Tips on MemorizationThe notes we play are a vital part of the basic language of music. Knowing them allows us to better understand and communicate the things we play on guitar. In making visual connections across the fretboard, we begin to decipher and organize this information into recognizable patterns. These patterns provide an essential framework for demystifying the fretboard puzzle. As you continue to explore this idea, here are some key concepts to keep in mind: 1 | Keep It Simple: The fretboard isn’t as overwhelming as it appears. It’s a straightforward and predictable sequence of note repetitions. Focusing on key anchor points organizes this information into easily digestible sections. Establishing simple visual cues will help streamline memorization. 2 | Visualize It: Each note occupies its own unique space of fretboard real estate. The goal of memorization is to strengthen these visual associations. Try to picture each note as if it were written on the fretboard. Practice viewing notes in isolation from the linear framework of the musical alphabet. 3 | Don’t Rush: Visualization exercises are designed for creating visual connections on the fretboard. The goal is to focus on what your mind is doing, not your fingers. Playing these exercises too fast can be counterproductive. Always remember, rushing this process is never a shortcut. 4 | Embrace Repetition: Memorizing the notes on the fretboard isn’t a difficult task, but it’s a repetitive one. The process of actively remembering something increases the accessibility of that information. In short, mental recall becomes faster and easier the more you do it. 5 | Consistency Is Key: Focus less on the amount of time spent and more on the frequency of time spent. Larger, infrequent practice sessions are significantly less effective than shorter, regular ones. Practice memorization in small but consistent chunks—snack, don’t binge. 6 | Mix It Up: Practicing multiple techniques and exercises engages the same information from different perspectives. This ensures that you focus on the goal, not the method. Varying your approach better prepares you for how this information applies to real playing situations. 7 | Make It a Game: Challenges are an extremely effective learning tool. Instead of continually repeating the same exercises, create new ones. Try setting objectives, using time limits, tracking tempos, or incentivizing with rewards. These are invaluable strategies for testing and honing your skills. 8 | Practice Without Playing: Fretboard memorization is about mental recall. Visualization can be done anywhere; it doesn’t require a guitar to practice. Running through exercises mentally without the guitar will maximize their effectiveness when practiced with one. 9 | Practice When Playing: Fretboard visualization shouldn’t be seen as a separate task from other practice we might do. Mentally reinforcing visual connections on the fretboard while playing will enhance our spatial awareness in real-life situations. Applying this skill in context is always the end goal. 10 | Test Yourself: Anything we play can be a tool for testing our visualization skills. Stop and ask yourself: What note am I playing? What are the surrounding notes? What are the other notes in the chord or scale I’m using? How could I translate this to a different area on the fretboard? And so on. Copyright © 2016 Luke Zecchin
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