Learning / Memorizing The Fretboard

[rease101]

I started at 42 w/no music background at all, so even old guys can get the hang of it. I'm still need lots of help with my ear, but I recognize more stuff all the time. like the others said, there's really just 5 strings to learn, and you know the open strings, and you can always count your way over. learning the E and A strings, and what notes are at the dots really helps. once you learn E and A, you'll also know where the notes are on the D and G strings, except those will just be 2 frets over. on the E string, 3rd get is G. put your first finger there, then put your ring finger on the D string, 2 frets over, and that's G too, but an octave higher. Same with the A string. 3rd fret is C, so the G string at the 5th fret is C (octave). you can use the trick from the D string to the B string, but the octave is 3 frets away instead of 2. since the fifth fret dot on the D string is G, the G octave on the B string will be at the 8th fret. saying (sing if you household lets you get away with it) the notes while you're playing the scales helps. the A minor pentatonic (A,C,D,E,G) which is just a subset of C major, is great to learn at different places on the neck. try playing the scale on just one string down the neck helps too. most of the songs I cast are really just practice tracks, but they help me learn my way around. At first I just memorized the scales at different places on the neck, so I might not even know what I'm playing at first, but finding the root note at a certain place gives you an anchor. All these other players are much better than me and know much more, but this is one thing that helped me.

[GuitarSlinger]

Unforunately, years of reading tab has me thinking in numbers alot. This is something I'm trying to reverse in mind because it's pretty useless to think that way if your improvising or writing your own stuff. Old habits are kinda hard to break.

[solone1]

I wish you the best. I've been trying for years to memorize my fretboard so I can play better on dark stages and with my eyes closed (like for those nights when you're next to the campfire and 11 beers into the jam).. I'm NOT saying do that too, but if you're going to learn every position - you may as well practice with your eyes closed once in a while too - you may need it later.. Kinda like typing without looking..

It's all good till the spotlight is shining on the singer and you can't see a single string..

[ShredRex]

Yeah I still practise with my eyes closed.......lol Just for fun..........

[lostylost]

I wish you the best. I've been trying for years to memorize my fretboard so I can play better on dark stages and with my eyes closed

hahhahaah

classic

[solone1]

I wish you the best. I've been trying for years to memorize my fretboard so I can play better on dark stages and with my eyes closed

hahhahaah

classic

[ghudspeth]

BEAD Method of Fretboard Mastery unlocked the board for me. Still have to memorize the major scale, though.

[lostylost]

BEAD? I'll check it out. Thanks for the steer

[lostylost]

And no... I didn't follow through... I memorized the first 3 frets on all strings pretty decently in naturals/sharps but then other commitments stole my time.

Like I *just have* to read these forum posts. ie I slacked out. It's not that fun of training.

However, I still plan to try systematically memorize it `one of these days`

[Mozzarello]

Hey dudes, have fun, learn and well if you think the guy deserves it, you can either donate or buy fretboard warrior plus. Or even the flash cards (err I guess you could do that yourself... with time & patience)

Go here - > www.fretboardwarrior.com

A nifty little game which trains you on the PC to get the right notes on the (guitar) fretboard.

It's free and quite amusing, besides it's a small file.

Plus you can learn the CAGED method, a well reviewed book is "fretboard logic" which you can buy either the 3 books, I II III or the DVD or the combo.

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw_0_8?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=fretboard+logic&x=0&y=0&sprefix=fretboar

Enjoy

[ghudspeth]

I have Fretboard Logic too, which IS a GREAT book! I still have to recommend The BEAD Method of Fretboard Mastery first just because the CAGED system is just one chapter in the BEAD book. I think Fretboard Logic would be useful coming after BEAD. No affiliation--paid my $20 like everyone else...