MASTERING THE FRETBOARD - HOW TO BEGIN YOUR JOURNEY | Tom Quayle | SOLO APP

[@tomquayleguitar]

Hi everyone! Hope you're all doing well? I hope you find this lesson useful and thanks again to everyone that's checked out Solo so far and left us such fantastic feedback and reviews. We're actively working on the Android version right now, so we'll keep you updated as we go. Thanks for your patience, this is not as simple as just flicking a switch and having the Android version ready to go - it's a very complex process and we're a tiny, part time team. None of us do this as our main job! It's coming soon. Enjoy the video and I hope it's useful with or without the Solo app. Stay safe and see you all soon! Tom

[@WhalesOnTheMouth]

Thank you for all of your work, Tom (and David)! I'll be purchasing the app as soon as it's available for Android.

[@ARCANISTARCANIST]

Thanks seems that now is available for japan 🇯🇵, i have a question. I have a 2017 mac full upgraded with 32gb 2400 mhz ddr4, intel quad-core i7 3.6ghz, Radeon pro 560 4 gb, And Apple Store displayed a message, that it’s not available for my device. Why?

[@tomquayleguitar]

@@ARCANISTARCANIST hi there. It’s only compatible with the new M1 apple silicon Macs for now since they can run iOS apps natively.

[@mastermachetier5594]

Very cool lesson . I’d love to see more videos that utilize solo

[@peroquenariz]

Thanks Tom! Waiting for the Android version! :D

[@Penfold__]

Hi Tom, love the app - it's really great- is there any chance that you could perhaps include a truly random tonal sequence involving all twelve notes? The existing sequences are great but since they are arranged in fifths [from memory], there is a certain level of predictability which allows me to cheat slightly when using the sequence!

[@jetset9561]

It would be nice if you could cycle all the root notes randomly in the Chord Changes Exercises - I know all the Jazz Standards will give you less defined changes but a random option for all 12 keys would really help you to nail note location.

[@Dr.Bojangles]

This really seems like something that should be on there.

[@Dreamdancer11]

My personal approach is... mastering the fretboard names cold like Tom says. Master each interval in any position and string set...lets say find any perfect fifth ascending or descending When you have a couple of intervals down...lets say the perfect fifth and the flat third...then master all the minor arpeggios and chords With each interval that you add...lets say the flat seventh...you then master all the minor seventh arpeggios and chords When you have enough intervals down you move to larger structures like scales and modes... So basically brick by brick.

[@christophecoste8471]

I bought Solo one month ago now, and encourage every guitar player to do the same, for the tiny price it is killer ❤️,and I find this kind of video really useful, helping how to use Solo. Hope David or you Tom will be able to do more video on Solo. Thanks👍😁

[@AndyFrenchMusic]

It's a cracking app. I'm finding it really useful. It certainly showed up how rusty I was. The great thing is it's one of those things you can grab 5 minutes here and there with. Thanks Tom and Beebee!

[@WhyallaDojo]

I've playing guitar for almost 40 years. I've never bothered with "guitar theory" beyond the basics until recently I started playing in a band where the rest of the band are all Jazz grads. We do a lot of improvising and my ear and skill get me 70% of the way there, but I fall down terribly when the other guys start discussing progressions in music lingo... Definately makes me feel like the dumbest guy in the room. I've been looking for something that gives me grass-roots information and exercise that don't involve learning how to play Michael Row Your Boat Ashore... and THIS IS IT. Thanks so much man... I can't tell you how this app, and your videos are helping to expand my playing. THANKYOU!

[@misomor3149]

I can absolutely vouch for Tom's method because I used the same one to train myself to recognize notes, intervals, then later chords and scales, because I got sick of learning stupid shapes and doing braindead exercises in order to memorize them. The only difference is that I used other programs and random generators in order to practice recognition and visualization. And NO, I'm not paid to say this, Tom doesn't even know of my existence , I say it because Tom is an amazing player and his lessons are honest and truthful, he doesn't sell you snake oil, these methods not only work but are the only good methods to learn fretboard and improvisation. if you are considering getting Solo, you absolutely should, I would get it myself but I don't use Apple devices, if it comes on android then I definitely will. Cheers!

[@Arch_Stanton.]

I'm patient but cannot wait for the android release - sure it will be a great tool! Always have found Tom's educational material super helpful. I'm just a hobby guitarist but Tom changed the way I view the instrument and also got me way more interested in theory.

[@cjtheclaimed6757]

I'm desperate! I want it on Android Too!!!!

