Major & Minor & Fretboard

1. major 2. minor 3. minor 4. major 5. major 6. minor 7. minor

Sometimes referred to as the “Nashville Number System,” this sequence remains the same regardless of key. Guitarists translate it into moveable patterns on the fretboard. This allows guitar players to visualize keys as easily as they view barre chords or scale patterns. The ability to identify keys helps to chart progressions, apply scales, play by ear, compose and more (see Fretboard Theory Chapter 6 Building Chords and Progressions).
Fretboard Theory


So you can see how studying music theory will uncover the mysteries of playing guitar. When you understand how the blocks fit together, you’re free to build on your own. Also, knowing what’s important will prevent you from wasting time on useless things.