How to Read Guitar Diagrams, Tablature, and the Staff
Fretboard Diagram: A very common form of Guitar Notation where each of the vertical lines represents a Guitar String. The horizontal lines represent the frets. The finger to be used is simply written in arabic numerals on a specific string line. Sometimes, the exact finger to be used will not be specified. In that case, a simple black dot is used. See Examples below. Click on diagram to hear how it sounds.
Vertical Fretboard Diagram with String Names

This Chart is often used to display chord shapes and/or fingerings, and scale fingerings. You read it as if you stood the guitar up and turned the fretboard to be directly facing you.

In this example, you would place your 2nd finger (middle finger) directly behind the 2nd fret on the "D" String (Fourth string.) Click on diagram to hear.
Horizontal Fretboard Diagram with String Names

This Chart is most often used to show scale patterns or fingerings. In this example you would place your 3rd finger behind the 3rd fret on the "B" String (second string.) Click to hear.

Below is an extended version of the fretboard displaying up to the 15th fret. Take note of the double dots found at the 12th fret. In this example, you would place your 3rd finger (ring finger) behind the 3rd fret on the "A" String (Fifth String.) Click to hear.
Extended Horizontal Fretboard Diagram with String Names
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