The metal strips running across a guitars neck are called frets. Now, here's what might be confusing: the word has two different meanings when used by guitarists. It can be used to describe:

1. The actual piece of metal wire
2. The space between the metal strips


Both of these are referred to as frets by guitarists. The space between the frets or metal wires is the place where you should put your finger to make notes. You do not put your fingers directly on the metal strips. So, the area of the neck between the nut and the first strip of metal is referred to as the first fret. The area on the neck between the first and second strip of metal is referred to as the second fret, etc...







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