6 POWERFUL Patterns to Help YOU Dominate the Fretboard

Introduction:

Are you eager to elevate your guitar playing skills and take control of the fretboard? If so, you're in for a treat! In this blog post, we'll cover six easy and proven patterns that will empower you to dominate the guitar fretboard. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player looking to expand your knowledge, these patterns will take your playing to the next level.

1. Open Strings and the Musical Alphabet:

To start, let's familiarize ourselves with the open strings and the musical alphabet. The open strings of the guitar are E, A, D, G, B, and E (from the thickest to the thinnest string). To remember them easily, use the phrase "Eddie Ate Dynamite Good Bye Eddie."

The musical alphabet consists of the notes A, B, C, D, E, F, and G. Every note has a sharp, except B and E, which do not have a sharp. A sharp raises a note, and a flat lowers it. For example, G sharp is the same as A flat.

2. One Form, All Keys:

Guitarists are lucky compared to many other musicians, as they can use one scale form to play in different keys. For instance, if you learn the G major scale, you can easily play in other keys too simply by moving the form up or down the fretboard. Understanding this concept allows you to move scales and chords across the fretboard effortlessly.

3. Stationary Springboards:

Stationary springboards are landmarks on the guitar neck that help you navigate without starting from the beginning. They are the 12th fret, the 5th fret, and the 17th fret. For example, the 12th fret is an octave above the open strings(see video for more stationary springboards). These stationary points serve as reference points and facilitate quick note identification.

4. Movable Springboards:

Movable springboards, like octaves, enable you to find the same note at different locations on the fretboard. For example, to find an octave higher than a note, go down two strings and up two frets. This technique is invaluable for soloing and transcribing music.

5. The 1-4-5 Zigzag:

The 1-4-5 zigzag involves using the number system, which assigns numbers to each note in a scale or chord. The 1-4-5 progression is a common chord progression in many songs. For example, in the key of C, the 1-4-5 progression is C-F-G.

Understanding the number system enables you to quickly identify chord progressions in any key, making it easier to play and write music.

6. Note Replication:

Unlike some instruments where each note has only one location, the guitar allows for note replication. For instance, the high E note can be played in multiple locations on different strings. Understanding note replication enhances your ability to solo, play melodies, and explore different tonalities.

Conclusion:

By mastering these six proven patterns, you can elevate your guitar playing to new heights and confidently dominate the fretboard. Knowing the open strings, the musical alphabet, and utilizing stationary and movable springboards will boost your note identification skills and enable you to play in various keys effortlessly.

Furthermore, understanding the 1-4-5 zigzag and note replication will provide you with powerful tools to enhance your chord progressions and solos. So, take the time to practice and internalize these patterns, and watch your guitar playing soar to new levels of creativity and mastery. Happy playing!