Guitar Positions - Learn How to Identify Them
Guitar positions...
What are they? If you're scratching your head because you've never even heard of such a thing, please read on...
Did you know that musical scales, notes and chords can be written and played in different positions on the fretboard? Therefore, most beginning guitar players usually start with learning the notes and chords associated in and around first position.
By using this approach it becomes much easier to learn each consecutive position.
All guitar positions on the fretboard are identified by the first finger of the fretting hand.
The fingers of the guitarist's fretting hand (most commonly the left) are numbered as follows:
When playing in first position...
When you do this your first finger will be directly over the second fret.
When playing in second position...
When you form a chord you have to play several notes at a time.
That means your first finger will often have to move to a different fret in order to play the chord.
However, there are chords and scales related to each guitar position within the same general area of the fretboard.
But we will save that discussion for another time.
Why not take some time this week to get familiar with your guitar by learning the notes in first position.
Guitar Position Playing Tips: 1.
Play and say the notes on each string until you have them all memorized.
2.
Be sure to keep the first knuckle bent as you press down on the string using the tip of each finger.
3.
When you are first starting out, do not hold the previous finger down on the fret as you add the next finger.
Instead, lift and place each finger down on each fret, one at a time.
This will help you develop coordination and dexterity in your movements.
4.
After you have become familiar with the exercise and are able to move easily while producing a clear tone, then try keeping each finger down as you add the next one.
This will begin to stretch your fingers.
IMPORTANT Be careful not to force your fingers to stretch beyond their current capabilities as you might strain your hand.
Take time to get used to moving your fingers across the guitar fretboard and only do as much as you are comfortable with.
What are they? If you're scratching your head because you've never even heard of such a thing, please read on...
Did you know that musical scales, notes and chords can be written and played in different positions on the fretboard? Therefore, most beginning guitar players usually start with learning the notes and chords associated in and around first position.
By using this approach it becomes much easier to learn each consecutive position.
All guitar positions on the fretboard are identified by the first finger of the fretting hand.
The fingers of the guitarist's fretting hand (most commonly the left) are numbered as follows:
- 1 = Index
- 2 = Middle
- 3 = Ring
- 4 = Pinkie
When playing in first position...
- The 1st finger of your fretting hand plays any note that occurs on the first fret of any string.
- The 2nd finger of your fretting hand plays any note that occurs on the second fret of any string.
- The 3rd finger...
plays the third fret - The 4th finger...
plays the fourth fret
When you do this your first finger will be directly over the second fret.
When playing in second position...
- The 1st finger...
plays the second fret - The 2nd finger...
plays the third fret - The 3rd finger...
plays the fourth fret - The 4th finger...
plays the fifth fret
When you form a chord you have to play several notes at a time.
That means your first finger will often have to move to a different fret in order to play the chord.
However, there are chords and scales related to each guitar position within the same general area of the fretboard.
But we will save that discussion for another time.
Why not take some time this week to get familiar with your guitar by learning the notes in first position.
Guitar Position Playing Tips: 1.
Play and say the notes on each string until you have them all memorized.
2.
Be sure to keep the first knuckle bent as you press down on the string using the tip of each finger.
3.
When you are first starting out, do not hold the previous finger down on the fret as you add the next finger.
Instead, lift and place each finger down on each fret, one at a time.
This will help you develop coordination and dexterity in your movements.
4.
After you have become familiar with the exercise and are able to move easily while producing a clear tone, then try keeping each finger down as you add the next one.
This will begin to stretch your fingers.
IMPORTANT Be careful not to force your fingers to stretch beyond their current capabilities as you might strain your hand.
Take time to get used to moving your fingers across the guitar fretboard and only do as much as you are comfortable with.