Trying to learn the guitar fretboard? Start Here! Memorize notes and chord shapes easily on guitar.

[@bothsidesofthecoin]

I have been watching these videos for at least two years now. Most of the time with theory and practice lessons I already get but the way he breaks them down is unmatched. Once he started telling to learn the E and A string, I knew he was going to talk about the L shape for note association, however the way using barre chords to show the concept is brilliant. He is an amazing teacher and guitar player, If you stack just his KZbin lessons in order you don't need anything else. I cannot imagine how good his premium lessons are... and I do not know this guy at all I just think he is really thorough

[@garyparker1191]

Gt3

[@patrickgrove1830]

The amount of lessons you get for the price is really a great deal. He is a a fantastic teacher.

[@jmorra]

even his tiniest little licks have his unmistakable taste. This guy is so good. He is musical, pure and simple. Wish I'd found him 30 years ago.

[@theresewalters1696]

This is the best way I have found. It is getting exciting to test myself to find all the A's etc.

[@derickg1488]

This dude here!!! I feel so blessed having been turned on to Brian and Active Melody! I was at, sometimes still am, in a very weird time in my life. All these huge changes going on around me, to me, to the world etc. I've been sober going on 6 years now, and I haven't really played guitar much at all since then. I started playing back when I was 13 or 14. Trying to play Wish you were here and that song about a stairway. Needless to say, all I really accomplished those first few years was learning a ton of bits and pieces of songs. They I became a full time heroin addict , so I pretty much dedicated my life to that job. Stoped playing guitar for years. It wasn't a tool of my trade so I sold everyone I got to help buy tools for my real career. Anyway, I'm sure some of you get the point. So about a year ago I finally got a guitar. Still have. Even an electric as well. Moving up in the world lol. Its been difficult trying to break these old habits of playing which is way more difficult as it would be if I were younger. So things have been going well. Somehow along this journey I began listening to a lot of americana, folkish, blue grassy countryish styles. I never realized how much of those styles were actually played by the musicians and bands I love. Like Jerry and the dead group, Fish with a ph tho etc etc. Maybe its age too. I'm not the same kid I was 25 years ago playing loud distorted sustained " alternative " music. Anyway. I was turned on to this amazing raging beautifully sound musician who has a site called active melody. It was like a blessing from JAH!!! So I took the road less traveled and I'm beyond grateful I did. I've learned so much from Brian this past year than the 25 ish years prior. I can't even put it into words even tho I am. I've become a completely different " musician " not different really because up until a year ago I was just someone who strummed chords. I can truly say that this site has changed my life, not just musically either. I'm more confident in myself now. Its taken me out of my comfort zone. I've become more expressive in things. More improvisational not just with guitar. With writing life etc. I just wanted to throw that out there in the inner webs facetube youbook world. This has probably be one of the best investments in my life. Seriously!!! Thanks Brian. For those of you on the fence, whats the worst that could happen by becoming a member? You find out how awesome it is! You learn something new? Give it a shot, give yourself a shot!!

[@EdBender]

You're the man dude. Keep it up. Sober and playing, no way to go wrong. Congrats on beating the most powerful addiction, and remember the war is never over,but you have lots of support on your journey. I just read Eric Clapton s biography, and it became clear to me the power of music to heal and grow. Highly recommend that book. Best to you,

[@VitalBigras]

Congrats! And keep it up, I am sober since 7 years now and playing guitar is my healer!

[@Maydoggie]

I’ve had twenty years of one days now and I’ve had a similar guitar journey. I put the guitar aside for about 25 years then picked it back up about 2 years ago. Sure enough, I started playing the same 15 or twenty songs that I had played 25 years ago. Nothing wrong with the songs themselves but I started getting bored and frustrated pretty quickly. Then I discovered a lesson website (not Active Melody) and signed up and committed to 10 minutes of dedicated practice every day. Of course it was almost always much more than 10 minutes but 10 minutes was what I committed to. Ten minutes of practice is very different than ten minutes of playing. (I like to say that if I’m not using a metronome then it is playing not practice. That’s not always true, but the point is I push myself out of my comfort zone.) After a year and a half of using that site, which is mostly drills and licks, I decided to give Active Melody a try. Most of the lessons there are pretty far over my ability, but it has really helped push me into being a better player and a more musical player. I have spent 2-3 months on one weekly lesson a few times, but it’s ok. My journey doesn’t have to be like everyone else’s. I struggle with knowing I’m not that good of a player despite my efforts, but I do know that I’m steadily improving. And like they say, “Expectations are where fun goes to die.” Keep up the good work, sir.

