One note, several addresses
The E on the 1st line can be played on the 4th string at fret 2, the 5th string at fret 7 and the 6th string at fret 12. The score writes the same notehead for all of them. You decide, unless a circle or a Roman numeral tells you.
Where else does this note live on the neck?
Tap a line or a space.
To find the same note an octave higher: two strings up and two frets forward. If the path crosses the 2nd string (B), it’s three frets.
Fifth position
Finger 1 at fret 5, covering frets 5 to 8. It’s the most used position after the first: high notes on the 1st string without losing the middle range. A lot of classical guitar music lives here.A lot of guitar solos, from rock to jazz, live here.
Natural notes in fifth position
How to choose a position
- Look at the whole phrase: its lowest and highest notes.
- Pick the position that covers the most notes without jumping.
- Shift positions on long notes, open strings or rests.
- If the phrase sits on the staff and above, try fifth or seventh position.
Quick check
Get every answer right to finish. Mistakes are part of it: read the explanation and try again.
1. Besides the 4th string at fret 2, the E on the 1st line can be played on the:
2. A V above the staff means:
3. The same note can appear on the neck in: