Second String Notes
on the Guitar

There are three notes on the second string (B string) of the guitar in first position - B, C and D. Here is a diagram of how to play these notes on the guitar:

Left Hand Fingering

• Play the B without placing any fingers on the third string.
• Play the C by placing your 1st finger on the 1st fret of the 2nd string.
• Play the D by placing your 3rd finger on the 3rd fret of the 2nd string.

Right Hand Fingering

To play these notes with your right hand, pluck the second string with your i finger, m finger, a finger, or any combination of these three fingers. For instance, you could repeat the i finger, or you could alternate i-m, m-a, etc. However, you should not use the thumb (p) to play on the 2nd string.

You can play with either rest stroke or free stroke in the right hand.

Second String Notes in Music Notation

The diagram below shows the second string notes of the guitar written in guitar sheet music notation and in guitar tablature notation.

In sheet music notation

• B is written on the space between the 3rd line down
• C is written on the space between the 2nd and 3rd line
• D is written on the 2nd line

In guitar tablature

• B is written as a 0 (open) on the 2nd line (2nd string)
• C is written as a 1 (1st fret) on the 2nd line
• D is written as a 3 (3rd fret) on the 2nd line

2nd String Exercises

Now, it's time to practice what you've learned! Use these exercises to help you learn to play the notes on the second string.

Good luck!

Exercise 1

Exercise 2

Return to Music Notation

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