What are frets on a guitar?

A fret is a thin metal strip set into the neck of a guitar that divides it into sections for easy reference and to divide the fretboard into half steps. Each fret you go up the guitar neck toward the body of the guitar raising the pitch by the next chromatic note.

How to play notes correctly

Press a string down at the first fret and it sounds a half step higher than playing the open string. Move up to the second fret and it's a full step higher than the open string.

To play notes cleanly, press your finger(s) just behind the fret (left side if your are playing right handed guitar). The further your finger is from the fret makes it harder to get a clean sound. Pressing directly on the fret will create a buzzing sound.

Where frets are referenced

Chord diagrams use fret numbers to tell you where on the neck your fingers need to be to play that particular chord voicing.

A capo clamps down just behind a specific fret, which is why capo position is described using a fret number, like "Capo 2."

  • Capo - clamps down just behind a fret to raise the pitch of every string
  • Nut - the fixed point at the top of the neck that frets count up from
  • Guitar chord diagrams - use fret numbers to show where a chord shape is played
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