The Fretboard Training Manuscripts

Visualize scales, modes, and find practical examples.

Orientation:

Tablature Training Settings

[+] What is a Scale? +

A scale is a set of musical notes ordered by pitch. In this tool, we define scales by their intervals from a starting "root note". For example, the Major Scale has the interval pattern: Root, Major 2nd, Major 3rd, Perfect 4th, Perfect 5th, Major 6th, and Major 7th.

[+] What are the Minor Scales? +

There are several types of minor scales. The Natural Minor (or Aeolian mode) is the most common. The Harmonic Minor features a raised 7th degree, creating a larger step at the end of the scale that gives it a distinct sound. The Melodic Minor raises both the 6th and 7th degrees when ascending to create a smoother melody line.

Select a Root Note and a Scale/Mode above to generate the fretboard charts and tablature example.

The Manuscript Method

Complete C Major Training Tablature

Fretboard View (Strings as Rows)

Interactive Key & Harmony

Explore diatonic chords and common progressions in your selected key.

Diatonic Chords & Progressions

[+] What is a Chord and a Triad? +

A chord is three or more notes played simultaneously. The most basic type of chord is a triad, which is built using the 1st (Root), 3rd, and 5th notes of a scale. A Major Triad uses a Major 3rd, while a Minor Triad uses a Minor 3rd, giving them their distinct happy or sad sound.

Understanding Chord Diagrams:

  • • Strings: The horizontal lines represent guitar strings (high e at top, low E at bottom)
  • • Frets: The vertical lines represent frets (nut on left, higher frets to the right)
  • • x = muted: Don't play this string
  • • o = open: Play the open string (no finger)
  • • Numbers (1-4): Which finger to use (1=index, 2=middle, 3=ring, 4=pinky)
  • • ● = dot: Press this string at this fret (finger number not specified)
  • • Position marker: Shows starting fret for barre chords (e.g., "Position: 3fr" means start at 3rd fret)
[+] Understanding Chord Progressions +

A chord progression is a sequence of chords played in order. Progressions create the harmonic foundation of songs. Each chord in a key is assigned a Roman numeral based on its position in the scale.

Diatonic Chords (The Seven Chords in a Key):

  • • I - Tonic (Major): The home chord, feels resolved and stable
  • • ii - Supertonic (minor): Often leads to V, creates forward motion
  • • iii - Mediant (minor): Bridges I and IV, adds emotional depth
  • • IV - Subdominant (Major): Creates contrast, often precedes V
  • • V - Dominant (Major): Creates tension, wants to resolve to I
  • • vi - Submediant (minor): The relative minor, can substitute for I
  • • vii° - Leading Tone (diminished): Strong pull to I, creates tension

Common Progressions:

  • • I-IV-V: The foundation of rock, blues, and country music
  • • I-V-vi-IV: Pop progression (e.g., "Let It Be", "Don't Stop Believin'")
  • • ii-V-I: Jazz progression, smooth resolution
  • • I-vi-IV-V: Classic '50s progression ("Stand By Me")

3. Chord Diagram

Select a chord to display its diagram.