💥My new online guitar course is open! classicalguitar-pro.com Sign-up for lifetime access to this 6-hour course and start playing elegant classical music today!
@@brandonacker I meant each note is a forth after the note on it's upper string (5 semi-tones), except for the B string which is a major third higher then the G string ! Hope it's more clear now, i'm quite bad with the theory
@@nadhemjallouli1418 Gotcha. Guitars and lutes have always been tuned in 4ths with one third in the middle. I think its because its the formula that allows for the most comfortable playing positions for many chords. People simply tried many different tunings and stumbled upon this one. They kept it because it worked:)
The guy who initially got me interested was William Alexander, another great. Brandon Acker is of the same cloth - not only very talented, but he can water it down with simplicity without losing the fine points. Easy going and articulate in these videos, I'll have to look into the website.
One small realisation for me that simplified the fret board was that each note exists only once on each string, in the first 12 frets. So the E string only has one instance of C, the A string has one instance of C and so on.
Yo. This is actually such a simple but amazing revelation. I used to play viola, but I was always stuck with translating the music sheet onto my instrument instead of understanding my instrument first and seeing how it fit on the music sheets. I’m trying to learn to guitar but with the opposite focus, learning how to be free on the instrument first instead of being bound by the music sheets.
a better way of phrasing this, is that 12 frets is an octave. Which makes sense, because we play music on a 12 tone scale. 12 tones between octaves. A little bit of music theory goes a long way ;)
I've been 'playing' the guitar for most of my teenage and adult life. I'm 26 now, but due to a lack of money and problems at home I was unable to afford or even think about getting a tutor and up till now I was becoming fustrated at my lack of even basic guitar theory and general knowledge; I was considering giving up playing and my guitars due to this. I just wanted to say thank you for these amazing lessons Brandon, they're really helping me progress meaningfully. Your style of teaching is calm and measured, it really helps when learning even basic skills. You've got yourself another Patreon sub today.
@@utakels6696 I agree with this, but also with the sentiment above. Brandon has truly inspired me as well to continue playing and has helped me reinforced all the basic form I learned as a kid, but now that I understand I can actually apply theory more effectively. He is incredible at delivering these key parts of guitar playing in precise and thoughtful ways that make it easy for anyone to understand. I think that is what makes a good teacher, being able to assume 0 knowledge, but having the respect to deliver all information needed understanding what it was once like to be in their place.
@@utakels6696 ya, I've just learnt guitar about 3 months and while it's pandemic I've become very passionate at music. Internet is full of information you don't even need a tutor. What you need is determination. I could play classical pieces like Brandon does but of course not everything. And yes, at very impressive level and yes, 3 months lol.
@@omniyambot9876 uuh yeah you don't need a tutor. But calm down saying you can play classical pieces like Brandon. I've been grinding for a bit over a year and no I definitely can't play classical pieces like him. Be humble
@@FuriousGeorge_ George D hello, I'm humble enough. I just want y'all to be aware of our limits. Yes, I can play suite in D minor, nocturne by chopin, yes I do play it neatly, yes I also play many fingerstyles he did not covered. I'm on my way learning clean tremolo and will practice alhambras. If I would get paid to upload a video to prove it, I will.
@Todd Carney Thanks for the life lesson, sir. But in case you didn't notice: I'm making jokes here. 'Always' (see above) implies that I watch his videos more frequently. And FYI: I admire his work and play cassical guitar by myself,. Now we good?
Dude I am at 1:32 and I had to stop to write this. I don't know about the lesson you are teaching here since I have not finished the video yet. But let me tell you this. Your camera work , your set design and your color scheme is out of the world. The deep blue background gives the video a rich look. Blue is my favorite color. The two yellow bulbs seen on both side of your face with their green yellow glow gives depth to the shot. The yellow lamp shade is a nice touch. The color of your shirt is in complete contrast to everything around you. And the fact that the light falling on you does not fall on and is not reflected by the background is excellent. I am an art lover. Apart from music I also love visual art. So I had to say this.
