Custom tuning, lowest string first
A note with its octave, like E2, F#3 or Bb1.
Pick one fret per string on the board, or type a shape: x for a muted string, 0 for open, like x32010. Separate two-digit frets with spaces: 8 10 10 9 8 8.
C major
Also read as
Arrow keys move along a string or across strings. Enter plays the note, or sets the fret when naming a chord. X mutes a string.
Notes by string
Reading the board
- Root
- The note the scale or chord is built on.
- Third
- Major or minor third.
- Fifth
- Perfect, diminished or augmented fifth.
- Seventh
- Major, minor or diminished seventh.
- Other
- All other notes: scale tones, seconds, fourths, sixths and the ninth, eleventh and thirteenth.
Interval labels combine a quality and a number: R root, m minor, M major, P perfect, A augmented, d diminished. M3 is a major third, P5 a perfect fifth, m7 a minor seventh. Degrees count up the major scale from the root, with a flat or sharp where the note differs from it.
A chord with its root as the lowest note is in root position. With the third lowest it is in first inversion, the fifth second inversion, the seventh third inversion. A slash chord names the lowest note after the slash: C/E is a C major chord with E in the bass, and C/D is a C major chord over a D that is not part of it.
The fifth string of a five-string banjo is shorter than the others and starts at the fifth fret, so its open note sits there and its first fretted note is at the sixth fret.
Formulas
| Scale | Degrees |
|---|
| Chord | Symbol on C | Degrees |
|---|
Degrees in parentheses are often left out when the chord is played.
Keyboard
- ← → ↑ ↓
- Move on the fretboard once it has focus
- Enter
- Play the note, or set the fret when naming a chord
- X
- Mute the string when naming a chord
- 1 2 3
- Scales, arpeggios, name a chord
- - =
- Root down or up a half step
- [ ]
- Move the fret window
- L
- Next label style
- P
- Play or stop
- Esc
- Stop the sound