[@butthole4185]

Hookers and blow is a classic though. I wouldnt worry about it.

[@simbasimba2029]

@@cjtheclaimed6757 Mate, I got impatient waiting for the android version too so yesterday I knocked up my own version which works in a browser. If you have Chrome then it will work. Try it out and let me know how well it works www.notesack.com

[@simbasimba2029]

​@Andrei James Don't have insta, sorry. I hit 40 few years ago. Too old for that stuff now! I think @Tom Quayle is your man for help on mastering the fretboard though. I'm an intermediate guitarist at best. I actually made a rough version of notesack.com ages ago to help my wife sing (she would admit, herself, that she's tone-deaf!) and I also used it myself to help learn the fretboard. I love Tom's playing and teaching techniques. When I saw Solo I thought ''hey I could adapt that thing I wrote for my wife and make it available for other guitarists'. It's much simpler than solo but it works for my needs. It's weird how you think you know the notes but in reality, you are just working them out relative to the few notes you actually do know. I think the brute force string by string random note method is the best way to really get the notes to stick in your brain. It's weirdly fun. Notesack also tells you when you play a wrong note which is handy. If you click on the note names it will play the note which is handy when using it for singing practice. If you don't like the current note or chord or scale you can click on a blank part of the page or press the right arrow key to get a new round.

[@richardstones6445]

Tom, Just wanted to thank you for your amazing instruction and passion/commitment. I played guitar for over 20 years when I was younger, but never really internalized the location of notes on the fretboard. I haven't played in over 30 years now, but I have recently retired and decided to take up guitar again as a retirement activity. I decided I would try to really learn the fretboard and music theory this time, but I've been struggling to figure out how to go about it in a way that makes it "stick". I just still find myself counting frets from the nut, or using octave shapes to try to get me to the correct note. I couldn't think of any exercises that would really get it in my head. I had purchased Solo a few days ago, but honestly, I couldn't figure out how to use it for this purpose. You have set me on the path now. Thank you so much.

[@sixtring73]

I've recently bought the app and have just tried it for the first time whilst watching this. This really is exactly what I needed. I've played for over 30 years and still don't know any of this stuff! The app seems very intuitive and easy to use. Well done Tom, you and Beebs are on to a winner with this one!

[@dhekke]

I've been loving my time with Solo. It's really, really useful, and made these types of exercises a much better experience than anything else I'd tried. It's genius in its simplicity. That said, I do have two suggestions: 1. Add the option to randomize the root notes. The fact that it follows the circle of fifths can be helpful (for ear training, for instance), but it's really easy to get into the groove of the repeated intervals and have your hands start moving automatically, before you actually process what you're doing. 2. An option to select which interface channel the app listens to. I'm using a Helix Stomp with Solo, and it only sends the dry signal through USB channels 3/4, but Solo listens exclusively to channel 1. That means I can't have any effects on my signal path while using Solo, or it might mess up the note recognition. There are some cumbersome workarounds, but adding an option to choose the input channel would make things much easier. These being said, keep up the amazing work, guys. I wish you all the success.

[@kylewilson1022]

This is exactly what I needed. After downloading solo, I immediately knew I didn’t know the notes well enough to utilize the app and began wondering if the app could be used to help me learn the notes. Thanks Tom!

[@dsaashley]

Hi Tom, Great App. Can you consider a way where we can also hear the backing chord when we play through the changes. That would take the app to the next level. Many thanks for all the efforts to make us better players.

[@frosty_soda]

How? Sure it listens so you can't really listen and play at the same time, unless you are using USB audio in. I get your thinking but probably not doable when using the mic

[@SelfPropelledDestiny]

@@frosty_soda Possibly with a headphone feature to isolate the chord sound.

[@paulobrito664]

Just bought the app one hour ago and I'm already getting results from it! Thank you so much for putting time into this ✨

[@jhesbol]

Tom, thank you for the video. I just downloaded the app, and immediately spent 2 hours exploring the app and learning just how unreflexive I am with all of this, though I claimed to "know" the notes all over the neck. In theory I do. But this is a great reality check!

[@chrisdavidson8525]

Tom, you're a genius. Such a clear voice as a teacher, you have helped me immensely, I thank you for your time and dedication and all your content - it's always coherent and engaging.

[@patrickcarroll1754]

You keep pushing the envelope, Tom. You're among the best. Thanks for this trainer. It's both challenging and accessible.

