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→Fret Maps/Chord Charts
== Fret Maps/Chord Charts ==
I may also use ''<u>fretboard maps'' </u> and ''<u>chord charts''</u>. These take the below form, very similar to tablature (or tab):
{|
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Each '''horizontal line''' of text represents a string, like tab. The strings are divided by '''vertical bars''', which represent the physical frets. (You fret "behind" the fret like in the maps above; see [[Basic Technique]].) The last '''line of text with a number''' may or may not be present. It specifies the [[Position|position]] to use. Only one number is used; it alone is sufficient. All frets to the right are simply +1 fret. Since fretboard maps and chord charts are patterns that can be used on any group of frets on the guitar, they are not necessarily tied to any particular fret numbers, which is where their power lies (example 3 can be used on any group of 4 frets).
In the above examples, the ''0th fret'' is sometimes marked. This means play the open string. This is more common for scale patterns than chord charts. Chord charts can use open strings, even if you fretting far away from the open strings. Thus, open strings are often marked to the left of the leftmost fret, as in examples 2 and 4 above.
The first figure is a ''<u>fretboard map'' </u> or ''<u>scale map/chart/pattern''</u>. The '''o''''s represent frets on that string that are part of whatever scale is being illustrated. The '''x''''s are possible root notes for the given scale (symmetric scales have the same patterns for multiple roots). The '''*''''s indicate something special explained below, but often refer to a doubled note between the 2nd and 3rd strings that can technically be played in either location but is preferred to be played in the other position (ie - ignore the *'s). These maps are a more compact way than tab to demonstrate the fretboard pattern of a particular scale.
The other examples are ''<u>chord charts''</u>. '''''You may notice my chord charts don't look like traditional chord charts, where the strings run vertically and frets horizontally.''''' I find that a bit confusing, especially when interspersed with tab. Mine are consistent with tab and how one typically views the fretboard - horizontal strings and vertical frets. It may take a second to get used to it if you are accustomed to traditional chord charts. Another advantage of keeping consistent dimensions is that we can see exactly how chord shapes and scales intersect.
Chord charts and scale maps represent almost the exact same thing, except scale maps indicate every member note of the scale, including multiple on the same string, while chord charts indicate only one note per string, which is necessary for the marked notes to be played simultaneously. (Occasionally, however, I'll use more than one note on a single string in a chord chart to indicate either note can be used.) Additionally, chord charts are commonly marked with letters (o, i, m, r, p, t) instead of x's and r's to indicate how to finger each note.