Ploddings

As mentioned, "flats" are really similar to "sharps", which you just finished learning about. In fact, they're 2 sides to the exact same coin, practically the same thing, and you'll see why here.

What Is a Flat?

Flats are the exact same as sharps, in that they're "doppelgangers" for the A, C, D, F, and G notes.

Except, rather than being raised by a fret (as they are for sharps), they're reduced by a fret.

Thus, G "fills the gap" for the high E string (shown below) by becoming Gb.

Revisiting the B String

In the last section on sharps, you saw how the "gap" for the B string was filled with a C#.

Well, if you filled it in using flats, it's instead a Db!

One key takeaway therefore, is that a C# is identical to a Db. They're the same note!

Don't ask me why musicians redundantly came up with flats and sharps. All that matters is they did, and now we all have to deal with them both; c'est la vie.

Piecing Together the A String

Now, try piecing together all the notes on the A string by: (a) knowing about flats, (b) knowing the notes ascend in alphabetical order, and (c) that the starting note at the "0th" fret is an A.

You'll find it's as you see below in this diagram.

Nice job learning about flats and sharps. Now you know if someone says your string is "too flat" or "too sharp", it means the pitch is either a smidge too low or too high.

It'll also help you figure out the upcoming 2 songs.