[@fordfanjpn]

It’s now available in Japan! I just purchased it. Thanks for giving us such a fantastic tool.

[@andyracksthecams]

A rough idea of the Android release date? I want this. Thank you Tom.

[@tomquayleguitar]

That would be a bad idea as you'd all then hold me to it! Lol ;-)

[@gnrslash1987]

@@tomquayleguitar come on Tom! we're already holding it against you for keeping us waiting behind the apple boys!! haha thanks for the great video content!

[@tomquayleguitar]

@@gnrslash1987 haha!

[@gnrslash1987]

@@tomquayleguitar actually watching your visualising the fretboard course as we speak! Once you "get it" it opens all doors! Love it!

[@adolfohuet3974]

Waiting for the android version of your app!

[@danilomedeirosmusica]

Guess I'm your first Brazilian customer! Thanks!

[@cassius2703]

Tom this is just brilliant, thank you for respecting your audience enough to be honest about the work effort and practice necessary to learn this intuitively! Really excited to learn more about your app as well!

[@daveprosser941]

If there ever comes a version of Solo that asks you to play the note by showing it on the musical staff instead of by note name I think it will be the world's best guitar app.

[@hungryguitarstudent]

Feature suggestion (if it doesn't already exist): in Solo, is it possible to have a random root note generator instead of cycling through the circle of 5ths (or 4ths)?

[@simbasimba2029]

Have you seen NoteSack? I wrote it myself. It has a 'RANDOM NOTE' mode which I think is what you are wanting.

[@hungryguitarstudent]

@@simbasimba2029 Thanks for the infoz Does it have pitch recognition like Solo and random chords as well ?

[@simbasimba2029]

@@hungryguitarstudent Yes it has realtime pitch recognition + random notes + random chords + random intervals + random scales + you can also select any chord, interval or scale if you want to practise a certain one.

[@lucasvarela9632]

Getting solo tomorrow 😄 if I get it right now I won’t sleep

[@chadrew6]

You start by learning to read music on the guitar. And then you continue by learning seven distinct scale forms for the major scale, and five distinct scale forms for the pentatonic scale. I did write out those notes and you read them.

[@LukeDickins0n]

Awesome Tom. The fact that the app is waiting for you as opposed to panicking with the pressure of practicing along with a tune is brilliant. This sort of pressure and discomfort is what prevented me from practicing over changes, and it is now alleviated. Well done mate

[@keithlamontdavis8047]

I'm all in for the Android version! Very much looking forward to it Tom.

[@encryptor6710]

I bought the vid for memorizing the fretboard. Great material. Really opened up my playing. Waiting and waiting and waiting for the android solo app.

[@encryptor6710]

The only thing I found annoying about the fretboard tutorial video is you dont cater to the normal guitar tuning. 99.9% of players are tuned standard. I am a very visual person so when I see you hitting notes that dont refer to me I have to basically just skip over what you are doing and just try to refocus what you mean on my guitar in standard. It just slows the process. I tried using your tuning but it just doesnt work for what Im trying to accomplish. Wish there were 2 separate videos.

[@MichaelCantrall]

I LOVE THIS APP, now on my iPhone. I am going to start your visualizing the fretboard course tomorrow morning...just purchased and downloaded the package. This is quite a brilliant applied theory approach. I have tons of books on learning the guitar and nothing compares. The benefits are immediately put to work. Very happy I found your channel!

[@patrickb6528]

Just downloaded the app, what a great tool! It's definitely one of those things where you wonder why nobody came up with it earlier. Thanks for making my practicing so much more effective!

[@JCFern]

I thoroughly enjoyed your intervallic function lesson video from some time ago, and I had remembered that you had made mention of a learning app project in that one. I started watching this one on my iPad(I had just very recently switched to the Apple ecosystem), and by about halfway I was grabbing my iPhone and clicking on the App Store. You got me Tom, SOLD! Instant note identification anywhere on the fretboard, particularly on the 4th String(D) Third String(G) and the Second. String(B) has been a major weakness for me. I understand that there isn’t any shortcuts and I obviously have to discipline myself to put in the work, but I am very hopeful that SOLO will help motivate me to put in the time to train myself in both Root note location and intervallic function practice. CHEERS!

[@MorningCarnival]

I’ve just started with solo and I like it. It give a focus to some areas of practice which can be overlooked.

[@tomquayleguitar]

Great!

[@taLLdavidproduction]

Thanks for all your hardwork and enthusiasm Tom. Your channel is awesome

[@tomquayleguitar]

Thanks!

