What note is played on the A string at the 1st fret?

The note played on the A string at the 1st fret is A#. This is because the A string is tuned to the note A when played open. When you press down on the first fret, you raise the pitch of that note by a half step, which is equal to one semitone in music. In the chromatic scale, the note immediately after A is A#, also known as B♭.

Understanding this concept is crucial for navigating the fretboard and learning to play notes accurately. The fretboard is divided into semitones, and knowing the relationship between the open strings and the frets helps players understand how to find the correct notes as they move along the neck of the guitar. Letting this principle guide your practice will significantly enhance your familiarity with playing in different keys and understanding musical scales.