How to Know What Notes to Play on the Guitar

Picking the right notes on the guitar can often feel like trying to solve a riddle. You're not sure where to start or what path to take. But don't worry, this isn't as elusive as it seems. Whether you're aiming to craft a blistering metal solo or lay down a catchy riff, understanding which notes to play is crucial. Let’s break it down in a way that’s approachable and, dare I say, fun.

The Basics of Notes on the Guitar

Let’s start from the ground up. Each string on your guitar represents a different note, and when you press down on a fret, you’re altering the pitch of that string. The open strings on a standard-tuned guitar (from low E to high E) are E, A, D, G, B, and E. This is your starting point.

Now, imagine your fretboard as a grid of musical potential. Each fret represents a half-step (or semitone) up from the last. So if your open string is an E, the first fret is an F, the second fret is an F#, and so on. Knowing the notes on the fretboard is akin to knowing your way around town—it makes navigation easier when you're trying to get to a specific destination.

Here’s a quick tip: focus on memorizing the notes on the 6th and 5th strings first. These are your low E and A strings, and they are foundational for building chords and scales, especially in metal music.

Understanding Scales and Their Role

Scales are like the building blocks of music. They provide a framework of notes that sound good together. The most common scale in Western music is the major scale, but if you’re diving into metal or its subgenres, you’ll want to get familiar with the minor scale, the pentatonic scale, and the modes of the major scale, particularly the Phrygian and Aeolian modes.

Let’s take the minor pentatonic scale as an example. It’s a five-note scale that’s incredibly versatile and is the backbone of many solos. In the key of A minor, the notes are A, C, D, E, and G. You can use these notes to create solos and riffs that fit within the key.

Using scales effectively involves not just running up and down them but understanding the emotion each note can convey. For example, the root note gives a sense of home, while the third can give a minor or major feel. Try experimenting with these notes to see how they affect the mood of your music.

Interval Training: More Than Just a Workout

Intervals are the secret sauce that gives your playing flavor. An interval is the distance between two notes, and understanding these can help you craft more interesting and emotive music.

For instance, a minor third interval gives a sad or dark sound, which is often used in metal music. A tritone, sometimes called "the devil's interval," is famously dissonant and used to create tension. Think of the opening riff of "Black Sabbath" by Black Sabbath—it’s built on a tritone.

Practice playing different intervals on your guitar. Listen to how they sound and start incorporating them into your playing. This will not only improve your ear but also your ability to choose notes that fit the vibe you're going for.

The Circle of Fifths: Your Musical Map

The Circle of Fifths might sound like some mystical tool, but it’s really just a handy guide for understanding key signatures and their relationships. It shows you which keys share common notes and chords, making it easier to transition between them in your music.

If you’re in the key of C major, the Circle of Fifths tells you that G major is one step away and shares many of the same notes. This is invaluable for songwriting and improvisation, as it allows you to shift seamlessly between keys without jarring the listener.

While the Circle of Fifths is often presented in terms of major keys, it’s equally applicable to minor keys, which are essential in metal. Understanding this tool can help you make more informed choices about which notes and chords to use in your compositions.

Chords: The Harmony Builders

Chords are groups of notes played together to create harmony. In metal, power chords (root and fifth) are a staple, but understanding more complex chord structures can add depth to your music.

Start by learning how to build basic triads (three-note chords) and then experiment with adding extensions like sevenths or ninths. This can give your music a more sophisticated sound and help you stand out from the pack.

Try incorporating different chord voicings and inversions into your playing. This can change the texture of your music and open up new creative possibilities. Remember, chords aren’t just for rhythm—they can also be used in lead playing to add harmony to your solos.

Ear Training: Trusting Your Instincts

While knowledge of theory is important, your ear is your greatest asset. Developing a good ear allows you to instinctively know which notes will sound good in a given context.

Practice by playing along with your favorite songs and trying to pick out the notes by ear. This will help you internalize the sound of different scales and intervals, making it easier to choose the right notes when you’re playing.

Another effective method is to sing along with your playing. This might sound a bit odd, but it helps connect your internal sense of pitch with the physical act of playing. Over time, this will make your playing more intuitive and expressive.

Improvisation: The Art of Spontaneity

Improvisation is the art of creating music on the spot, and it’s a crucial skill for any guitarist. It requires a deep understanding of the notes on your instrument and the ability to make split-second decisions about which ones to play.

A great way to practice improvisation is by jamming along with backing tracks. Start with simple tracks in a single key and gradually work your way up to more complex progressions. This will force you to think on your feet and develop your ability to choose notes that fit the music.

Remember, improvisation isn’t about playing as many notes as possible. It’s about choosing the right notes and playing them with feeling. Focus on creating melodies and telling a story through your music.

Combining Theory and Practice

At the end of the day, knowing what notes to play is a combination of theory and practice. It’s about understanding the rules of music and then using your ear and intuition to decide when to follow them and when to break them.

As you continue to practice, you’ll find that the process becomes more natural. You’ll develop a sense of which notes sound good together and which ones don’t, allowing you to make more informed choices in your playing.

Remember, learning guitar is a journey, and every step you take brings you closer to your goals. Keep practicing, keep experimenting, and most importantly, keep having fun with it.

Conclusion

In the end, knowing what notes to play on the guitar is a mix of theory, practice, and intuition. By understanding scales, intervals, and chords, and by training your ear and practicing improvisation, you’ll be well on your way to crafting killer riffs and solos. And if you’re looking to take your skills to the next level, Riffhard offers lessons from some of the world’s best metal guitarists. Happy shredding!