[@rickclick8359]

pleased I started with Classical guitar and sight reading, note names get nice and solid doing this.

[@swedeinla]

Still hoping for the desktop version. I gladly pay for it, I just dont like to do anything off a cell phone. I am sure there is more people like me out there:)

[@theericbeaty]

So glad you made this video, Tom. I have been wondering how to start memorizing the root notes better with Solo as it flies through chord changes. Never thought to divide the fretboard into sections like you mentioned. Please keep these sort of tutorials for Solo coming. I love seeing what the app is capable of.

[@HarlanHarvey76]

I am sure you will see your app sales quadruple when available for Android. I look forward to it

[@loudoniii]

Excellent stuff, Tom. I've been playing for many years but have to admit that I have never taken the time to really learn the fretboard. I like the way your suggested exercises help build a combination of muscle memory, visual memory and cognitive understanding ... all in parallel. Now when I sit down with my guitar, I don't plonk away as usual on the same old stuff, but instead have a clear roadmap of how I can really building my intuitive understanding of the fretboard, using your Solo app to guide me. Awesome material! 🙏

[@davedavem]

This looks great! I'll wait for the Android version of the app and practice the idea meanwhile 😊

[@scotthall8502]

Thanks Tom looks great - and I'm looking forward to the release of the Android version

[@pariahgaming365]

Just bought your app. I will definitely give this a go. I’m one of those old guys that has been playing for almost 20 years and people really think I actually know what I’m doing when they hear me play cause I’ve just been playing long enough to know how to play MANY complicated riffs and lead parts as well as I write (what I think) are pretty good songs. I obviously know all my first position notes on the E and A strings as well as my notes on the E and A. But when it comes to those middle 3 strings, I just stumble and guess through them till I find the notes I hear in my head. I’m sick of that. I want to know the whole board and I want to know what it is I’m doing or understand what I’m trying to do so that I can write songs faster and be able to improvise much better than I do now. Thanks for this video as well!

[@woodward_alan]

Cannot wait for this app on Android

[@jasonkerr931]

Ordered it 20 minutes ago and already learning!!!

[@jep3305]

The course that Tom mentioned (Visualizing the Fretboard) is phenomenal and certainly worth the little it costs. Go get it and change the way you look at your instrument!

[@Guitaropenmind]

Such a great and efficient way to Laser focus your practice routine. Just bought the app yesterday, Thank you Tom ! I love the way you play and also the way you teach.

[@bumrecordingstudios]

This video was great. I wish I had this app and video 2 years ago when I started pushing myself to learn theory. But onward and upwards.

[@Chrisorocks]

This app looks fantastic, I have just bought it after watching this tutorial. Great job!

[@aaronsamson8685]

Very useful. Thank you so much, India.

[@stevenb.9839]

Thx Mr. Quayle for your great work 👍👏

[@MikaTarkela]

Thank you for not creating a subscription-based app. I'm definitely going to check this app out! Edit: Just got the app and it's really fun to learn this way!

[@markslist1542]

Thanks Tom. Good to see you again.

[@tonykin17]

Finally available in My country which would change everything!

[@JohnMcGFrance]

Love using Solo. It’s a great app. So much in it. Great for every level. Thank ou and the team.

[@russellcarre4726]

Seems to be a great app, looking forward to using it. Regards russc.

[@DaveZnoise]

I like this idea - Is is possible to randomize the cycle? I would like to set it for root and the circle of 5ths but have the app randomize from the circle for the next note. Make sense?

[@woodismetal2079]

Just got Solo! What an amazing tool this is going to help me over some huge stepping stones with theory. Thanks for all you do!

[@cbeserra]

Just purchased. The concept is so good for skill development. Thank you

[@eddaymusic]

Thanks Tom!!! This video is excellent. I just purchased Solo and think your well thought-out approach will be a huge help over time.

[@frankiecalabro2617]

Lovin’ me that Tommy Q! What a great teacher!

[@TheSteveMayes]

This is really cool - basic but effective. Learning where all the notes are is a slog but this looks like it will help a lot. Hopefully, Android version will be out soon.

[@mohammadfaisalrahman7682]

Great video Tom. Looking forward to Android release. You are a fantastic guitar player as well as a great teacher. Thanks.

[@comeforh]

Thank you for your effort on this. It's finally available on the app store of my region. Cheers.

[@bulentkamali]

I wish we could see your face. Good introduction and the product deserves the money paid for. I would like to thank you for all the efforts that you have put into this. Now, it is up to us to get over our laziness and do regular exercises.

