Learn the location of the notes on the guitar neck. Including sharp and flat notes, there are 12 notes in total in Western notation. These notes are repeated across four octaves on a standard fretboard. A 24-fret guitar has a range of five octaves, from the open low E string to the 24th fret on the top E string. The difference in pitch between frets is a half-step. This is the harmonic equivalent of a natural note to sharp note interval. Knowing the layout of the notes improves your fretting hand mobility.
This is an essential resource for understanding the relationships between notes and chords. The cycle of fifths is a numerical formula that assigns a value to each note of a major scale. For example, in C major the notes are C, D, E, F, G, A, B, C. Notes in a major scale are numbered one through eight. Whichever key you are playing, the major scale notes are ranked one through eight. C Major is the first key in the cycle. The fifth degree of C major is G, which is the second key of the cycle. The fifth degree of G major is D, which is the next key in the cycle. C major has no sharp or flat notes; subsequent keys have one more sharp than the preceding key.
All chords have a harmonic formula. For example, a major chord has the following formula: 1, 3, 5. Consult the cycle of fifths and write down the notes in the major chords. For example, the notes in C major are C, E, G. The notes in G major are G, E, D. Minor chords have the following formula: 1, flat 3, 5. C major is therefore C, E flat and D.
This is a basic method of transcription that uses fret positions rather than staff notation. It is particularly useful for beginners because the tablature denotes the exact string and fret of each note. It removes the need for you to translate a note on the staff to a position on the guitar.