I've been playing guitar for about a year. I'm completely self taught and usually only play covers with basic chords. I feel like this just opened my eyes to how the guitar should be played. Thanks
yes. learning all the notes on the fretboard in standard tuning by heart will open up a lot of new possibilities even tho one might not see them right away. also then proceeding to learn all (or the most common for a start) interals in relation to a root position will also go a long way and function as a solid foundation to build on. Simply add 10-15 min. of fretboard memorization work to your usual practice routine every day. Even though it might just seem like mundane memorization work at first over time you'll have a solid map of the fretboard hardcoded into your brain. Intervals and root note positions are literally THE foundation to everything else.
p.s. to memorize the notes I can recommend this note randomizer found under: random.bretpimentel.com It's a simple, quick web-app and also comes with a built in timer and a variety of other customization options regarding the notes displayed
I’ve been reading sheet music for 15 years, playing brass instruments, but have always used Tabs for guitar because it seemed so intimidating (6 strings and 19 frets versus 3 brass valves). Thanks for demystifying it! Life changing!
Your 'Demystifying', 'Goals', 'Practice' videos are certainly some of the best I've seen. You're concise, to the point, and with a kind encouraging voice that can give a learner confidence. I (we) appreciate the time you put in to delivery quality lessons.
A practice that really helped me memorize notes all over the neck was identifying B and C everywhere for like 2 weeks every day, and then moving on to E and F since they're the only natural notes that have no whole step between them. From there D, G, A become easier to spot in relationship. But you still wanna practice them because it will only set you up to move on to the sharp and flat key's much easier, and it's all easier said than done, so take it one step at a time. A little bit everyday goes a long way.
I started with G like a month ago on ukulele, guitar and guitalele. (I call this "Find the Note") Definitely has been progress on the fretboard. I have a long way to go. --- It's slow because my memory has always been trash for anything like this, but I agree taking it a step at a time definitely does the trick. --- Starting with the two odd notes out, like you did, is a good idea. I did G just because G is so important to be able to play high G arrangements on low G ukulele.
Like the practice video, Brandon again explains this skill and knowledge in a way that applies to all instruments. in the most logical way as well. Something all instrumentalists, including me, should always think about regardless of level!
When I teach guitar, I use the Eddie Ate Dynamite Good Bye Eddie as well! Also, when teaching bass - it gets a touch darker: Eddie Ate Dynamite - Good! Oh! Also - those of you running your scales (major, minor, modal) say your note names out loud as you play them! Then you can find each and every F# or B natural on your fingerboard!
I've been voraciously consuming guitar content over the last month as I learn to play, and I have to say...This was one of the most informative and exciting tutorial videos I've watched, bar none! There's a ton of content out there focusing on chords, finger position, and strumming patterns, but having an 8 minute video bust the door wide open to some beginner music theory has been a huge step to my learning of the instrument. Your attitude, video quality, and easily accessible lessons despite your mastery of the instrument make watching your videos a delight! Thanks for the content.
another thing that worked for me was memorizing where b/c and e/f are on every string. once those notes are memorized navigating the fretboard become very easy
No tab for me. Since I play cello and violin, learning the notes on the guitar was not so difficult. Tab is actually very difficult for me. Thank you for your videos. I absolutely love to hear you play and teach. Teaching is a gift and you are very gifted.
I don’t know if you’ll see this Brandon Acher, but you’re the spark that ignited my passion for classical guitar. It’s as though something has awoken Inside of me, an absolute instantaneous realization that I was meant to play this gorgeous instrument. Thank you so much! When life gets back to normal after the virus, I’m signing up in conservatory even though I’m 23 years old. You’re impeccable mannerism is inspiring, keep doing what you’re doing and many thanks!
One more video in which you miraculously manage to make me as an absolute amateur feel like I could actually really learn how to professionally (or at least more professionally) play the guitar. You are so inspiring. As a teacher I know how much a pupils success depends on the confidence that your teacher beliefes in you. Now, giving someone that feeling is something you can't learn or practice, it is a gift. So you are a truly gifted teacher. Also: 2:27...me:having a 4-chords song flashback - lamao.
Man I cannot thank you enough. I have been playing guitar since I was 12, I am now 35 and I have never learned this. I know I have never looked for it before, but that was for the reason of not looking stupid. Knowing this is going to help me reach another level and I really appreciate how simply you broke this down.
