Learn The Fretboard - Memorise Every Note Name with Song Examples!

Building on the fretboard learning live stream from six months ago, using fretboard diagrams and song examples to master note locations. The foundation is the note circle - counting up from any open string like A: A-A#-B-C-C#-D and so on (no B# - it goes straight to C). You can count up or down from any note, like going down from E at the 12th fret: E♭-D-D♭-C.

The three essential reference points: Know the open strings (E-A-D-G-B-E), the 12th fret double dots (same notes, one octave up), and the first three single dots. If you remember G-A-B then C-D-E at those positions, everything else can run from there. The 15th fret is just the third fret 12 frets up - a carbon copy. String six is tuned the same as string one, so third fret low E string is also G, just like third fret high E string.

"Seven Nation Army" uses these main dots: E-G-E-D-C-B with no sharps or flats. You can play it in multiple positions because you know where those notes are. "Knock on Wood" and "In the Midnight Hour" go up the dots from E: G-A-B, then D (two frets down from the double dots). This is E minor pentatonic on one string, which is really powerful for fretboard knowledge.

"Shakin' All Over" by Johnny Kid and the Pirates is excellent for learning the fretboard. The main riff repeats at different octaves: E-octave of E-D-B-B. Challenge yourself to find how many different positions you can play those same notes - this forces you to learn the neck thoroughly.

For more advanced players, Paul McCartney's 1999 cover of "All Shook Up" has a quality riff that's a bit like "Whole Lotta Love." Challenge yourself to play it anywhere on the neck through all five positions of E minor pentatonic, starting in open position and working your way up. This approach works no matter what level you're at - beginner, intermediate, or advanced.