[@jonathanavery7583]

This is great Tom (and David). Thanks for putting in the work for this app. Good advice here about root notes. More of these videos would be great for intermediate and advanced players too.

[@saepiumv3813]

Loving the app 👍 happy with the new updates! Been a fantastic tool 👍👍

[@tzhong889]

Absolute killer lesson Tom! This helps a lot I always struggled with this.

[@nathanguitar4246]

Absolutely brilliant. Needed to hear this!

[@jamessbca]

Just bought the app. I've been trying to figure out how to make up some exercises for this. I'll use your app!!!

[@exylestinozo8182]

This is amazing!!! :-) cant wait to be released on Android!!! :-) thanks Tom

[@manuelsegura7573]

Love the app and really is making a difference for me. Thank you Tom

[@Ruefus]

"Cat in hell's chance"....... LOL. Had to back up after I quit laughing. Caught me at the right moment.:)

[@xingruchen6555]

I bought solo yesterday

[@bogg4n]

Great video, as usual! You are truly a great teacher. Practising this manually now while waiting for the Android version of Solo.

[@craigwolstenholme359]

Been watching your KZbin vids for a while now Tom . Incredibly talented and am looking forward to the App when available on Android. Thank you for your guidance 👍🏻🎸🎵🎶

[@igorgoga7985]

Just changed to 4th tuning- I reduced two notes interval patterns by 29 shapes as per your tutorial. It is huge. I still struggle with newly tuned strings- should I buy stickers for these two strings with note names?

[@oceanspray6969]

I like this a lot. I could see myself doing this.

[@PopsKustojo]

Thank you, sir.

[@patrickblackmon9825]

Great lesson, thanks Tom 🤘 I'm very excited about the android app ! I would be happy to beta test ofc 😁👍

[@musicmaniaph6990]

Wow, this gave us great help!

[@Blazer__X]

Thank you so much Tom!

[@roachzero2952]

Ughhh .... "AS you were explaining" the android issue I was looking ... Can't wait to get it though , Tom . Will def be keeping an eye/ear out for it when it does come .

[@kimond2]

Awesome tutorial! I really love the way you explain the importance of using the intuition. I feel bad for using using hacks now 😛

[@leftbehind4030]

I wander what will come first my complete knowledge of the fret board or the android version of Solo......that a tricky one

[@michaelatkisson8995]

I have been going through the exercises where you locate the 3rd and the fifth using the whole,whole,half,whole, whole,whole,half. Are you saying their is a different method? Do you have a video explaining it. Thanks!

[@marcoaguilera8727]

I think you should keep making videos on different ways of using your app!

[@leenewsted9484]

Hi Tom! Q: is there any value in having the SOLO app ask for the user to play a specific note? For example, instead of just any ‘C’ it would require you to play ‘C2’ or ‘C4’.

[@mattcarey9398]

Hey Tom! Loving the app, fretboard visualization has been a pitfull of mine, Solo has been a bible for me. I was wondering it if would be possible to add a "randomize" element to the All 12 Keys change selection? I find that its easy to get comfortable knowing each note is going to be a fifth apart, and I would like to be kept on my toes. Thanks!

[@lvgeorge]

Yes, it takes Work to be good at anything. I will learn the fretboard, I will learn the fretboard,,,

[@TheBladepolisher]

Really looking forward to the Windows version of the app ! !

[@MrSatch12]

This is game changer!

[@miztec]

Love this app thanks

[@johnwaller9399]

Great starter lesson for Solo users like myself. I really appreciate the thought and attention you and the team put into creating such a great app.

[@Erocapi]

Awesome tool I just got it

[@zigazorin8893]

please make a backong track for me to improvise to and app tells me if i’m doing a good job or if i’m playing bullsheet

[@0zwald]

I have the iphone app (love it), but is there a way to also access the app on my macbook? The app store says its only compatible on M1 devices. Thanks

[@joelstephenson8017]

This is an awesome app mate!

[@oceanspray6969]

This is so good.

[@jackhancock9862]

Would much prefer Solo as a VST tbh. iOS is a chocolate teapot.

[@gianlucafinistauri8452]

It's vastly useful! Really really useful. Next development step would be "pattern playing": means you get a list of patterns (over dominant or II or other chords progression), the app displays a chord and you have to play the pattern in the right key over that chord.. and then you could key-in new patterns invented by yourself for training on different keys... ok, I'll stop here :)