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Every Each lesson has a '''Q&A section''' for questions where content is confusing or abstract - see [[Site Conventions#Q/A]]. Each lesson will also have a '''homework''' assignment that you can practice - this will be important points that you should know from the lesson, directions to play the examples on the lesson or variations of them, links to exercise pages, or creative challenges for you to work out.
Also, Every lesson has a '''I'm going to assume you are right-handedQ&A section''' for the sake of clarity and brevity. If you are ''left''questions where content is confusing or abstract -handed, anytime you see left in relation to a body or fretboard direction, switch it with right, etc[[Site Conventions#Q/A]]. Anytime you see right-hand, I mean picking hand. Left hand means fretboard handThese can be asked and answered by anybody.
C <-- Chord Name E------0------------------------- <-- thinnest string B------1--------------------0--1- <-- 2nd thinnest G------0--------------0--2------- <-- 3rd thinnest D------2-----0--2--3------------- <-- 3rd thickest A------3--3---------------------- <-- 2nd thickest E-------------------------------- <-- thickest string ^ C D E F G A B C <-- note names tuning <-- time, sequence of notes -->
{|class="wikitable"
! Scale Map !! Open<br>Position<br>chord !! Moveable<br>Chord Shape !colspan="2"| Non-Open<br>Position<br>Chord w/ Open<br>Strings
|-
|
C Pos|o|o|-|o|-| <-- thinnest string|o|x|-|o|-| <-- 2nd thinnest string|o|-|o|-|*| <-- 3rd thinnest string|o|-|o|o|-| <-- 3rd thickest string|o|-|o|x|-| <-- 2nd thickest string|o|o|-|o|-| <-- thickest string ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^| | | | | | 0frets
|
''' ''' C/E
'''E''' o|-|-|-|
'''C''' ||i|-|-|
'''G''' o|-|-|-|
'''E''' ||-|m|-|
'''C''' ||-|-|r|
'''E''' o|-|-|-|
''here's a tip''
|
'''Maj Triad,<br>1st Inv'''
'''3''' |i|-|-|-|
'''R''' |)|m|-|-|
'''5''' |i|-|-|-|
'''3''' |-|-|r|-|
'''R''' |-|-|-|p|
'''3''' |t|-|-|-|
|
''' ''' C#m7
'''E ''' 3|-|-|-|-|
'''B ''' 7|-|-|-|-|
'''C#''' |-|-|R|-|
'''G#''' |-|-|5|-|
'''C#''' |R|-|-|-|
''' ''' |-|-|-|-|
''' ''' 4
|
''' ''' C#m7
'''E ''' o|-|-|-|-|
'''B ''' o|-|-|-|-|
'''C#''' |-|-|p|-|
'''G#''' |-|-|r|-|
'''C#''' |i|-|-|-|
''' ''' |-|-|-|-|
''' ''' 4
|}
Scale maps and chord charts have no temporal alignmentA '''fret number''' indicating [[Position|position]] ''may or may not'' be present under the map, which would indicate a ''specific'' key. They show the Since fretboard maps are patterns that can be used on any group of notes frets on the guitar, they are not necessarily tied to any particular fret numbers, ''which is where their power lies''. The '''o''' 's represent frets on that string that belong to a are part of whatever scale or chord is being illustrated. The '''x''' 's are '''root notes''' for a group (or box) of fretsthe given scale. For chordsThe '''*''' 's indicate ''something special'' explained below, all of but most often refer to a doubled note between the notes are typically 2nd and 3rd strings that can technically be played simultaneously, in either location but could also is preferred to be arpeggiated played in either directionthe other position (ie - ignore the *'s). For scalesThese maps are a ''more compact'' way than tab to demonstrate the '''fretboard pattern''' of a particular scale. Sometimes, I'll use (R, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7) to mark the notes can be played scale degree of each note in ascending or descending order, or in some other the pattern, or even simply used as a reference.
Each ''horizontal line'' of text represents a stringFor more, 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 TechniqueRef: Reading Chord Charts, Scale Maps, and Strumming Notation]].) The ''double vertical bars'' ("||") represent the nut.