Bro, u just taught me more on the guitar in 5 minutes then i've learned in 20 years. Like u said, i knew what a number of them were up to the 6-7th fret, in my case, the first 2 strings up to the 9th fret cuz that is where ur index finger falls on power chords, and i knew there was a sequence to them repeating but didn't know how they repeated, or until now, how easily they repeated. This is what i've always known i needed to know in order to for instance: playing solos, hammering and pulling off to other strings but to the same notes as ur buddy plays/switches those same notes/chords. Not only that, knowing this will allow me to further advance my playing further then once again: anything i've learned in 20 years. I am eternally grateful for this. Moreover, it made me feel like i can still progress and learn and for that I can't thank you enough. Subscribed. Tru story, when i "got it", when it hit me, i jumped out of my seat, literally repeating in my head: "I now know every note on the fret board, omg". Or more precisely, i've been given a tool to be able to "find" every note on the fretboard and can therefore memorize, something a true sensei does instead of just giving u a blatant sheet with all the notes. U are a true Master, i am the apprentice and i think i may be about 12-13 years older then u. Proving that it isn't about age. Thank you so much, I'm done now, lol.
I know I'm 2 years late, but NEVER stop making videos. Even when it's about something, I already know, I still learn something. Love your voice and your skills and the straightforwardness and the simple background and the audio quality and everything about your videos. Thanks.
This information is very important. For really learning and remembering the notes on the fretboard, I used guitar flash cards and tested myself with the flash cards every day. After you see the notes on the flash cards enough times, you can look at a piece of music, see a note, and know immediately where that note is on the guitar. Testing yourself with the cards that show each note and the name of each note was the most effective way for me. They’re sold on Amazon.
Hi Brandon! I dont know exactly how many miles youre away from me, but i could feel my heart smiles everytime you deliver your lessons. One great lesson ive learned today is that truly the teacher is the center of educative process. Please continue your cause, it really makes a difference. I could feel my appetite for guitar is slowly beating again. Thank you so much!
I had trouble learning the frets past fret 5. I knew the mathematical relations. I tried playing scales, name the notes on the frets as I played them, but I never really GOT it, to be able to look at a fret and instantly feel its note. That change when I decided to try learning the 6+ frets like I did with 1-5... by simply playing music. I took Sor's Opus 60, 5-10, and simply played it using frets 6-10, just by looking at the regular sheet music. This taught me the notes almost instantly, within those 5 songs I had them all memorized by heart. I'd recommend this method to anyone having trouble memorizing the frets. Also with frets 1-5, just suck it up, dump the tabs, and play sheet music for something simple, like Sor's Opus 60 1-10. You never have to go past the 5th fret. Each fret within the first 3 frets corresponds to a note on the treble clef
Thank you Brandon - I bought a guitar at the beginning of the pandemic and have now been at it for just over three months. I feel so much better from your instruction now that I have some idea that the guitar is not just strings and frets and TABs! Your explanation made what seemed complex, very simple, a sign of a true professional!
I'm convinced this is a vampire who only films at night and is an insanely awesome guitar player who's lived through the centuries picking up all the perfect teachings of the guitar. Your awesome man!
Thanks everyone! Please SUBSCRIBE if you want to see more. For exclusive Behind-the-scenes content, early viewing and digital downloads, consider becoming a patron: www.patreon.com/brandonacker
I started playing 3 years ago but I gave up. I picked it up again and again only to give it up. I have spent the last 2 hours watching your videos and it has inspired me to learn again, this time in a proper structured way. Thank you. You and your channel are a blessing
Wow, the first person on UA-cam who talked about the work required to learn the fretboard. No crazy tricks or shortcuts. A recognition that it takes work and commitment to reach a goal. I find that to be very refreshing and the sign of a true guitarist.
This. Right here. Is why I needed you TEN YEARS AGO! That's when I realized that the guitar was a piano! But... was alone and could not find the notes. So I played "the power cords" in the first 4 frets. Now, I am starting all over.. *THANK YOU*
Just picked up the guitar again after ~38 years (Lessons at 10yo and got bored) about a week ago. Forgot the tuning of each string except #1 & #6, but oddly remembered how to tune off open E down thru without a tuner... and C in full and simple chord. LOL. My mnemonic I created to remember is Every Alligator Does Get Breakfast Eventually... because I obviously forgot what I was taught in that fashion (knowing how to tune off E). Excited.
