What note do you play on the 5th fret of the 3rd string?

On the 5th fret of the 3rd string, which is the G string on a standard-tuned guitar, you play the note D. The open 3rd string is G, and by moving up to the 5th fret, you are ascending through the musical alphabet.

To determine the note on the 5th fret, you can count the notes starting from the open string:

• Open string (0) = G

• 1st fret = G#

• 2nd fret = A

• 3rd fret = A#

• 4th fret = B

• 5th fret = C

Thus, the correct note played at the 5th fret is C, which is two whole steps above B, the note at the 2nd fret. Understanding this pattern demonstrates how notes progress on the fretboard, allowing you to easily find and identify the notes as you play.