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).{{top}}
In the above examples, the ''0th fret'' is sometimes marked. This means play the open string. This is more common == Breadcrumbs ==I like to use breadcrumbs like these 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.easy navigation:
The first figure is a '''fretboard map''' or '''scale map/chart/pattern'''. 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 {{Top- ignore the *'s). These maps are a more compact way than tab to demonstrate the fretboard pattern of a particular scale.Level Crumbs|0}}
The other examples are '''chord charts'''. ''You may notice my chord charts don't look like traditional chord charts, where See more about breadcrumbs on 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[[Site_Conventions#Breadcrumbs|Site_Conventions]] page.
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.{{top}}
Sometimes, I'll want to indicate a chord's root, 3rd, 5th, 7th, 9th (2nd), 11th (4th), or 13th (6th), so I use (R, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7) to mark these directly on the fret/string positions. Usually, however, these appear to the left of the chart, indicating which string plays which part of the chord. Alternatively, if the chord has a set position marked, I may write the actual notes for each string instead.== Related Links ==* [[Site Conventions]]* [[Site Policies]]* [[Main Page]]* [[MAB Wiki:About]]* [[MAB Wiki:General disclaimer]]* [[MAB Wiki:Privacy policy]]
The first map and middle chord chart represent the same scale/chord information as the tab above, but in a more compact form.{{Top-Level Crumbs|0}}
→Chord Charts
{{Top-Level Crumbs|0}}
<small>''[[Site Conventions#Breadcrumbs|^ What the heck are these bubbles?]]''</small>
== About Me ==
Hi, I go by the handle 'am ''''MeAmBobbo''Me Am Bobbo'''. I have played guitar as a ''hobby '' since 1997. While in college, I basically got a minor in music (technically I did not) to learn more about it from the academic side. I'm {{loud|not }} the most prolific or accomplished player by any means, but I definitely know a lot about the instrument. Some friends/family recently picked up playing guitar, so I decided to write out some lessons for them. This led me to create this wiki, which I ''hope '' helps a wider audience.
== About MAB Wiki ==
While there are some good '''youtube series ''' and some nice '''pdf's ''' I've found to help people learn guitar, I wasn't aware of an ''all-encompassing '' '''wiki'''...at least one that was up to the standards I feel the public deserves. And while [http://www.wikipedia.org Wikipedia] and music specific wiki's exist, they are more about the academic nature of music, not '''guided lessons''', and tend to avoid subjective content. Such lessons exist on various sites, but I never found they offered the scope or expandability of what I'm trying to offer here - many are very basic, while others are geared specifically to a certain genre.
My goal here is to provide resources to expand the '''musicianship ''' of all guitarists, and possibly even some non-guitarists, regardless of the style of music you play. I have taken basically everything I know about music, organized it, and presented it in an incremental fashion, centered around playing guitar. Of course, I don't know everything, which is why I chose a wiki format - so others can fill in the gaps or strengthen areas where I am weak.
The lessons are laid out in a way that follows traditional music theory, for the most part. However, I try to make examples based more towards modern popular music, particularly rock and/or jazz.
Again, I am not a guitar master, and I am focusing on the things I know the most about. I feel I can thoroughly cover everything you need to know to become an intermediate musician and composer. I will even cover advanced topics; however, these will likely serve more as a branching off point than an extensive resource.
My main interest musically is '''rock and roll ''' of almost every stripe. Yet I find the most interesting rock musicians incorporate a variety of styles into their music, such as '''jazz, blues, classical, ragtime, funk, and folk'''. I aim to help understand key features in such genres and how to incorporate them into your playing. {{top}}
== Lesson Order ==
Not every lesson is going to click right away. You may need to read through several times or press on and revisit later. Lessons are presented in an order that I feel goes from simple to complex. They are not required to be read in perfect order, so it's possible to jump around; but especially early-on they should be read in order to make more sense. See the [[Contents| Table of Contents]].