Your comment is giving me inspiration. I picked up the guitar 16 years ago. Had lessons for 3 months then stopped. I pick up the instrument every now and then with the gap between two successive sessions ranging from 2 months to 2 years. Its like a torrid love affair. Sometimes it feels like she loves me sometimes she is cold as ice. 16 years and I am still a beginner.
So good thank you. I played guitar a few years without never understanding how the actual instrument works. Then I did a bit of piano and that was a lot clearer, now I actually understand a bit better the guitar.
This is just an amazing series of videos you are making for us here, its some priceless knowledges that will save us a lot of time. Thank you so much for sharing this with us and i cant wait to see more of your videos.
you taught me more about music in this video than i ve ever learned from a shit ton of videos i watched trying to figure out the basics of guitar. i wish i could physically be your student. thank you.
I just know the fifth fret are made up of the notes ADGCEA so when going up the fretboard thast is my reference. E shapes become A chords A shapes become D chords D shapes become G chords G shape become C Chords C shape become F chords...
That’s the CAGED system. Don’t know if you know of it, but there’s an awesome video about in on UA-cam with a guys explaining it really well. Edit: the one with Scott Pail Johnson is the best at explaining it.
I had no idea this was a common practice, but I did this back in high school when I got frustrated learning scales and trying to count up the frets in my band all the time. So, I wrote out the notes on each string, and started by memorizing bc, and ef on every string. Then I did this! Great video! This is my personal favorite way to familiarize with the fretboard.
I have to say this is a great video. Very nice and easy to understand. I have not ever played an instrument and had only a couple months of music class in school. I recently started messing around with the guitar (well not so recent...lol as it's been about 10 years ago) and was trying to figure this out and could not so I like most ended up working on tabs and well I ended up getting frustrated and just gave up. After recently running across your channel and seeing just a small handful of your videos, I enjoy your content because of the way you speak and give these kinds of tips and teachings to make even the lamest beginner an understanding on how to play. Thank you for what you do, and thank you again for this video!
I wondered about the fretboard today while doing the warm-ups from your guitar tips video. So, I came to your channel looking for your video on the fretboard. This is exactly what I needed to help me understand the fretboard better. Thank you, Brandon. Also, special thanks to Rob Scallon, I discovered you through his videos!
Do you like Phil Collins? I've been a big Genesis fan ever since the release of their 1980 album, Duke. Before that, I really didn't understand any of their work. Too artsy, too intellectual. It was on Duke where Phil Collins' presence became more apparent. I think Invisible Touch was the group's undisputed masterpiece. It's an epic meditation on intangibility. At the same time, it deepens and enriches the meaning of the preceding three albums. Listen to the brilliant ensemble playing of Banks, Collins and Rutherford. You can practically hear every nuance of every instrument. In terms of lyrical craftsmanship, the sheer songwriting, this album hits a new peak of professionalism. Take the lyrics to Land of Confusion. In this song, Phil Collins addresses the problems of abusive political authority. In Too Deep is the most moving pop song of the 1980s, about monogamy and commitment. The song is extremely uplifting. Their lyrics are as positive and affirmative as anything I've heard in rock. Phil Collins' solo career seems to be more commercial and therefore more satisfying, in a narrower way. Especially songs like In the Air Tonight and Against All Odds. But I also think Phil Collins works best within the confines of the group, than as a solo artist, and I stress the word artist.
I started playing guitar a year ago and wasn't planning on learning how to read guitar music but this video changed my mind. definitely subscribing keep it up
Also, the same note in the same octave usually appears multiple times on the fretboard. For example, the 7th fret on the A string is E 3, as is the 2nd fret on the D string. How do you decide which one to play?
@@duran3d That should work in theory, I've personally never been able to sort it out, though. On a piano, I have exactly one key that'll sound E 3; on a guitar, I've got 4 different ways to play the same note. Maybe I'll give it another try when my arm heals and I can play again. Cheers!
I am into 7 months of playing and luckily I learned this right away and have the fret board memorized. I find that many guitar players simply do not start with fundamentals and theory because they work from Tab. Then they at some point have to learn theory and the fundamentals later. I knew to get to that stuff from the get go. I still have much to learn but I am confident in my process.
Oh, demystifying, I thought you meant 'demistifying' because I found an old guitar in my grandfather's basement and last night a black-red mist started coming out of the sound hole and there's a choir chanting whenever I look at it, so this is not the tutorial I was looking for. Still neat advice though!