[@HaroldJordanMagic]

I just wanna 😭 cry and hug you and jump for joy because of how you just broke all of that down so majestically!!!

[@kirtbowers7441]

I appreciate the way you tied the Pentatonic scales to the E and A barre chords.

[@mikereynolds3294]

Finally someone that’s teaches in a “ common sense” approach that anyone can understand. THANK YOU ! Reaffirms my theory that the position markers on a guitar are in the wrong spots 😂

[@watchison1]

OMG. I am a total beginner about through my first month, but played Trombone in middle and High school. I am now just learning Guitar. Most sites just have not put all this together with the fret board so succinctly. Others just have you memorize all the top 12 frets, but this is using our brains and learning it logically. String 6 and 5 that makes so much sense. Now I need to learn to get my bar chords. THANK YOU! You rock!

[@lightfoot413]

you're absolutely right and it does not take long to learn 2 strings on the guitar and 2 chord shapes..and then you can play any chord progression that you wish..the world of guitar music opens up then..Great lesson sir....

[@henrymrowicki7004]

I played the piano MANY years ago, the black keys reference helped it click. Thank you for the grate lesson.

[@d.l.huntministries8131]

Checking in again , I think this is the best lesson for anyone who wants to open up on the Guiltar. Thank You much !

[@scottdemille2672]

I was always overwhelm with the how many an where all the notes were,but this video really really helped

[@g.jernigan4545]

Best fretboard memory tips I’ve ever seen! I’m a struggling 74 year old first time player. Thank you so very much. :)

[@cathybroadus4411]

You just rescued me. I was in the midst of just flat out memorizing with no context. Outstanding lesson.

[@jdiscala54]

You're an excellent teacher

[@redwardmoon6345]

I think you’re one of the best music/guitar teachers on KZbin. Thanks

[@johnmetcalfe2482]

Brian you just gave the most lucid clear explanation and demonstration I have ever heard. Thank you.

[@ohnothimagen1566]

I just discovered you yesterday. I have been trying to play for years. Feeling very frustrated. I've spent years watching KZbin videos. Never feeling like I was getting anywhere. After watching a few videos of yours, I have stopped searching for an online guitar teacher that I feel I can really learn from. A teacher with the perfect teaching personality for me. My search is over. You are officially my guitar teacher now. I am so genuinely grateful. Thank you.

[@activemelody]

Thank you Stephen!

[@MoeJoe974]

Stephen, I’ve had a membership at Active Melody for years. Brian gives huge amounts of knowledge for a pittance of money. For the price a 2 or 3 cups of coffee you can get a month of access to his library of 10 years of his weekly lessons to pick and choose. Try it, you’ll be happy you did. I sure am.

[@petercummins1097]

This is one of the most helpful videos I've watched on memorising the fretboard. Thank you

[@theresewalters1696]

This is the best explanation I have found yet. Much of this I already learned but hadn't put it together in this way to learning the fretboard essentials.

[@steveruegge5504]

Dont bale out early when he goes over notes on 6 and 5 string. The meat comes when he ties the chord shapes and scales to those notes. This was very good explanation of how to become an intermediate guitarist. Glad I listened to the whole video. Indeed this is Cliff Notes on learning guitar. Now if I can shake the lazy's and drill.

[@lightshinerecordings9581]

Beautiful; thank you. Love the “tie-it-together w/pentatonic scales”

[@MrGbnax]

thank you. I just had an epiphany. I’m 67 yrs old and just started learning. this one lesson answered questions I’ve been having about music that I can use across the board.

[@chrislehman1343]

Good lesson! I agree completely that if I had only understood this 50 years ago. Its funny, you realize you know these things but don't realize you do. I have always said that's what is so great about the guitar. Every time you learn something it only makes you understand you have so much more to learn and UNDERSTAND. There is always more to grasp. Keep up your good work.

[@1ProShooter]

I take lessons from a great teacher . Your videos are very similar to my lessons and the best in the net . Thanks

[@lukejames9805]

Best teacher on youtube.

[@frankt7521]

Found this at first on FB and came here so I can watch repeatedly. No one ever explained this to me before as this video does. Now if I could just play barre chords.

[@thewolfofthefs6334]

Gert his course. You will be playing some cool songs in no time at all while learning exactly what you are doing.

