Level 1

The 12 Notes

Learn the small note system that repeats across the entire guitar.

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One Repeating Cycle

Western music uses 12 pitch classes. A pitch class is a note name without choosing a particular high or low register.

The Core Pattern

After all 12 notes, the sequence returns to the starting note at a higher pitch. The names repeat even though the sound is higher.

The open A and the A at fret 12 share a name. The fret 12 note vibrates twice as fast, so it is one octave higher.

Quick Check

How many pitch classes are in the repeating Western note cycle?

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