Start with E A D G B E
A guitar in standard tuning has the open strings E2, A2, D3, G3, B3, and E4, ordered from the thickest string to the thinnest. The string nearest your face while holding the guitar normally is the low E string.
Each fret raises a note by one semitone, also called a half step. Two frets make a whole step. The 12th fret repeats the open string’s note name one octave higher, giving you a useful landmark on every string.
Use the natural notes as landmarks
The musical alphabet is A B C D E F G, then back to A. B to C and E to F are each one semitone apart. The other neighboring natural notes are two semitones apart, leaving a sharp or flat between them.
On the low E string, the first fret is F, the third G, the fifth A, and the seventh B. Learn those landmarks and work out the notes between them. The high E string repeats the same note names two octaves higher.
A practical fretboard memorization routine
- Say all six open-string names without looking at the chart.
- Pick one string and locate its natural notes between the nut and fret 5. Count half steps when you need to.
- Use the Foundation fretboard quiz for notes on frets 0–5. Read the string and fret label, then choose the note name.
- Enable Include sharps when the natural notes feel familiar. Challenge expands the quiz through fret 12, including open strings.
Sharps, flats, and the same guitar pitch
A sharp raises a natural note by one semitone; a flat lowers it by one semitone. In the tuning used here, A♯ and B♭ name the same pitch. Tonorino’s chromatic answers use sharps, so select A♯ if you recognize the pitch as B♭.
Knowing the notes also helps you understand chord roots and find movable shapes. Combine fretboard practice with the guitar chord quiz to connect names with the shapes you play.
Guitar notes in standard tuning, from thickest to thinnest string
| String | Open | Fret 3 | Fret 5 | Fret 7 | Fret 12 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 · low E | E2 | G2 | A2 | B2 | E3 |
| 5 · A | A2 | C3 | D3 | E3 | A3 |
| 4 · D | D3 | F3 | G3 | A3 | D4 |
| 3 · G | G3 | B♭3 | C4 | D4 | G4 |
| 2 · B | B3 | D4 | E4 | F♯4 | B4 |
| 1 · high E | E4 | G4 | A4 | B4 | E5 |
Common questions
What are the guitar strings from low to high?
In standard tuning they are E A D G B E. String 6 is low E, and string 1 is high E.
Why does fret 12 have the same note name as the open string?
Twelve semitone steps make an octave. The pitch is higher, but the note name repeats.
Does this fretboard quiz support alternate tunings?
The current exercise uses standard E A D G B E tuning. It does not change the fretboard to alternate tunings.
Make it a little daily habit.
Put the guide into practice with ten questions and feedback after every answer.
Practice fretboard notes