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The Mechanics of Fretting Notes

Open string notes are indicated on tablature notation by the number zero "0" on the appropriate string. In this case, make sure to keep your fretting hand clear of the string so you don't mute it. You want to have your hand hovering or arched slightly over the string prepared to play the next note.

Fretted string notes are used far more often than open string notes. Fretted string notes are indicated on tablature notation by any number other than zero! When you play a fretted note, place the very tip of your finger right behind the appropriate fret (as the music notation indicates). It is important to use the tip of your finger. Beginners find their fingers can be tender & occassionally are tempted to use the pads of their fingers. With time (and dedicated practice!) your fingertips will harden with callouses. It takes time, be patient. It is worth it.

From the last knuckle of your finger to the fingertip, arch your finger so it is pointing straight down into the string & fretboard. This will give you the most leverage & power. In addition, your fingertip should be right behind the fret you are playing. Don't place your fingertip on top of the fret! You will get a muted sound right on top of the fret. Also, don't place your finger too far behind the fret. In that case you won't get enough leverage & you will be making it too hard on yourself. Right behind the fret is the best location.

In general, you should assign one finger to a fret. Start with your index finger on the first fret, your middle on the second fret, and your ring finger on the third fret. This is known as first postion.

When you play a note on the first fret, keep your index finger in place on that first fret. Then use your middle finger to play a note on the second fret. Notice that leaving your index finger on the first fret gives you added leverage. In addition you will not be wasting effort by removing it. Also, if the music calls for a return to the note on the first fret you are already in position to play it! The point is to take an overview of the music you are playing to get an idea of the most efficient way of dealing with it.

When you play any given fretted note you also want to arch your finger so you don't mute any adjacent strings that should be able to ring clearly. Sometimes it is desirable to mute strings on other strings. But that is a topic for later and more advanced playing skills.

Your thumb should be placed directly opposite your fingers on the back of the neck. Your thumb should provide just enough pressure to keep your hand firmly in place on the neck and opposing pressure to help your fingers hold down any fretted notes. Sometimes beginners squeeze too hard with their thumb and, or their fingers. Actually, this is sometimes a problem for some skilled guitarists, too! Remember that you want just enough pressure to get the job done. Not enough pressure will result in a poor sounding chord. But too much pressure is wasted effort and can over time hinder your ability to move quickly and effectively to the next chord or hand position.

Next are a few thoughts on your picking hand. If you intend to play classical you should learn to play with your fingernails (or at least your fingertips!). And use all your fingers; not just your thumb or index finger! You can play the beginner examples with a pick but subsequent classical lessons might require using more fingers and might not be possible with only a pick.

There are two video lessons on this page. Make sure to scroll down the page and watch both!

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Key:

Style: All Styles

Focus: Reference

Difficulty: Absolute Beginner

This is the second video on the mechanics of fretting notes.

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