That was very helpful! I've been playing guitar for 2 years now. I've looked everywhere just to understand how the notes work on a guitar. I couldn't. So just use chords. I think your video is a great start for me! Great job! 👍
for the people in the comments, he’d explaining ho the fret works...that’s what desmistifying means... there is no shortcut for learning the notes, but study and practice, practice and practice... learning, anything, has no shortcuts... different learning techniques, but at the end it all comes to memory and practice
Brandon seems like the kind of person that is really kind and sweet. You are great man, thank you for getting people like me into music history and for all the tips. You are really an angel hope you are having a good day
Thank you Brandon :) I must say, ever since finding your channel, I've been enjoying playing guitar a lot more. I am learning more and I feel encouraged to try new things.
Hey, thank you. I really knew nothing about notes before until I watched this. Notes to me felt intimidating that I always thought I just did not have the talent whatsoever in music or that my brain just wouldn't get it. I hope there will be more guitar tips from you. You're really good at explaining and make it sound simpler.
Note is the same but they don't sound exactly the same (same frequency but not same harmonics). Generally, the context of the note will tell you which one to play. For example, you play a G on 6th string 3rd fret. Next note is a D. You can play it on 5th string 5th fret OR 4th string open. Try it and you'll hear the difference. And depending on the following note after those G and D, you'll find one of them easier to articulate all together. I'm no professional but that's what works for me.
Same note on different string will have a slightly different tone. Which string you play on is often obvious by context of where the other notes in the piece are being played. If unclear, sheet music for classical guitar may indicate which string a given note is intended to be played on by a number with a circle around it. If not, its up you to YOU the guitarist to decide which way works best for YOU based on technical ease of playing or tonal considerations. All else being equal same note in lower positions generally sounds better and is preferred.
I love these videos so much. They may not be the most polished videos of this style but he loves the topics so much and seems genuinely excited just to share his knowledge.
You rock, sir. I love the sensibility when you explain. Not dumbed down as if you were speaking to a child. Just the facts plain and simple. And I really liked the mnemonic for the notes of the strings. I’ve been playing guitar for over 20 yrs but never got into your style of playing although I always found it so enticing. Now that I’m fifty I’m starting to explore this style and with your tips I’m making good progress. Thanks!
Brandon, that is so incredibly intuitive. I have played by ear for more years than i want to say, only knowing cords for the lower end of the neck. this is so simple but yet a revalation. thanks so much for sharing this.
💥My new online guitar course is open! classicalguitar-pro.com
Sign-up for lifetime access to this 6-hour course and start playing elegant classical music today!
Why is the 2 string (B string) an exception to the IV pattern?
PS: your videos made me buy a guitar 😆
@@nadhemjallouli1418 Nadhem, I'm so happy to hear that! Wow.
I didn't understand your question though. What is the IV pattern?
@@brandonacker I meant each note is a forth after the note on it's upper string (5 semi-tones), except for the B string which is a major third higher then the G string ! Hope it's more clear now, i'm quite bad with the theory
@@nadhemjallouli1418 Gotcha. Guitars and lutes have always been tuned in 4ths with one third in the middle. I think its because its the formula that allows for the most comfortable playing positions for many chords. People simply tried many different tunings and stumbled upon this one. They kept it because it worked:)
@@brandonacker okey i guess i'll get a better perception of this with more practice 🎸🎸🎸 Thanks for the info and keep the videos coming 🙏🔥
It's easy to memorise any number of things when you've lived for more than three centuries.
Lol best comment
Brandon the undying...
Lmao he looks like a vampire
He has a painting in his attic that's aging for him.
And his fingers never stopped growing
You're one of the most wholesome music channels on UA-cam
You're the most wholesome music channel on UA-cam.*
Something very soothing about him
Also one of the most underrated.
@Sajad Sabor awe thanks!
This guy is the Bob Ross of guitar tuition. Encouraging, patient and positive.
The guy who initially got me interested was William Alexander, another great. Brandon Acker is of the same cloth - not only very talented, but he can water it down with simplicity without losing the fine points. Easy going and articulate in these videos, I'll have to look into the website.
