th fret: D
- 12th fret: E
Why this string matters: Many common chords and riffs use roots on the low E string.
🎸 5th string (A) – anchor notes
- Open: A
- 2nd fret: B
- 3rd fret: C
- 5th fret: D
- 7th fret: E
- 8th fret: F
- 10th fret: G
- 12th fret: A
Why this string matters: Many chord roots and scale patterns are built from the A string.
🎸 4th string (D) – anchor notes
- Open: D
- 2nd fret: E
- 3rd fret: F
- 5th fret: G
- 7th fret: A
- 9th fret: B
- 10th fret: C
- 12th fret: D
Tip: Use this string to quickly find chord tones for many open chords.
🎸 3rd string (G) – anchor notes
- Open: G
- 2nd fret: A
- 4th fret: B
- 5th fret: C
- 7th fret: D
- 9th fret: E
- 10th fret: F
- 12th fret: G
Note: The G string is a common reference string for melody notes in chord shapes.
🎸 2nd string (B) – anchor notes
- Open: B
- 1st fret: C
- 3rd fret: D
- 5th fret: E
- 6th fret: F
- 8th fret: G
- 10th fret: A
- 12th fret: B
Beginner tip: B–C has no sharp/flat note between it (same idea as E–F).
🎸 1st string (High E) – anchor notes
- Open: E
- 1st fret: F
- 3rd fret: G
- 5th fret: A
- 7th fret: B
- 8th fret: C
- 10th fret: D
- 12th fret: E
Tip: The 1st string has the same note names as the low E string, just higher pitch.
🎸 ⚙️ 5-minute daily fretboard drill (simple + effective)
- Pick one string (today’s focus string).
- Say the note names out loud at: open, 3rd, 5th, 7th, 10th, 12th.
- Find the same note in a new place (use your main fretboard page for help).
- Repeat with a different note letter (A, C, D, E, or G).
- Finish by quizzing yourself on 5 random frets.
Learning plan: How to Memorise the Guitar Fretboard
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Disclaimer: This page provides general educational information about guitar fretboard notes. It does not replace professional music instruction.