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 plaing in time with the music.

<figure class="wp-block-audio"><figcaption>Exercise on the First String</figcaption></figure>

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.

<figure class="wp-block-audio"><figcaption>Exercise on the Second String</figcaption></figure>

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.

<figure class="wp-block-audio"><figcaption>Exercise on the Third String</figcaption></figure>

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.

<figure class="wp-block-audio"><figcaption>Exercise on the Fourth String</figcaption></figure>

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.

<figure class="wp-block-audio"><figcaption>Exercise on the Fifth String</figcaption></figure>

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.

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