The fretboard is the long, flat part of a stringed instrument, such as a guitar or bass, where the player presses down the strings to create different notes. It is typically made of wood and features metal strips called frets, which divide the fretboard into sections. Each fret corresponds to a half-step in musical pitch, allowing musicians to play various notes by pressing the strings against the frets. On the fretboard, players can find markers, often in the form of dots or inlays, that help them navigate and identify specific positions. The layout of the fretboard is essential for playing chords, scales, and melodies, making it a crucial component of stringed instruments.