GUITAR FUNDAMENTALS

Notes in the First Position

Whether you read music or not every guitar player needs to know the notes
on the instrument. Youve got to know where a C note is and where an Ab
is.

A position on guitar is the range of 4-5 frets that your hand covers when you play. The position name
comes from what fret your first finger is positioned. If your first finger is on the 1st fret, then you are said to
be playing in the 1st position. If you move your hand to where your first finger is on the 5th fret, then you are
in the 5th position. Positions are often notated in guitar music in roman numerals.

Notes in the First Position
These are the notes in the first position including the open strings.












Sharps #
Every note can be altered - either up one half-step (one fret) or down one half-step (one fret). Sharps raise
up any note one half-step or one fret. In written music the sharp sign (#) appears before the note that is to
be raised. There is not an extra note in between E-F and B-C.
















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Gibsons Learn & Master Guitar with Steve Krenz

begi nner
www.LearnandMaster.com Guitar Fundamentals: Notes in the First Position

Flats b
Flats lower any note one half-step or one fret.

Open String Flat Rule: When flatting an open string go to the next lower string and play the fourth fret
with your fourth finger. The only exception to this rule is the Bb on the third string third fret.













Practice Tips
Say and play the notes ascending and descending.
Start with the Notes in the First Position, then add the Sharps and Flats.
Youve learned them well enough when you can say and play them ascending and descending without
hesitating.

Check out the award winning Gibsons Learn & Master Guitar course at www.LearnAndMaster.com and the
lessons section at www.gibson.com for all the help you need to become the player you want to be!























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Gibsons Learn & Master Guitar with Steve Krenz
Guitar Fundamentals: Notes in the First Position