A stringed instrument fingerboard with position markers for the improved recognition of notes, scales, chords, positions, intervals, and, fingering patterns. The array of position markers is an orderly arrangement of position markers on the fingerboard, in which each position marker of the array is located in one-to-one correspondence with a string for referencing notes. The array of position markers may correspond to a multiplicity of orderly arrangements of position markers on the fingerboard. The position markers of an array may have variations in user discernable characteristics, such as shape, size, color, or design. The position markers are permanently affixed to the fingerboard, providing permanent note-references for all notes, all, scales, and all chords. Improved note recognition is also achieved by the musician employing the array of position markers. An alternative embodiment includes a reference diagram, displaying the apparatus in diagram form. The reference diagram enhances a musician's use of conventional music, reference materials for stringed instruments.