Mastering Keyboard Shortcuts

The Roc Solution uses a clever keyboard mapping system that maps your QWERTY keyboard to guitar strings. Once you understand this layout, you can play quickly and efficiently without clicking.

Complete Keyboard Layout

Each guitar string is mapped to a keyboard row. Here's the complete mapping:

String Layout Reference

String Layout (top to bottom on screen):
- High E (string 0): Shift + 1234567890-=⌫
- B (string 1):      Shift + QWERTYUIOP[]\
- G (string 2):      1234567890-=⌫
- D (string 3):      QWERTYUIOP[]\
- A (string 4):      ASDFGHJKL;'↵
- Low E (string 5):  ZXCVBNM,./⇧

Fret Mapping

• Frets 1-13: Use the keys in order from left to right
• Fret 0 (Open Strings): Use Arrow Up + the first key of each row

Detailed String Mapping

High E String (String 0)

• Fret 0 (Open): Arrow Up + Shift + 1
• Fret 1: Shift + 1
• Fret 2: Shift + 2
• Fret 3: Shift + 3
• ... and so on up to Fret 13

B String (String 1)

• Fret 0 (Open): Arrow Up + Shift + Q
• Fret 1: Shift + Q
• Fret 2: Shift + W
• Fret 3: Shift + E
• ... continuing with Shift + R, T, Y, U, I, O, P, [, ], \

G String (String 2)

• Fret 0 (Open): Arrow Up + 1
• Fret 1: 1
• Fret 2: 2
• Fret 3: 3
• ... continuing with 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 0, -, =, Backspace

D String (String 3)

• Fret 0 (Open): Arrow Up + Q
• Fret 1: Q
• Fret 2: W
• Fret 3: E
• ... continuing with R, T, Y, U, I, O, P, [, ], \

A String (String 4)

• Fret 0 (Open): Arrow Up + A
• Fret 1: A
• Fret 2: S
• Fret 3: D
• ... continuing with F, G, H, J, K, L, ;, ', Enter

Low E String (String 5)

• Fret 0 (Open): Arrow Up + Z
• Fret 1: Z
• Fret 2: X
• Fret 3: C
• ... continuing with V, B, N, M, ,, ., /, Shift

Playing Chords

To play chords (multiple strings simultaneously), press the keys for each string at the same time. For example:

A Major Chord

Low E (5th string): Open (fret 0) - Press: Z
A (4th string): Fret 2 - Press: S
D (3rd string): Fret 2 - Press: W
G (2nd string): Fret 2 - Press: 2
B (1st string): Fret 2 - Press: Shift + W
High E (0th string): Open (fret 0) - Press: Arrow Up + Shift + 1

Quick Keys: Z + S + W + 2 + Shift+W + Arrow Up+Shift+1

D Major Chord

D (3rd string): Open (fret 0) - Press: Q
G (2nd string): Fret 2 - Press: 2
B (1st string): Fret 3 - Press: Shift + E
High E (0th string): Fret 2 - Press: Shift + 2

Quick Keys: Q + 2 + Shift+E + Shift+2

G Major Chord

Low E (5th string): Fret 3 - Press: C
A (4th string): Fret 2 - Press: S
D (3rd string): Open (fret 0) - Press: Q
G (2nd string): Open (fret 0) - Press: 1
B (1st string): Open (fret 0) - Press: Arrow Up + Shift + Q
High E (0th string): Fret 3 - Press: Shift + 3

Quick Keys: C + S + Q + 1 + Arrow Up+Shift+Q + Shift+3

Tips for Efficient Playing

1. Memorize the Layout

• Practice playing scales to memorize key positions
• Start with one string, then expand to others
• Use the Keyboard Guide component for reference

2. Hand Position

• Keep your left hand on the home row (ASDF)
• Use your right hand for Shift combinations
• Practice smooth transitions between frets

3. Chord Playing

• Press all keys simultaneously for clean chords
• Hold keys briefly - don't need to hold them down
• Practice common chord progressions

4. Speed Building

• Start slow and gradually increase speed
• Use the metronome-like timing in recording mode
• Practice with the Tutorial mode for structured learning

Common Patterns

Single String Scales

Play notes sequentially on one string:

• G String Scale: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 0, -, =

String Skipping

Jump between strings:

• E to D: Arrow Up+Shift+1 → Q
• A to G: S → 2

Open String Patterns

Use open strings (fret 0) for resonance:

• Open E: Arrow Up + Z (low) or Arrow Up + Shift + 1 (high)
• Open A: Arrow Up + A
• Open D: Arrow Up + Q
• Open G: Arrow Up + 1

Keyboard Indicator

The Tab Display includes a keyboard indicator that shows:

• The last key you pressed
• Which string and fret it corresponds to
• Visual feedback with color-coded strings

This is helpful for learning the layout!

Practice Exercises

1. Single String Exercise: Play frets 1-5 on the G string (keys 1-5)2. Chord Exercise: Practice A, D, G major chords3. Scale Exercise: Play a major scale across strings4. Speed Exercise: Gradually increase tempo while maintaining accuracy

Troubleshooting

Q: Keys not responding?A: Make sure audio is enabled (click the page first). Also check if you're using the correct modifier keys (Shift for strings 0 and 1).

Q: Can't play open strings?A: Remember to hold Arrow Up + the first key of the row. This is different from regular frets.

Q: Accidentally pressing wrong keys?A: Use the Keyboard Guide for reference. Practice slowly until muscle memory develops.

Mastering the keyboard layout takes practice, but once you're comfortable, you'll be able to play complex pieces efficiently. Combine this with the Recording feature to capture your performances!