• RT1 • Fretboard note mastery

This is the master proficiency test (or “graduation test”) for KNOWING the notes on the neck. You probably want to work on the individual subtests listed below to gain proficiency before attempting this test.

Demonstration

Procedure

1. Set a metronome to 60 BPM. We will be playing half notes (two clicks per note).

2. Progress through every natural note in fourths, finding and playing each note on the first 12 frets.

   • First ascend from the low E string up to each thinner string. Play the note on each string in turn.
   • Then descend down the strings, finding the same note on each string again.

First you will find the note B on every string, then the note E, and so on, finishing with the note F.

For each note, be sure to first play ascending from the lowest string to the highest string, playing the note on each string in turn. Then return descending playing first on the thinnest string and progressing to the thickest. For some strange reason, going in both directions seems to assist with memorization.

It’s okay to play rubato (out of time, without a metronome) for your first several attempts at this exercise, but start using a metronome as soon as possible, starting with whole notes (four clicks per note) then moving to half notes and perhaps even quarter notes (a new note every click).

Pass criteria

Successfully work through all seven natural notes while keeping time and without any flubs or misses. It’s okay to pause up to a full bar before moving onto the next note, but you must play each note on all six strings in half note time without missing a beat (both ascending and descending).

Extra credit (but recommended)

Complete the exercise with all 12 notes in the cycle of fourths, not just the natural notes.

Extra credit #2

Repeat the exercise with quarter notes rather than half notes. If you can accomplish this you definitely KNOW your fretboard!

Subtests