[@Liam_Maddog]

The secret to playing barre chords is the same as everything else. Practice, practice, practice. The stronger your left hand becomes, the easier it will be. Keep at it!

[@akfisher7138]

Frank learn mini chords first as outlined in this chap's lessons. Full Chords will come but are not essential. Jazz players never bother, as you only need 3 notes for a chord. Good luck.

[@scottlist6420]

I just watched this. I consider myself being an entry level guitarist and have learned the basic notes on the low and high E but after watching this I’m gonna start doing this as an exercise to learn the basic notes on the A string then slowly move into the major and minor cords. This was very helpful and easy for me to follow and understand. I have been wanting to advance and I believe this will take me to the next level by understanding more of the note locations on the fret board. Thanks so much

[@nelsonchapman9029]

You are a great teacher. Thanks

[@joshuabrande2417]

You're right Brian. When getting chords to songs online it's amazing how many the majority of well-known hits by legendary, iconic writers are pretty simple 1-4-5 [rpgressions. The difference is in the tones and intervals and that studio stuff.

[@sergioflores3156]

By far, the best guitar instruction I have found in the internet. Very basic approach without confusing you with too much talk. I have signed up for my yearly subscription.

[@cedartop1]

Wow I think this is the first one of your lessons where I actually understand it all and know how to do it all. Maybe I am making some progress after all. This kind of great content is why I am a member of the Active Melody site thanks for all you do.

[@saifuddinsaria3932]

You are a 7 star teacher.Thanks.

[@MindDezign]

A big spoonful of music, guitar fret board. This entire lesson is worth watching over and over till you do feel comfortable with this lesson. Simple is key, this is good solid basic. It's hard when you know so much to try and teach so little. But this is a huge spoon full ,to chew on for a while. Keep coming back till you know what is here. Also for me knowing the strings from low E to High e .I had a "Circle of Fifths Guitar Wheel " you turned the outer wheel to any note, like , A ,it gave you all the music info you needed , gave you chords in the A progression, subsituite chords . You can pick them up online or most music stores. Thanks Brian great lesson !

[@stringman509]

Great lesson Brian very helpful and playing up the fret board

[@KRColson]

Wow! I really think I just had one of those "light bulb" moments as you described the fret board like a piano key board! It makes sense for sure! Looking forward to practicing chords at different places on the fret board. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@Abenjohar22]

Love the simplicity of your lessons who are great for beginner Thanks so much

[@ronfeldman7833]

Brian, a fabulous lesson. I'm an intermediate player and am familiar with all of the information that you went through today. However, you've given me a different perspective allowing me to truly understand how these things fit together, and how to actually apply it to playing. You really simplified and distilled the information into digestible bites. In the past, trying to learn everything before enjoying what you're doing is basically impossible, but at the least very frustrating and overwhelming. Thanks for your patience to be able to explain this information as you did. Exceptional.

[@johnhayesuk]

Hi Brian looks complicated but I’m willing to try thanks again brilliant teaching

[@charleschinden8254]

Thank you very much Brian that was very useful.God bless you.

[@billwiebe1579]

I love your playing so much, it all sounds so good like when you improvise playing songs in different ways and how everything is related, I find myself trying to master what you just played because it sounds amazing, rather then looking at how everything is related, I jump ahead, but I do go back to get exactly how you relate everything,

[@stevenhebert4117]

That was an outstanding lesson. You are probably the best at teaching! Elementary communication guarantees anybody can comprehend with a little effort. 6 grade level always wins.. Thanks

[@stuartswinnerton9974]

Excellent lesson the light was properly lit , fantastic to hear and learn from such a good teacher 👍👍😀

[@rjroth4869]

Over time I've learned most of this. But the idea of picking out the same note on the 5th and 6th string very quickly is a very practical challenge I'll work on. Also, the 4th position minor pentatonic shape over the "A" shaped barre chord was a revelation!

[@shanes3842]

great lesson best one so far for me on the caged shapes and major and minor chords. Thanks mate

[@nickfoard7139]

I wish I’d have watched this video 10 years ago. Thank you for getting me excited to play the guitar again. It’s not so complicated after all.

[@dalehall1787]

Awesome I need to learn this thanks!

[@tork62077]

This is a very helpful video thank you very much!!

[@ambarvenkataraman8890]

what a fantastic video brian - so well explained - and simplifying something that a lot of us get overwhelmed by - thank you

[@dalehall1787]

Thanks for the lesson it helps me a lot!!!!

