FRETNOTES Guitar Learning Aid
 
Helps you learn to play the guitar and read music - faster!

Fretnotes are simple, high quality labels that help you learn notes, scales and chords on 6-string classical guitar.  Printed black on white for maximum clarity, the notes and fret numbers on the lower frets are angled towards you, making them easier to read from your playing position. 1000's sold to beginners, teachers and schools - they work!

• For 3/4 and 1/2 size* CLASSICAL (Spanish) nylon-strung guitar in standard tuning (EADGBE)
  
• Printed full-colour instructions are included. Email help available
• Fast to fit - thoroughly clean the neck and fretboard, then simply thread each label under the strings using the simple tool provided and press into place just behind the fret - no need to remove the strings
• Made from strong polyester with removable adhesive that won't damage your instrument. A GUITAR IS NOT INCLUDED!
• Includes a links page of free or free-trial online lessons and learning aids, including beginner's guitar lessons, ear training, free sheet music, an on-line metronome and tuner

*These stickers will also work with many 1/2 size classical guitars - the neck width is similar on both types. See the FAQ below for more information, including how to measure your guitar.

IMPORTANT! The guitar neck and fingerboard must be thoroughly cleaned before fitting the labels, to ensure good adhesion.  The easiest way is to use alcohol wipes (available from pharmacies, or we can supply them - see our other items). After cleaning, make sure the fretboard is completely dry before fitting the labels.

Fretnotes are simple, easy to use labels that help you find the fretboard position of notes in written music - by putting the notes ON the fretboard! Most people can learn to strum a few chords, but learning the fretboard note positions is essential if you are learning classical guitar, lead guitar or bass. Fretnotes help to speed your learning - with regular practice you'll be surprised by how soon you'll know your way around the fretboard and no longer need the labels.
Includes one set of labels, full-colour step-by-step instructions, application aid, access to our links directory page of free or free-trial online lessons and learning aids, and email support.
Fretnotes are fast to fit - there's no need for re-stringing or re-tuning - simply thread each label under the strings using the simple tool provided and press into place just behind the fret - you don't have to loosen or remove the strings, unless your strings are very low on the fretboard. Made from a special thin but tough polyester, each label wraps around the top of the fretboard to show you the fret number at a glance. Sharps and flats are shown black on white making it easy to relate scales and chords on the guitar to the piano keyboard. An open string label is included. PLEASE NOTE that this item is NOT suitable for steel-strung acoustic guitars as the neck-width is different - a special version for these guitars is available, please see our other items.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) 

Q. Will they fit my guitar?

A. The dimensions used will work well on 99% of 3/4 size and 1/2 size nylon-strung classical/spanish guitars. (The difference between 3/4 and 1/2 size instruments is mainly the scale (i.e. string) length - the width of the neck is the same).  To check your guitar before ordering, measure the distance between the 1st and 6th strings  (the thinnest and thickest!) at two places: (note that you are measuring the distance between the strings, NOT the width of the neck!).  At the nut the distance should be between 33mm and 39mm; at the 12th fret it should be between 43mm and 49mm. If your measurements are within these ranges Fretnotes will work fine on your guitar. If you are at all unsure please contact me before ordering and I will help you.

Q. Why is cleaning the neck so important?  

A. Unlike many cheaper labels, Fretnotes use a special low-tack adhesive to ensure that no glue residue is left behind to spoil the guitar finish when they are removed. It works very well but the guitar neck and fingerboard must be thoroughly clean of dirt, dust and fingerprints etc., before fitting the labels. The ideal cleaning material is  isopropyl alcohol. This can be obtained from chemists / pharmacies / diy stores for general cleaning purposes, or in the form of antiseptic wipes, which are ideal. We can supply these for a an amount to cover the postage, but you will get a much better deal if you buy them locally or from the many eBay sellers who sell these. We don't include them with the labels as this changes the class of postage and makes sending the labels much more expensive, especially overseas. 

Please DO NOT use special guitar cleaners/restorers that contain lemon oil, or wet-wipes intended for babies that contain oils and lotions - your baby may appreciate these, but your guitar neck won't and the labels will fall off after a few hours!  Also, don't use any strong solvents or abrasive cleaners as these will damage the guitar finish.

Q. How long will they last? 

A. Fretnotes are printed on a special polyester material with a non-glare matt finish, giving a neat appearance. This makes them ideal for teachers - they look professional and are long-lasting. They will normally out-last the need for them - most people find they only need to use them for a few weeks. Fretnotes are not re-usable.

Q. How long will it take to fit them?

A. About 10 minutes. Just applying Fretnotes is a great first lesson - by the time you are finished you will already be getting familiar with the note names and positions. Included in the pack is a simple tool to help you thread the labels under the strings without the need for removing or de-tuning the strings. If your guitar has a very low action i.e. the strings are very low on the fretboard, then 
a) you may have to de-tune the strings slightly to fit the labels, but 
b) you are very fortunate, because the guitar will be much easier to play ;-)

Q. Will they damage the fretboard?

A. No, but keep reading! Fretnotes are made to peel off easily and leave no residue. If they are left on for a very long time (i.e. years) there is a small chance of adhesive being left behind, but this will remove easily with a guitar cleaner like Fast-Fret etc., and not damage the guitar. However, over the years guitars have been made from all sorts of materials, and whilst I have tested this product extensively and found it safe on all common guitar finishes, it's impossible to test them on everything, so you use this product at your own risk. If you have any concerns about this then please get in touch before purchasing.

Q. What if I need help?

A. Email me! I'll normally answer within 24 hours (often less) and will help as much as I can with using the labels. If there is a problem of any kind please get in touch before leaving bad feedback or opening a case. I work very hard to keep everyone happy and maintain 100% customer satisfaction, but I can't help you if I don't know there's a problem!

Q. Is a guitar included?

A. No!

Q. What is the links page?

A. It's a webpage containing a list of links to useful free internet resources I have found whilst helping people learn to play. It is reviewed and updated regularly. There is a great deal of information available on the internet to help you learn to play guitar and read music, but as with most things on the internet, the quality ranges from excellent to very bad indeed. The guide provides links to the best sites, with notes on how you will find them useful. They will be especially helpful if you are learning on your own and not taking one-to-one lessons with a teacher, but everyone should find something of interest - there are free lessons (many with very helpful graphics), ear-training applications, an online tuner and metronome (that gives you simple drum-beats to practice with in addition to the usual boring click!), musical games, sheet music, and even an app that lets you print your own manuscript paper for a fraction of the cost of buying it! 

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