Bass Fretboard Notes Chart (4 and 5-String)

4-string bass, frets 0-12

Bright dots are natural notes; darker dots are sharps (also called flats: C# is the same note as Db).

5-string bass (low B added)

Natural notes only

Shortcuts that make it stick

• No sharp between B-C and E-F. Every other pair of natural notes has a sharp between them.
• The 5th-fret rule. The 5th fret of a string is the same note as the next open string up (E string 5th fret = A).
• Octave shape. Two strings up and two frets up is the same note an octave higher (E string 3rd fret G = D string 5th fret G).
• 12th fret. Same names as the open strings, one octave up. Fret markers at 3, 5, 7, 9 and the double dot at 12 help you find your place.

A five-minute drill

1. Pick one note, such as C.
2. Find it on the E and A strings, then on D and G.
3. Say the name aloud each time you play it.
4. Check yourself with the bass note finder, which highlights every place a note appears.

Safety notes

• Stop and rest if your hand, wrist or forearm aches; tension is the usual cause.
• Keep amp and headphone volume low to protect your hearing.

FAQ

How many notes are there?

Twelve: C, C#, D, D#, E, F, F#, G, G#, A, A#, B. Then they repeat in the next octave.

Do I need to learn every note?

Start with the natural notes on the E and A strings up to the 5th fret. That covers most beginner root notes.

What notes are the 5-string bass strings?

B E A D G, thickest to thinnest (B0, E1, A1, D2, G2).