[@nickyengle9668]

Great Video,Thanks for your communication skills and generosity.

[@watchman11000]

Thank you, cleared up the confusion and gave me simplistic understanding

[@airpierre2501]

A great teacher!

[@josephrobinson2326]

Thank you sir, helped me a lot. I've tried the theory and I've tried hard at school 30 years ago in New Zealand, am 44 now been jamming guitar over the years,knowing I couldn't get the theory I played by ear mostly, and observing others. Must be my time to finally get it and I'm very happy. Thank you

[@chucklutter7399]

Thank you so very much for this clear, concise lesson. BEST AND PEACE

[@tahoo2121]

Very well thought out and clear presentation! ...Waves

[@paulrobertson3326]

Thanks for your friendly, approach that takes the intimidation out of learning. While you are obviously highly skilled, you relate well to anyone. Thanks Brian

[@billwiebe1579]

You just helped me break through the headache of being stuck, thank you so much, I have more questions which is why I wish you were my teacher

[@GenX4ever]

You sure keep pulling useful "quickies" out of the bag. This is great Brian. Love the new background angles you've been using too. Thanks!

[@davyhiblot7740]

I wish I watched it when I started learning guitar! Great job, keep doing this kind of stuff!

[@RichardLewis-em2ud]

As a beginner and member of Active Melody, I usually struggle with the lessons. even the ones for a novice guitarist, and they are way over my head. This, however, made total sense and I learnt a lot from the video

[@opaaria195]

Fantastic information Brian. I am going start working on playing chords up and down the fretboard.

[@prasatsurin]

The is your best I've seen but you have so much good stuff, don't know where to start! Yes I'm a premium member.

[@timothywilliams345]

Thanks Brian! Another in a long line of useful information for the journey of becoming an accomplished guitarist.

[@stevematthews7813]

Awesome "light bulb" lesson for me Brian! Your explanation of how to learn notes on the guitar fretboard is super. Thank you!

[@precisionbrown6829]

Thanks! I’ve been playing for 20 something years and still can’t get it right. Very appreciated 💓

[@Finchy67]

Yet another great video. That will prove so useful for a LOT of people. Like the lesson on ALEXA too!

[@GuitarMelodyPradip88]

Thanks. This is very helpful to understand the shape and chord. I would also like to know about TRIAD pl.

[@richardriley8906]

Fantastic vidio. As Ive taken in many theory lessons I've noticed thru Bass lessons on shapes, 5ths and octaves . It has helped explain the fretboard for just the upper 4 strings . Its been a great tool , I can't make the corilation between the bottom 2 strings . If you have some way of makeing that clear for chords to lead it would save lots of exploration?

[@toofypeg7931]

This guy Is soooo cool and relaxed and I’ve learnt more from this vid than I have in 50 others! EVERYONE SHOULD WATCH THIS AND TAKE IT IN! amazing man! Thank you!!!

[@GuitarJoLa]

This is a nice breakdown of basics packed into one video, Brian. I'm glad you didn't say we HAVE to know all the notes on the fretboard ;) 😍😍😍

[@joyoffilming9500]

Brian, that video is awesome! As a mediocre beginner for too many years now, I was always looking for something simple, yet powerful, like this. Of course I was aware of the principle of those chords played by using the E- and A-shape, but I was never aware enough how important it is being able to swith between those without even thinking or searching on the fretboard. Thanks so much for uncovering this little secret for me.

[@TTcodfather]

Gotta walk before you run...perfectly presented, easy to follow basics! How about doing some vids for players with missing or damaged fingers? I took off the end of my ring finger in a planer accident years ago so chording is a challenge now. I tend now to wear a slide on that finger which has opened up a whole new world for me playing the blues in a new way!

[@Maydoggie]

That's cool that you've kept playing and have adapted. I'm a member on 2 different lesson sites, Active Melody and another one. On the other site, one of the members that is better than most of the rest of us has most of his right hand ring finger missing. I'm sure there are some limitations, but you wouldn't know by hearing him play. And of course, there's Django Reinhardt who only had two usable fingers on his fretting hand.

[@realryandugger]

Yep my dad has been playing for 50+ years and got deprutans in his fretting hand and had to relearn how to make chords. We got him non invasive surgery but it didn't help as much as everyone was hoping. He's pretty much gave up on playing and song writing just as I got into it. Good to hear your still playing. He's got some songs on KZbin under "Bo Dugger" great player and songwriter.

