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Guitar Fretboard Notes

Master every note on the guitar neck with this interactive fretboard diagram. The complete 24-fret reference chart.

Interactive Fretboard Diagram

E
B
G
D
A
E
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24

Standard Tuning: E A D G B E • Click any note to highlight it

How to Read This Fretboard Diagram

Understanding the Layout

  • Horizontal lines = Guitar strings (top is highest pitch E, bottom is lowest E)
  • Vertical lines = Frets (numbered 0-24)
  • Fret 0 = Open string (no fingers pressed)
  • Each fret = One semitone higher than the previous

Quick Reference Points

  • Fret 5: Same note as the next higher open string*
  • Fret 7: Perfect 5th above the open string
  • Fret 12: Octave (same note, higher pitch)
  • *Exception: G string to B string is fret 4

String Note Reference Table

StringOpen (Fret 0)5th Fret12th Fret
1 (High E)EAE
2BEB
3GCG
4DGD
5ADA
6 (Low E)EAE

How to Memorize the Fretboard

Learning the notes on the guitar fretboard is one of the best investments you can make for your musicianship. Here are proven techniques:

  1. Learn the Open Strings: E, A, D, G, B, E. Use the mnemonic "Eddie Ate Dynamite, Good Bye Eddie".
  2. Master the 12th Fret: It's an octave repeat. Once you know frets 0-11, you know 12-24.
  3. Use Octave Shapes: The same note appears in predictable patterns (2 frets up, 2 strings down).
  4. Practice One String at a Time: Learn all natural notes (A, B, C, D, E, F, G) on the low E string first.

Pro Tip: The CAGED System

The CAGED system uses 5 chord shapes (C, A, G, E, D) to map the entire fretboard. Each shape connects to the next, giving you a roadmap for scales and chords across the neck.

Practice Tools

Use these interactive tools to reinforce your fretboard knowledge:

Scale VisualizerChord Finder

Frequently Asked Questions

How many notes are on a guitar fretboard?

A standard 6-string guitar with 24 frets has 150 note positions (6 strings × 25 positions including open strings). However, there are only 12 unique notes that repeat in different octaves.

What are the notes on each guitar string?

In standard tuning (EADGBE), the open strings from lowest to highest are: E (6th), A (5th), D (4th), G (3rd), B (2nd), and E (1st). Each fret moves up one semitone.

How do I memorize the guitar fretboard?

Start with the open strings and natural notes (no sharps/flats). Learn the 5th fret rule (each string's 5th fret = next open string, except G→B is 4th fret). Use the 12th fret octave rule—notes repeat after fret 12.

Why do the fret markers matter?

Fret markers at 3, 5, 7, 9, 12, 15, 17, 19, 21, 24 help you navigate quickly. The 12th fret (double dot) is especially important—it's one octave higher than the open string.

What is the 12th fret rule?

The 12th fret is exactly one octave (12 semitones) above the open string. The note pattern repeats identically from frets 12-24 as it does from frets 0-12.