Quick Explanation

The grid represents a guitar fretboard. Choose which intervals you wish to view in the checkboxes and they pop up instantly, allowing you to see over 12 frets of that configuration. Uncheck a box and that interval disappears. You can use this for any scale or chord as long as you know which intervals make up that chord or scale (or choose a formula from the pull-down list).

Once you have a chord or scale showing, you can use it by placing the 1 on the guitar wherever you wish. All the chords and scales are moveable. For instance, placing the 1 on C (on your guitar) would make that chord or scale in the key of C.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Why is there no ends on the fretboard (no nut or bridge)?
• How come there's no fret numbers?
• How do I know where to fret the notes on my guitar?
• Why are there no note names (A, B, C#, Fb, etc.)?
• What are the "Formulas"?
• How do I use the "Formulas"?

Have a different question? Email me. I'll be happy to help you.

Why is there no ends on the fretboard (no nut or bridge)?

Because the diagrams are moveable. This means that when you place the 1 on your guitar as the root note of your chord or scale, you see all the surrounding options available to you for those 12 frets, and hence, every 12 frets (since the fretboard repeats every 12 frets).

How come there's no fret numbers?

All diagrams are moveable -- they show you all possibilities over 12 frets of the guitar (and hence, the entire guitar!).

How do I know where to fret the notes on my guitar?

Match the root note you want on your guitar with any of the 1's on the diagram and you'll have all the possibilities available to you for that chord or scale, in that key.

Why are there no note names (A, B, C#, Fb, etc.)?

Because each diagram is applicable to any (and every) root note on your guitar! For example, if you call up a Major chord (1, 3, 5), the diagram will show you every possibility for a Major chord on your guitar. If you want a G Major, simply match up the 1 on the diagram to the G note on your guitar and choose which combination(s) of 1, 3, 5 you want to use. All you need is to make sure your chord has at least one (or more) of each of the tones that make up that chord (in this case, you'll need at least one 1, one 3 and one 5).

What are the "Formulas"?

Formulas are the configurations for each chord or scale. For instance, if you want a Major scale you check intervals 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and you'll see the Major scale over the entire guitar. If you need a minor chord, click on 1, b3, 5 and you'll see all possible minor chord shapes. You can use the pull down lists to choose which formula you want to see, then simply check those intervals to see the result.

How do I use the "Formulas"?

1. Click and drag on Choose a formula near the top of this page until you see the chord-type (or scale-type) you are looking for. There are several Major chords, minor chords, Dominant chords and a load of scales. As soon as you select a type, the formula comes up automatically.
2. Click on those intervals in the checkboxes at the Chord and Scale Finder to see your chord or scale.
3. Then find a useable version from all the choices. You must have at least one of each of the required intervals in order to make up any chord or scale. There will always be several options possible. It's up to you to choose which one(s) you want to use.