What is Position Playing?

Position playing for beginning guitar players.

Position playing means using one finger per fret. So if you're playing in the 5th position, your 1st finger plays the 5th fret, your 2nd finger plays the 6th fret, your 3rd finger plays the 7th fret and the 4th finger plays the 8th fret. Position playing is extremely useful when soloing so you don't have to do too much extra moving back and forth. Most guitar teachers teach positions using scale patterns which will help you figure out which position to use.

Exceptions to the rule.

There are times when it will be necessary to go out of position by 1 fret in either direction. Some of the scale patterns need to be altered so that you're still in the basic position.

How fingering relates to scales and chords.

Every chord has a corresponding scale, so when you become more advanced you'll be able to visualize the scale that goes with that particular chord. Once you become more familiar with the guitar fretboard you'll be amazed at how logical it is.

The takeaway from all of this is to be patient, play slowly so that you develop muscle memory, and get in the habit of using one finger per fret. One of the most important things my guitar teacher did was to not let me get away with using the wrong fingers!