Relating tab to your fretboard

hand Labelling

Here are the abbreviations used for each finger: Fretting hand: 1, 2, 3, 4, ( T) Picking hand: p (thumb), i (first finger), m (second), a (third), c (fourth).

Chord example

The diagram represents the G chord in the photo. The ‘O’ symbol is an open string, and a circled number is a fretting finger. Intervals are shown below.

Scale example

The diagram shows the fret-hand fingering for the A major scale (root notes in black). The photo shows part of the scale being played on the fourth string with first, third and fourth fingers.

nut & fretboard

The fretbox diagram above represents the fretboard exactly, as seen in the accompanying photo. This is for ease of visualising a fretboard scale or chord quickly.

Chord example (with capo)

The blue line represents a capo – for this A chord, place it at fret 2. Capos change the fret number ordering – here, the original fret 5 now becomes fret 3, fret 7 now fret 5, etc.

Tapping & harmonics

The left box shows an A minor pentatonic scale with added tapped notes signified by ‘ T’s. Above shows a Cmaj9 (no 3rd) with harmonics at the 12th fret.