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e f g a b c d e
Figure 1 shows all the notes in the C major scale on the first stringup to the 12th fret. In the C major scale, E is the third note. Remember the C major scale is comprised of the following semi/whole tones-half tone pattern: whole, whole, semihalf, whole, whole, whole, semihalf (w w h w w w h). The 1st string begins with the semitone between the 3rd and 4th note - that's the -0--1- sequence. Now we're on the 4th note, F. From here there are 3 whole tones: -1--3--5--7-, which represent the 4th, 5th, 6th, and 7th notes of the scale; in this case, F G A B. The 8th fret gets us back to C. C D E (-8--10--12-) shows the first two whole steps of the C major scale. And this gets us back to our original note, E.
'''Notice that the 12th fret is the octave of the open string. All the patterns for the fretboard from open position to the 12th fret will repeat from the 12th fret to the 24th.''' == Working up the Fretboard ==When we shift position to a higher fret, this is often called ''moving up the fretboard'', particularly when we do so inside a single lick or run. Similarly, shifting positions downwards is ''moving down the fretboard''. In this sense, '''up means towards the bridge''', or towards the higher frets. '''Down means towards the nut''', or towards the lower frets.
Let's do a little exercise:
Figure 2 has you playing 3 notes per position ascending in the C major scale. The position is written under the tab, and each group of notes is spread out for clarity. Let's analyze how to play each position:
=== Open Position ===
fig. 3
e--0--1--3-
This should be simple enough. The first note is open. Then fret the first fret with your index finger and third fret with your third finger.
=== First Position ===
fig. 4
e--1--3--5-
This will be the most difficult for you as a beginner. Your pinky will be weak, and it will be difficult to stretch your index and middle fingers to transition cleanly from the first to third frets. Just rough through it. If need be, it may be simpler to position your hand as though it is in 2nd position, then use the index finger to reach back to the first fret, rather than comfortably fretting the first fret, then stretching for the middle and pinky fingers. Also, at this point, don't be overly concerned about keeping your left hand perfectly in a particular position; let it slide up the fretboard a little as you play the notes. Also, don't get discouraged if it's difficult to get your pinky to fret the string with good technique as described in the basic technique lesson. Just move on for now - it will take time to develop good technique.
=== Third Position ===
This is a repeat of first position basically. But notice how the fret spacing is already quite a bit smaller, and it is easier to play.
=== Fifth Position ===
fig. 5
e--5--7--8-
We're back to something a bit easier: index, ring, pinky over a span of only 4, not 5, frets. Notice how the 8th fret C resolves the tension from the previous two positions.
=== Seventh Position ===
fig. 6
e--7--8--10
Another easy one: index, middle, pinky over 4 frets.
=== Eighth Position ===
Another repeat of the fingerings/stretches from 1st and 3rd position. Now it's much easier being so high on the fretboard. 5 frets here are less space than 4 frets in 4th position. Still, focusing on getting your fingers in the best spots on the frets may be a bit awkward. That's ok - practice makes perfect.
=== Tenth Position ===
A repeat of fifth position - nothing too special here.