How to Read Notes on the G String

G and A on the Third String

G on the Third String

G is the pitch of the open third string. Because of this, the third string is also known as the G string. G is on the second line of the treble clef staff:

A on the Third String

A is on the second fret of the G string. Play this note with the second finger.

Fretting A

A is found on the second space of the staff:

Exercises

Exercise 1: G and A in Quarter Notes

G and A on the third string in quarter notes

Exercise 2: Notes on the First Three Strings in Half Notes

Exercise 3: Notes on the First Three Strings in Mixed Rhythms

Dotted Half Notes

A dot placed beside a note adds half the value of that note. Placing a dot after a half note adds one beat to the value of the note. This means that a dotted half note is equal to three beats.