Is there an easy trick to memorizing the fretboard? I know everything repeats at the 12th and the 2+2 rule, but any other ideas to actually memorize it?
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Fretboard Memory
- Thread starter MetroBass
- Start date
There are a number of tricks. I can recommend "The Fretboard Formula" by Alex Sampson. I have used this and my fretboard understanding came on in leaps and bounds. Of course, you have to put some effort into it. However, the course is very structured and easy to follow.
IMO, as much as the patterns and shapes are great for getting a basic awareness of the fingerboard, if you want to really know all your notes and positions INSTANTLY, it just takes time...
One method that worked for me to help with the instant recall was to go around the circle of fifths and play every instance of the note that you can on your bass.
So start with playing all the 'C's' you can find on the bass, then all the 'G's', and so on...
Try not to think of notes in relation to previous notes, but just work on memorizing the notes' positions everywhere.
Like I said, this is my recommended method for memorizing the fingerboard ONLY. There are other methods if you are interested in patterns or learning relationships between notes.
One method that worked for me to help with the instant recall was to go around the circle of fifths and play every instance of the note that you can on your bass.
So start with playing all the 'C's' you can find on the bass, then all the 'G's', and so on...
Try not to think of notes in relation to previous notes, but just work on memorizing the notes' positions everywhere.
Like I said, this is my recommended method for memorizing the fingerboard ONLY. There are other methods if you are interested in patterns or learning relationships between notes.
First you must know where each note is.
Then mentally picture the fretboard or if it helps use an actual bass.
Think where are all the Fs on a bass. then play all of them:
E string: 1st fret count 12 frets up to the 13th fret.
A string: 8th fret is F...12 frets up to the 20th fret
D string: 3rd fret is F...12 frets up 15th fret is F
G string: 10th fret is F...can't go 12 frets (on most basses)
That's an easy exercise. Have someone spout off notes or pick 'em out of a hat. The mind sometimes leaves the tough ones Ab Eb etc. out.
Look for patterns. The octave (2 frets up and 2 strings over from any starting point)
Then mentally picture the fretboard or if it helps use an actual bass.
Think where are all the Fs on a bass. then play all of them:
E string: 1st fret count 12 frets up to the 13th fret.
A string: 8th fret is F...12 frets up to the 20th fret
D string: 3rd fret is F...12 frets up 15th fret is F
G string: 10th fret is F...can't go 12 frets (on most basses)
That's an easy exercise. Have someone spout off notes or pick 'em out of a hat. The mind sometimes leaves the tough ones Ab Eb etc. out.
Look for patterns. The octave (2 frets up and 2 strings over from any starting point)
Memorize the dots on the E and A string.
Notes on the E string with dots
E - 0
F - 1 (not a dot but important)
G - 3
A - 5
B - 7
C - 8 (not a dot but important)
Notes on the A string with dots
A - 0
C - 3
D - 5
E - 7
That's all you need, add in 2+2 and you've got most of the fretboard covered. It all repeats at the 12th fret.
That's enough to get you to the point where the guitar player says "Okay this song is G, D and C" and you know where the note are.
The next step is to memorize the scale & chord shapes for major & minor.
If the guitar player is playing G I'm not thinking "Okay, I can play G, B, C, D..." I'm thinking "Okay, G major, I can play the major pattern starting on the G" which I know because I've memorized the dots.
(This is a simplification of the process, but a simplification is probably what you need.)
Notes on the E string with dots
E - 0
F - 1 (not a dot but important)
G - 3
A - 5
B - 7
C - 8 (not a dot but important)
Notes on the A string with dots
A - 0
C - 3
D - 5
E - 7
That's all you need, add in 2+2 and you've got most of the fretboard covered. It all repeats at the 12th fret.
That's enough to get you to the point where the guitar player says "Okay this song is G, D and C" and you know where the note are.
The next step is to memorize the scale & chord shapes for major & minor.
If the guitar player is playing G I'm not thinking "Okay, I can play G, B, C, D..." I'm thinking "Okay, G major, I can play the major pattern starting on the G" which I know because I've memorized the dots.
(This is a simplification of the process, but a simplification is probably what you need.)
If you have MS Excel, you might want to check this free, downloadable trainer out: Excel 4 or 5 string fretboard trainer
Two basic patterns: 1) circle of 4ths 2) major scale.
Start with memorizing the circle of 4ths starting with B: BEADGCFBbEbAbC#F#B (later also using either flats or sharps only). Then move up the neck ( )= for 5 string)) naming the notes at every fret: open: (B)EADG - fret 1: (C)FBbEbAb - fret 2: (C#)GCFBb etc.
Learn the names of the notes in the major scales up to 3# (Amajor) and 3b. (Ebmajor). Then play the scales in your most comfortable fingering naming the notes. Later: scales up to 6# and 6b.
Both find use also in pratical playing.
Start with memorizing the circle of 4ths starting with B: BEADGCFBbEbAbC#F#B (later also using either flats or sharps only). Then move up the neck ( )= for 5 string)) naming the notes at every fret: open: (B)EADG - fret 1: (C)FBbEbAb - fret 2: (C#)GCFBb etc.
Learn the names of the notes in the major scales up to 3# (Amajor) and 3b. (Ebmajor). Then play the scales in your most comfortable fingering naming the notes. Later: scales up to 6# and 6b.
Both find use also in pratical playing.
I used Fretboard Warrior.
Still do now and then.
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michael
+1 on Fretboard Warrior....thanks for the link....this is long overdue for me.
Using for last 24 hours in between other things....only up to 43 right/3 wrong in 5 minutes....long way to go.
