This article is an introduction to learning to read guitar sheet music in the open position. If you are a total beginner, I would recommend first reading the article How to Read Sheet Music Quickly. Furthermore, please read the article Guitar Basics: 5 Things You Must Learn.
The Notes On The First String
The first string is the thinnest and highest sounding string (see diagram below). Note E is an open string. That means there is nothing to play with the left hand. Simply play the first string with the right hand. Note F is on the first fret on the first string. Play this note with your first finger. To play note G, place your third finger on the first string on the third fret.
The exercise below (and corresponding audio track) will help you become familiar with notes E, F and G. The audio track starts with a 4 beat count-in to allow you to start playing in time with the music.
The Notes On The Second String
Note B is an open string. Note C is on the first fret on the second string. Play this note with your first finger. For note D, place your third finger on the third fret on the second string. Use your third finger to play note D.
The exercise below (and audio track) uses the notes B, C and D. As with the previous exercise and audio track, there is a 4 beat count-in on the audio track.
The Notes On The Third String
Note G is an open string. Note A is on the second fret on the third string. Play this note with your second finger.
The exercise below (and audio track) uses notes G and A. The audio track starts with a 4 beat count-in.
The Notes On The Fourth String
Note D is the open string. Note E is on the second fret, fourth string. Play this note with your second finger. Note F is on the third fret, fourth string. Play this note with your third finger.
The exercise below (and audio track) uses notes D, E and F. The audio track has a 4 beat count-in.
The Notes On The Fifth String
Note A is the open string. Note B is on the second fret, fifth string. Play this note with your second finger. Note C is on the third fret, fifth string. Play this note with your third finger.
The exercise below (and audio track) uses notes A, B and C. The audio track has a 4 beat count-in.
The Notes On The Sixth String
Note E is the open string. Note F is on the first fret, sixth string. Play this note with your first finger. Note G is on the third fret, sixth string. Play this note with your third finger.
The exercise below (and audio track) uses notes E, F and G. The audio track has a 4 beat count-in.
To learn more about reading guitar sheet music and our guitar lessons at Do Re Mi Studios, please contact us today. If you would like to explore music notation concepts further, this guide to reading sheet music may also be helpful.