GUITAR
FRETBOARD MAPPING : LIKE A RETRO VIDEO GAME | David Harsh
How do we effectively navigate our way around the entire guitar fretboard ?
Let me share an analogy with you . In the mid-1980s , when I was about 10 years old , I discovered computer adventure games . Remember the 5¼ ” floppy disk ? That was my ticket to becoming a digital hero for the first time . Whether I was saving a princess in a distant land or finding lost treasure in underground caverns , I found it super helpful to draw complete maps of these games so I could know where the obstacles and traps were , and so I could retrace my steps . These maps saved me a ton of time , and I won all those games because I had the maps .
My approach to the guitar fretboard is a lot like that . Can I give you a window into how I ’ ve mapped it out ? Game on .
My background in piano has taught me that in the 12-tone scale , there are 7 white notes and 5 black notes , for a total of 12 . The guitar notes repeat every 12 frets , so if we just take , for example , the 6 th string , we can map it out and see that there are “ black and white ” notes that match up to the piano . If we know the musical alphabet , which ends on G , we can even locate those notes on the map . I ’ m providing a map of the 6 th string here for your reference .
As you can see , the “ black and white ” notes can be referenced on the guitar neck , even though they are invisible to the untrained eye . The natural “ white ” notes from open E to 12 th fret E are : E , F , G , A , B , C , D , and E . This is a scale known as the E Phrygian Mode .
If I want to identify the “ black ” notes , I can do that as well . These sharps or flats , depending on context , can be found in groups of 3 and 2 . On the 6 th string , the group of 3 black notes is on frets 2 , 4 , and 6 . The group of 2 black notes can be found on frets 9 and 11 .
Mapping these “ black and white ” notes gives us a clear view of all 12 notes of the 12-tone scale on the 6 th string . And this mapping process will save us a ton of time .
Now , if you ’ re a gamer , you know the term “ gamespace .” It ’ s the virtual space within which a video game takes place . This fretboard is our gamespace . And a map is essential , because it guides us as we create music , not by accident , but on purpose .
Having an understanding of how the notes are all laid out like this for all 6 strings can empower us with scales , arpeggios , chords , capo positions , and so much more .
So , take this approach and get to know the notes on your fretboard . Each note of the 12- tone scale appears only once on each string from open to the 11 th fret . Try finding the appearance of a single note , like the note C – on the 8 th fret of the 6 th string . Try going up and down on a single string , naming all the notes as you play . This strategy leads to musical fluency in a way that could unlock the guitar for you .
If you want to watch a dynamic and fun 5-minute video version of this teaching article , please visit www . GuitarSuccess4U . com / Fretboard while the lesson is available to watch ( it ’ s only up for a limited time !)
Keep playing ! I hope to see you in the next level !
6 E
1 F 2
3 G 4
5 A
6
7 B
8 C 9
10 D 11
12 E
If I omit the high 12 th fret E , I ’ ve labeled 7 unique “ white ” notes , which are available on the 6 th string on frets 0 , 1 , 3 , 5 , 7 , 8 , and 10 .
© 2004 , Three Strands Music . Used by permission . All rights reserved .
David Harsh David Harsh is a nationally touring worship leader , songwriter , and performing artist . He is passionate about equipping guitarists to take their playing to the next level . Learn more and join at www . GuitarSuccess4U . com .