Me: *wake up, groggy, chained to a chair*
Brandon: "Oh hi, I didn't see you there. Why don't I teach you some guitar while you're here"
Lol!!!!!!!! 😆😆😆😆😆
just like duolingo with the Spanish lessons
jesus 😂😂😂
And your excited to learn so Im pretty sure you mean to say "thank you" .
One small realisation for me that simplified the fret board was that each note exists only once on each string, in the first 12 frets. So the E string only has one instance of C, the A string has one instance of C and so on.
Yo. This is actually such a simple but amazing revelation. I used to play viola, but I was always stuck with translating the music sheet onto my instrument instead of understanding my instrument first and seeing how it fit on the music sheets.
I’m trying to learn to guitar but with the opposite focus, learning how to be free on the instrument first instead of being bound by the music sheets.
What a revelation
a better way of phrasing this, is that 12 frets is an octave. Which makes sense, because we play music on a 12 tone scale. 12 tones between octaves. A little bit of music theory goes a long way ;)
@@moonashathat isn’t a better way of putting it….
I've been 'playing' the guitar for most of my teenage and adult life. I'm 26 now, but due to a lack of money and problems at home I was unable to afford or even think about getting a tutor and up till now I was becoming fustrated at my lack of even basic guitar theory and general knowledge; I was considering giving up playing and my guitars due to this. I just wanted to say thank you for these amazing lessons Brandon, they're really helping me progress meaningfully. Your style of teaching is calm and measured, it really helps when learning even basic skills.
You've got yourself another Patreon sub today.
a tutor is not needed if you are willing to learn or let your self learn more then you will succeed
@@utakels6696 I agree with this, but also with the sentiment above. Brandon has truly inspired me as well to continue playing and has helped me reinforced all the basic form I learned as a kid, but now that I understand I can actually apply theory more effectively. He is incredible at delivering these key parts of guitar playing in precise and thoughtful ways that make it easy for anyone to understand. I think that is what makes a good teacher, being able to assume 0 knowledge, but having the respect to deliver all information needed understanding what it was once like to be in their place.
@@utakels6696 ya, I've just learnt guitar about 3 months and while it's pandemic I've become very passionate at music. Internet is full of information you don't even need a tutor. What you need is determination. I could play classical pieces like Brandon does but of course not everything. And yes, at very impressive level and yes, 3 months lol.
@@omniyambot9876 uuh yeah you don't need a tutor. But calm down saying you can play classical pieces like Brandon. I've been grinding for a bit over a year and no I definitely can't play classical pieces like him. Be humble
@@FuriousGeorge_ George D hello, I'm humble enough. I just want y'all to be aware of our limits. Yes, I can play suite in D minor, nocturne by chopin, yes I do play it neatly, yes I also play many fingerstyles he did not covered. I'm on my way learning clean tremolo and will practice alhambras. If I would get paid to upload a video to prove it, I will.
Every Acid Dealer Gets Busted Eventually
The Optimistic Metalhead love how your profile pic suggests both your status as an acid dealer and an acid dealer buster.
@@Veronica_needssleep I don't quite know how to respond to this. But I do love it, hahaha
thank you
what do you mean 😭
is it cus he said tab?
Brandon always has the facial expression of a lvl 9 cult member who tries to convince you that murder is actually sacred.
I know right?
@Todd Carney Thanks for the life lesson, sir.
But in case you didn't notice: I'm making jokes here.
'Always' (see above) implies that I watch his videos more frequently.
And FYI: I admire his work and play cassical guitar by myself,.
Now we good?
@@tcarney57 ok boomer
@@annachovhan boomers don't understand humor
@@tcarney57 don't be so uptight. Cult leaders are very charismatic too. He shall take it as a compliment
Dude I am at 1:32 and I had to stop to write this. I don't know about the lesson you are teaching here since I have not finished the video yet. But let me tell you this. Your camera work , your set design and your color scheme is out of the world. The deep blue background gives the video a rich look. Blue is my favorite color. The two yellow bulbs seen on both side of your face with their green yellow glow gives depth to the shot. The yellow lamp shade is a nice touch. The color of your shirt is in complete contrast to everything around you. And the fact that the light falling on you does not fall on and is not reflected by the background is excellent. I am an art lover. Apart from music I also love visual art. So I had to say this.
I love your comment and how detailed it is
@@factorynew8835 I am honored.
