Memorize the fretboard: 3 reasons why, 3 mental models, and 4 effective exercises

*NEW:* I'm currently rolling out *Improv 101,* a step-by-step improvisation course for guitarists of _all ability levels_ (there are _no_ prerequisites other than being able to physically play single-note lines on your guitar). You can get early access on Patreon https://patreon.com/fretscience or learn more at https://fretscience.com/2024/10/25/fret-science-improv-101/ Fret Science is a new and robust method for understanding the fretboard (learning all of your scales, arpeggios, and chords) with _dramatically_ less memorization. And then using that knowledge to improvise and play freely in _any_ style of music. The core method for learning scales and chords is available _for free_ here on YouTube. If you're new to the channel, I invite you to check out the "Big Picture" video and recommended video viewing order here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMuHlX9RiFi1L1RdC0CzYa1qxZllD5Ujz&si=cOp25GnXrL28rbLQ If you want to go deeper or interact with me directly, come join me on Patreon https://patreon.com/fretscience where I'm sharing exclusive new lessons, breaking down classic solos, and rolling out a new improvisation method that will help guitarists of _all ability levels_ learn to improvise confidently over chord changes in any style. You can also connect with me at https://fretscience.com or support my work with a donation at https://buymeacoffee.com/fretscience ► Video description: Learning the notes on the fretboard (and practicing to get faster recall) pays off massively by speeding up your ability to learn new songs and solos, as well as by being one of the keys that will unlock your ability to improvise. This video explains why it's so valuable to memorize the notes, shows three powerful ways to think about the fretboard, and demonstrates four useful exercises that will accelerate your progress. ► For downloadable/printable "cheat sheets" for this video and others, visit: https://fretscience.myshopify.com/ ► Keywords: memorizing the fretboard, chromatic scale, cycle of 4ths/5ths, guitar lesson, music theory ► Gear used in this video Fender Player Plus Nashville Telecaster - https://sweetwater.sjv.io/QyXLeM Boss NS-1X noise suppressor - https://sweetwater.sjv.io/5gGEL9 MXR Six Band EQ Pedal - https://imp.i114863.net/QOZgYM DSM Humboldt Simplifier MKII - https://sweetwater.sjv.io/QyXLWP TC Electronic Hall of Fame 2 Reverb - https://sweetwater.sjv.io/rQeqrR Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Audio Interface - https://sweetwater.sjv.io/eKJ5Xj ► Recommended video viewing order: Full playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMuHlX9RiFi1L1RdC0CzYa1qxZllD5Ujz&si=cOp25GnXrL28rbLQ Individual videos: 1. Use "the warp" to reduce memorization: https://youtu.be/Qd8pyJ9A5W8 2. Master the pentatonic scale with the rectangle and stack: https://youtu.be/wzWE0dpxnmY 3. Learn the notes!: https://youtu.be/OHa2DklOeTI 4. Intervals: Guitar's secret decoder ring: https://youtu.be/3sUpoSTy8zw 5. Understand the modes: https://youtu.be/bFvTVnhmFfE 6. The best way to learn/play the modes: https://youtu.be/jrukJYI8ecY 7. Another easy way to play the modes: https://youtu.be/2IxiU96JQ7w 8. The CAGED system and triads: https://youtu.be/W4ZeaKoynv4 9. The 3nps system: https://youtu.be/CkymnwBDN9o 10. Instant harmony: https://youtu.be/G_YP-IpRfuM ► Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction 03:10 - Horizontal movement and the chromatic scale 06:09 - Vertical movement and the cycle of 4ths 10:10 - Diagonal movement with octave moves 13:11 - Why it's so important to memorize the fretboard 15:06 - Practice method #1 16:59 - Practice method #2 18:34 - Practice method #3 20:39 - Practice method #4 ► Thank you to Dave DiCenso (drums), Jeff Gilman (bass), and Jake Shapiro (guitar, cello) for providing the theme music "Sea Horses".