Bass Fretboard Notes Chart

What it is

A chart of every note on a 4-string bass in standard tuning (E A D G), frets 0 to 12. Natural notes are highlighted; sharps and flats are shown lighter. Above fret 12 the pattern repeats an octave higher.

How to use it

• Print at 100% and keep it next to your practice space.
• Learn the natural notes on the E and A strings first: they hold the roots of most bass lines.
• Use it to check yourself after filling in a blank bass fretboard.

Patterns to notice

• Each string is a perfect fourth higher than the one below: fret 5 equals the next open string.
• Natural notes are two frets apart except E–F and B–C.
• Octaves: two strings up and two frets higher.
• The fifth of a note is one string up, two frets higher.

Related

Read bass basics, drill with the fretboard trainer, work through bass fretboard worksheet 1 and follow the 30-day bass path.