Guitar Fretboard Map Instructions and Helpful Information
See how easy it is to put these guitar fretboard maps on a guitar neck.
How to determine a guitars scale length.
Learn how to color code your own sheet music.
Order the unique Don't Fret products here.
Here's how easy it is put our guitar fretboard map on your guitar neck.
These instructions apply to the Don't Fret Chord Map™ and the Don't Fret Note Map for Bass Guitar™ as well.
Step One: Peel Map vinyl off of backing paper. Save backing paper to re-use.
Step Two: Slide Map over the guitar fretboard and under the strings. Make sure the guitar neck map is under all the strings.
Step Three: Position Map correctly. There are eleven fret holes on the Map. Position the first fret hole on the Map over the first fret wire on the fretboard, then align the rest of the fret holes with the corresponding fret wires on the fretboard. Make sure the note names are right side up in relation to how you play the guitar.
Step Four: Stretch the Map over the fretboard to form a vinyl "skin" on the fretboard.
Step Five: Wrap one flap around the back of the guitar neck and press flat.
This picture shows the first flap pressed flat on the back of the neck.
Step Six: Stretch and wrap the second flap around the back of the neck and press over first flap.
Step Seven: Smooth out any wrinkles or bubbles on the fretboard. You are now ready to start using your Don't Fret Note Map™, Don't Fret Chord Map™ or Don't Fret Note Map™ for Bass Guitar.
How to find your guitars scale length.
These unique guitar fretboard maps are designed to work on acoustic guitars and electric guitars that have a 25" to 25.5" scale length, and bass guitars that have a 34" scale length. To determine your instruments scale length, measure from the fretboard side of the nut to the body side of the bridge stop. Usually the nut is a white piece of bone or acrylic that is at the very top of your guitar fretboard where the strings start over the fretboard. It has little grooves filed in it to "cradle" the strings. The bridge is at the other end of the strings. On an acoustic guitar it's usually made of wood and has a bone or acrylic "stop" fitted in it that the strings go over. On an electric guitar the bridge is usually metal and has small adjustment screws and springs and things. What you are measuring is the effective vibrating (scale) length of the string. For best results using our products the measurement should be 25" to 25.5" for guitars (scale length of most entry-level guitars) and 34" for bass guitars. Another method is to measure from the fretboard side of the nut to the middle of the twelfth fret wire and then multiply that number by two.
How to color-code your own sheet music.
If you are a beginner, start with easy songs. You will need seven colored marking pens. Be sure to get markers that correspond with the color scheme on our guitar fretboard maps. Use the information on our Music Theory page to help you determine appropriate note names and colors, and how to find them on your piece of sheet music. Color each note with the corresponding color. Now, have some fun finding the correct notes in the correct order, using our guitar fretboard maps, on your instrument. Listening to the song can be useful also. With practice you will quickly learn to color-code your own music and follow along on the fretboard map. In time you will be able to progress to more elaborate songs.
Some additional tips
The Don't Fret Note Map™, Don't Fret Chord Map™ or the Don't Fret Note Map for Bass Guitar™ does not effect the tonal quality of your guitar fretboard or the playability of your instrument. If you get a buzz on any string(s), check to see if the vinyl is touching the string. If it is, simply re-stretch the vinyl skin in the fret space area where the contact occurs.
Don't Fret Productions™ guitar neck maps are made of the highest quality vinyl available. All printing utilizes long lasting professional grade silk screening inks. We do not recommend that you leave the vinyl on your guitar for extended periods of time. Remember: Easy on, easy off. Please do not let small children play with the vinyl. Keep the vinyl out of the reach of pets.
