Quick & Handy Guitar Theory Guide
A quick reference to help you recall essential theory concepts.
Remembering all the details of music theory can be tricky, but this cheat sheet will come in handy whenever you forget key information like string names or half steps.
1. String Names – From Thin to Thick
The standard tuning of a guitar follows this order for string names (from high to low):
E, B, G, D, A, E
You can remember it with the mnemonic: Easter Bunnies Get Dizzy At Easter.
2. String Numbers – From Thin to Thick
Guitar strings are numbered from 1 to 6, with 1 being the highest pitch (thinnest string):
1. High E
2. B
3. G
4. D
5. A
6. Low E
3. Understanding the Musical Alphabet
The notes in music follow this sequence:
A, B, C, D, E, F, G
The notes repeat in this cycle across the fretboard. For example, the notes on the open A string are: A, B, C, D, E, F, G.
4. Steps Between Notes
- Half Step (Semitone): This is the smallest interval on the guitar, equal to one fret.
- Whole Step (Whole Tone): A whole step is the distance of two frets.
5. Notes That Are a Whole Step Apart
All notes in the musical alphabet are a whole step apart, except:
- B-C
- E-F
These pairs are a half step apart.
6. The Major Scale and Its Formula
The Major Scale follows this pattern of intervals:
Whole, Whole, Half, Whole, Whole, Whole, Half
It’s commonly written as W-W-H-W-W-W-H.
7. The C Major Scale
The C major scale is an excellent starting point as it has no sharps or flats:
C, D, E, F, G, A, B, C
8. Sharps and Flats Explained
- Sharp (♯): Raises a note by one half step (e.g., F♯ is one fret higher than F).
- Flat (♭): Lowers a note by one half step (e.g., B♭ is one fret lower than B).
In the C major scale, there are no sharps or flats.
9. Minor Scales and the Relative Minor
- The A minor scale is the relative minor of C major, meaning they share the same notes. The A minor scale is:
A, B, C, D, E, F, G, A
The pattern for natural minor scales is:
Whole, Half, Whole, Whole, Half, Whole, Whole (W-H-W-W-H-W-W).
10. Quick Tips for Theory Mastery
- Practice identifying intervals between notes.
- Learn the notes on each string and their relationships.
- Familiarize yourself with common scales and their patterns.
- Remember that C major and A minor share the same notes—this is a key concept in guitar theory.
With this revised cheat sheet, you’ll be equipped to tackle theory and become a more informed player. Keep this guide close as you grow your understanding of guitar and music theory!