[@gnargnargnarify]

Like Jerry Garcia!

[@Sweepdog700]

This was so helpful, just starting with guitar music theory, so this was great. Lightbulb moment.

[@easyfoodphotography3089]

The best explanation for that fretboard thing I've seen so far. Thanks for sharing! Really like your approach and your excellent teaching skills!

[@Glorybound1313]

Very helpful. I still struggle with the whole chords to where to solo deal, but this gets me a little closer.

[@tonymartino7892]

Thank you Brian. You’re so helpful and patient. I have had so much fun and learned so much from your lessons. This one’s going to be a game changer. 👍😎

[@lillypatty26]

your videos are really thought out and easy to understand thank you

[@Back2TheBike]

Good stuff which is practical and easy to understand. More please 😃

[@johnwashburn3793]

You are a great teacher and greatly appreciated! Thank you.

[@andygeise]

Really good. Two things that hit home for me...1) This is what I’ve been working on every day. It’s good to hear it’s the right work because the volumes of info out there can make me wonder. 2) It’s good to hear that getting that far is at least as far or maybe even farther than most casual guitarists get. Maybe that gets me into the top 5 million guitarists...up from the top 10 million. It’s actually a helpful thought when I start to doubt my progress. It’s probably true, and I’m happy in the top 5 million right now. Started at 30 million. 😅

[@samuelderr3816]

Your awesome Brian big help to my playing 😉 one for my go to teachers for learning keep em coming!

[@Richie90090]

I love the sound of that guitar.. Thank you that was very informative.. I'd never thought of the comparison with piano.. I've been playing on and off for years but I still learnt a lot!

[@notinmyUSMC]

Excellent lesson 💡. Thanks!

[@stevepughlandman]

Brian, I’m proud of that lamp I paid for. Good lesson!

[@angelomcguinness5882]

Bryan is the best.I will be signing up soon.Amazing teacher!!!!Top class teaching skills Thanks

[@angelomcguinness5882]

I was about to give up on the guitar. I know how to play chords at different positions with the chord name as well but never understood WHY it is called for example a C chord at that particular position.But after watching your video and the way you explain the WHYs of small little things is incredible....Love to watch your lessons.I am so glad I found your videos.You saved me from giving up.Thanks a ton!God bless!!!

[@sbseiple]

Outstanding lesson! I wish I had seen this in my first month of playing. You may want to include this somewhere in your the Beginners Section of your website. Thanks for all you do!

[@toddplager8676]

Rut killer here TY so much!! love it!!

[@geo1248]

This is an awesome lesson. Thank you.

[@michaelbrooks4307]

Great lesson! Thanks Mike Brooks Chicago, Ill.

[@curtisblair9519]

Great lesson very easy to understand

[@d.l.huntministries8131]

I didn't want to put my guitar put down ! I learned the 6 string but have never been taught the way Brian teaches !! Simple, Plain and Understandable ( * * * * * ) 5 stars all the way

[@karstux]

Another "crutch" I like to use to navigate the fretboard notes are the string intervals. So (except for the B string), the guitar is tuned in 4ths, right? That means the note on the 5th fret is the same (unison) as the empty sting below it. The note on the 7th fret is the same (+ one octave) as the string above it. So once you know the empty string names, you also know the notes on the 5th and 7th frets (with a one-fret offset on the B string). Everything in between is easily inferred.

[@davidschaub3423]

This was very well done. I shared it with my kids to encourage them. Thank you!

[@monkeysweeperguitar]

Wow, man… your way of explaining things is phenomenal. I’ve watched a few videos of yours now and I’m very impressed. 👍🏻👍🏻🤟🏻

[@atobve]

Thank you very much, Brian. This is priceless!!

[@shawnjimenez7507]

Brian do you have videos that cover chords and triads? Videos like this with practical and simple instruction. I wanna get into chords

[@sciexp]

Thanks for sharing this. I would like to know where to put the fingers to get some sounds I have in mind. Find my way along the fretboard.

[@paulyoung4781]

Ur a legend I always watch ur vids ur so clear so good what u explain thank u ever since I saw ur video on mark knopfler ryhtem finger picking I knew I was going to love watching u

[@kebirbenkaccem726]

Great lesson that opened my eyes to so much techniques i was missing....Wow!!! thanks Brian, you are the best...