{{top}}
== Common Conventions ==
Also, {{loud|I'm going to assume you are right-handed}} for the sake of clarity and brevity. If you are '''left-handed''', anytime you see ''left'' in relation to a body or fretboard direction, switch it with ''right'', etc. Anytime you see ''right'' hand, I mean '''picking hand'''. ''Left'' hand means '''fretboard hand'''. While most of the site is text, I also use '''tables, graphics/images, sound clips, tablature, scale maps, and chord charts ''' to help explain things. I have attempted to ''limit the width or horizontal space that these consume in order to maximize readability across platforms''. Still, '''smartphones ''' using a '''portrait orientation ''' are most likely to have troubles on some of the busier pages. Try switching to '''landscape if ''' where necessary. {{top}}
== Tablature ==
Musical notation is not text friendly, so I will use '''tablature''' in this form:
The ''horizontal lines'' represent the guitar '''strings''', as though you are laying the guitar on your lap, face-up. The thinnest, highest-pitched strings appear above the thicker strings. The ''letters on the left'' indicate the '''tuning ''' used. If they are not present, assume '''standard tuning ''' (more info in [[Tuning and Harmonics]]), which is the same as written above. The ''numbers'' on the strings indicate to play (pick the string of) that note while fretting the indicated fret number (more in [[Basic Technique]]). 0 means don't fret any notes - pick the open string. Tablature, like classical musical notation, is ''temporally aligned'' from left to right. So you play the left-most note(s), then the next one(s) to the right, and so on. In the above example, you would strum an open C major chord across 5 strings, then play the C major scale one note at a time moving from the lowest note to the highest.
The ''numbers'' on the strings indicate to pick that string while fretting the indicated fret number (more in [[Basic Technique]]). 0 means don't fret any notes - pick the open string. You read tablature from left to right, playing the indicated notes in sequence, just like how you read words in a book. When multiple notes appear in the same column (ie. they are vertically aligned), you play them all simultaneously. In the above example, you would strum the 5-note open C major chord, then play the C major scale one note at a time moving from the lowest note to the highest. Here's the exact order of everything you would play: # 5-note open C major chord# C note on 5th string, 3rd fret# D note on 4th string, open# E note on 4th string, 2nd fret# F note on 4th string, 3rd fret# G note on 3rd string, open# A note on 3rd string, 2nd fret# B note on 2nd string, open# C note on 2nd string, 1st fret The "C" above that first chord indicates the '''chord name'''. ''This may or may not always be present''. Similarly, the letters below the last string represent the '''note names''' of the single notes being played. All this will be covered in greater detail later on.
For more detail on tablature, including how more advanced techniques are represented, please see the [[Ref:_Reading_Tab|Reading Tab Reference]] page.
{{top}} == Fret Maps/Chord Charts =='''Chord charts''' are used to display shapes or voicings for certain chords, as well as '''finger patterns'''. These are similar to tab with horizontal strings; however, there are also vertical fret markers. Double vertical bars indicate the '''nut'''. This should visually appear like a group of adjacent '''frets''' for any particular position on the fretboard. On the left, I occasionally display the '''note names'''. '''With Explanatory Text''' '''Normal Appearance''' ''' ''' C <-- chord name ''' ''' C --> '''E''' o|-|-|-| <-- thinnest string '''E''' o|-|-|-| notes --> '''C''' ||i|-|-| <-- 2nd thinnest string '''C''' ||i|-|-| being --> '''G''' o|-|-|-| <-- 3rd thinnest string '''G''' o|-|-|-| played --> '''E''' ||-|m|-| <-- 3rd thickest string '''E''' ||-|m|-| --> '''C''' ||-|-|r| <-- 2nd thickest string '''C''' ||-|-|r| ''' ''' ||-|-|-| <-- thickest string ''' ''' ||-|-|-| ''' ''' ^ ^ ^ ^ ''' ''' | | | | ''' '''nut frets ''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 indicate only one note per string, which is necessary for the marked notes to be played simultaneously. They are commonly marked with letters (o, i, m, r, p, t) to indicate how to finger each note. * '''t''' - thumb* '''i''' - index* '''m''' - middle* '''r''' - ring* '''p''' - pinky* '''o''' - open {{top}} == Fret Maps ==I also use '''scale maps''' (or '''fretboard maps''') and , which display ''all''the notes for a particular scale for 'chord charts'some''position. These take the below formAgain, '''strings''' are ''horizontal'' and '''frets''' are ''vertical'', very similar to tablature (or tab):.
<pre>
</pre>
{||{| class="wikitable"|-! Symbol !! Finger|-| o|| Open|-| i|| Index|-| m|| Middle|-| r|| Ring|-| p|| Pinky|-| t|| Thumb|-| )|| Barre (discussed later)|top}|{|class="wikitable"|-! Symbol !! Note|-| R || Root or Octave|-| 2/9 || Second or Ninth|-| 3 || Third|-| 4/11 || Fourth or Eleventh|-| 5 || Fifth|-| 6/13 || Sixth or Thirteenth|-| 7 || Seventh|}|}
[[Category:Guitar]]
[[Category:Introduction]]
[[Category:Notation]]
[[Category:Wiki]]