Notes on the 5th Fret
The following staff and fretboard diagram show the notes on the 5th fret of the guitar. You are already familiar with the A note (first string); in this lesson the G note (fourth string) and E note (second string) will be used.
The following chord study uses the 3 principle chords in the key of D minor, including both forms of Gm and A7. In bar 3, the G note is played on the 4th string (indicated by $ ) at the 5th fret. A number placed in a circle always refers to a string number, not a fingering.
In this case, the G note must be played on the 4th string in order to facilitate the other chord notes. Use the third finger, as indicated by the uncircled 3. Observe the % time signature, indicating 2 quarter note beats per bar (see previous lesson ).
"When Johnny Comes Marching Home" features extensive use of chords and notes which are out of the first position. Chord diagrams have been included for the upper position chords; and circled numbers have been placed beside notes which are not played in their usual positions.
In bar 16 the F and G notes are played on the second string ( @ ), at the 6th and 8th frets respectively. They occur again on the second string in bar 18. In bar 20, the E note is played on the second string at the 5th fret.
F
A7
Dm
C
"Allegretto" consists of three distinct 16 bar sections (as marked), and arranged in the order A — B — A — C — A . This arrangement of sections is called rondo form.
In bar 4 of the A section the E note is played on the 2nd string at the 5th fret, indicated by @. Use the fingering as written (uncircled numbers). The B section features arpeggio picking, where you should hold down each note after it is played. Closely observe the pick motion, as written above bars 17 — 20.
In the C section hold down all bass notes for the duration of each bar, in order to maintain a smooth bass line.
You will notice that occasionally the 4th finger is used to play the D note on the 3rd of the second string. It is often easier to use the fourth finger for 3rd fret notes, particularly when other notes are being played or held.
