> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://handbook.musescore.org/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://handbook.musescore.org/3/advanced-topics/fretboard-diagrams/fretboard-diagrams-prior-to-version-31.md).

# Fretboard diagrams (prior to version 3.1)

**Note**: *This page applies to versions of MuseScore prior to 3.1 only. Users of MuseScore 3.1 and above should go to* [*Fretboard diagrams*](/3/advanced-topics/fretboard-diagrams.md)*.*

A range of **fretboard** (or **chord**) **diagrams** for the guitar are provided in the Fretboard Diagrams [palette](/3/basics/palettes.md) in the Advanced Workspace.

<figure><img src="/files/iAM1bMgdgQPYr81qQdEz" alt="Fretboard diagrams palette"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

You can create a chord diagram for *any* fretted, stringed instrument by [editing](#edit-a-fretboard-diagram) an existing one. It can be saved to a [custom palette](/3/basics/palettes.md#customize-palette-contents) for future use if required.

## Add a fretboard diagram

To add a fretboard diagram to the score, use one of the following methods:

* Select a note in voice 1 and double-click a fretboard diagram from a [palette](/3/basics/palettes.md).
* Drag and drop a fretboard diagram from a palette to the desired position in the score.

As the cursor hovers over the chosen diagram within the palette, its name will appear as a **pop-up hint**.

## Edit a fretboard diagram

When a fretboard diagram is selected, it can be edited in the [Inspector](/3/basics/inspector.md) as follows:

* To adjust the **number of instrument strings**: Use **Strings**.
* To adjust the **fret position number**: Use **Offset**.
* To adjust how many frets to display (height-wise): Use **Frets**.
* To **place the finger dots**: Click on a fret to establish a dot; click again to remove the dot.
* **To create a barre or partial barre**: First make sure that the desired fret position is clear of black dots (click on a dot to remove it). Then, holding the <kbd>Shift</kbd> key, click on the string where you want the barre to begin. (Note: Only one barre can be applied per diagram; a partial barre must end on the first string).
* **To delete a barre**: Click on the black dot where the barre begins.
* **To Indicate open and mute strings** (if applicable): Click just above the diagram to toggle a string between:
  * Open (**o**)
  * Mute/unplayed (**x**)
  * No indication.
* To adjust the size: Use the **Scale** property.

## To adjust a diagram's element properties

The **position** of a Fretboard Diagram can be adjusted using the keyboard arrows in [Edit mode](/3/basics/edit-mode.md); or with the X- and Y-offsets in the "Element" section at the top of the [Inspector](/3/basics/inspector.md).

**Visibility**, **Color** and **Stacking order** can also be adjusted from the "Element" section.

## To adjust a diagram's style properties

Certain default and global properties of Fretboard Diagrams (e.g. barre thickness, vertical position, scale, fret-number font-size and position) can be adjusted from the [Style](/3/formatting/layout-and-formatting.md#style-window) submenu: select **Format -> Style… ->** [**Fretboard Diagrams**](/3/formatting/layout-and-formatting.md#fretboard-diagrams). Some of these properties are subject to override via the [Inspector](/3/basics/inspector.md); but most affect all Fretboard Diagrams in the score.


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