Ask Brendan Columns » Notes Of The Guitar

Notes Of The Guitar

Published on January 22nd, 2003 in Ask Brendan Columns

Ask Brendan is a monthly column where Guitar Educator, Brendan Burns, answers questions about music and the pursuit of Understanding and Mastering the guitar.

NOTES OF THE GUITAR

January 03

Q: Brendan, I’m an intermediate guitarist and I’m still having trouble learning all the notes on the neck. My strengths lie on the 5th and 6th strings and from the open position to about the 7th fret. From there on it’s gets a little cloudy. I’m stronger in some areas than others. Do you have any suggestions or techniques for learning the notes of the guitar?

B: Print out The Notes Of The Guitar handout (Click here). I constructed this handout because the notes of the guitar should not be a mystery to any guitarist. Use this as a reference for all of your studying. Place it above your music stand or next to the piece of music you are working on. Use it to fuel your curiosity of the instrument.

Assignments:

  1. Play through your usual scales and arpeggios, and look at the handout instead of your fret board.
  2. Play through your usual scales and arpeggios with your mouse, on the flash version of the handout (Click Here). This one is great for when you are at work!
  3. Play through your usual scales and arpeggios with the handout while you are riding the bus or train, or when you have a free moment. This is a great practice for when you are away from your instrument.
  4. Use the handout or flash example to play familiar lines or melodies in different octaves or fingerings. You can do this exercise with or without your guitar.

These assignments are great mental exercises for understanding the fretboard.
They stress learning the notes of the guitar through an associative process. There will come a time where you’ll no longer need the handout and you can visualize the fretboard in your mind. Then, times will be good.

Rock On!
-Brendan

Lesson Assets

The Notes Of The Guitar:
Handout
Flash Version

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Contact:

Brendan Burns | 857.540.2523 | mail@brendanburns.com