Thats how one makes quality videos 👌
I think if he was even 1% less godlike beautiful,you wouldn't have been writing this
His videos are all well arranged/lit like this. I've tried to copy his look for my own videos. Not easy.
I've been playing guitar for about a year. I'm completely self taught and usually only play covers with basic chords. I feel like this just opened my eyes to how the guitar should be played. Thanks
Bowby Zep Same here. I'm self-taught.
yes. learning all the notes on the fretboard in standard tuning by heart will open up a lot of new possibilities even tho one might not see them right away. also then proceeding to learn all (or the most common for a start) interals in relation to a root position will also go a long way and function as a solid foundation to build on. Simply add 10-15 min. of fretboard memorization work to your usual practice routine every day. Even though it might just seem like mundane memorization work at first over time you'll have a solid map of the fretboard hardcoded into your brain. Intervals and root note positions are literally THE foundation to everything else.
p.s. to memorize the notes I can recommend this note randomizer found under: random.bretpimentel.com
It's a simple, quick web-app and also comes with a built in timer and a variety of other customization options regarding the notes displayed
@@rickf6375 Thanks Rick. Cool tool, I'm trying it, and setting my goals to the next level of playing.
So happy you've found such a great learning tool so early into your journey!
1:19 "In gamer lingo you might call it a cheat code" that sounded so wholesome coming from him
I’ve been reading sheet music for 15 years, playing brass instruments, but have always used Tabs for guitar because it seemed so intimidating (6 strings and 19 frets versus 3 brass valves). Thanks for demystifying it! Life changing!
In glad you found it helpful, thanks!
How can you not love this guy? He's passionate, handsome, knowledgeable and skilled!
and that hair!
Seems like you got a crush.
Just messing around or maybe not.
Be well and keep playing.
Brenda Paduch he does have great hair.
"Demystifying the fretboard"
*Shows all these fretted instruments*
Those are a lot of fretboards to memorize
3 kinds of lutes and 3 kinds of guitars - maybe not that much after all :)
Doesn’t rly matter it’s all the same notes
Doesn't really matter. The principles are the same. Besides lute is fucking easy.
This is so wholesome it almost makes me uncomfortable
This level of wholesome makes Mr. Rogers look like Hitler.
I was uncomfortable at first, but damn old mate is a great teacher
Wonderful ..To Be or Not To Be, by Shakespeare.
What the heck do you mean, “wholesome”? What do you want him to do, take his shirt off and scream at you? You are all nuts!
He's a bit creepy imo
Erik Satie in the background is a nice touch
Your 'Demystifying', 'Goals', 'Practice' videos are certainly some of the best I've seen. You're concise, to the point, and with a kind encouraging voice that can give a learner confidence. I (we) appreciate the time you put in to delivery quality lessons.
A practice that really helped me memorize notes all over the neck was identifying B and C everywhere for like 2 weeks every day, and then moving on to E and F since they're the only natural notes that have no whole step between them. From there D, G, A become easier to spot in relationship. But you still wanna practice them because it will only set you up to move on to the sharp and flat key's much easier, and it's all easier said than done, so take it one step at a time. A little bit everyday goes a long way.
I started with G like a month ago on ukulele, guitar and guitalele. (I call this "Find the Note") Definitely has been progress on the fretboard. I have a long way to go. --- It's slow because my memory has always been trash for anything like this, but I agree taking it a step at a time definitely does the trick. --- Starting with the two odd notes out, like you did, is a good idea. I did G just because G is so important to be able to play high G arrangements on low G ukulele.
Like the practice video, Brandon again explains this skill and knowledge in a way that applies to all instruments. in the most logical way as well. Something all instrumentalists, including me, should always think about regardless of level!
(also forgot to say) Thank you Brandon for this!
When I teach guitar, I use the Eddie Ate Dynamite Good Bye Eddie as well! Also, when teaching bass - it gets a touch darker: Eddie Ate Dynamite - Good!
Oh! Also - those of you running your scales (major, minor, modal) say your note names out loud as you play them! Then you can find each and every F# or B natural on your fingerboard!
You're such a classy gentleman, I feel like I'm in a fancy place when I watch your videos. Keep going, I love your content!
You are one cool dude. Playing for 53 years, still learning. You have a gift from God.
I've been voraciously consuming guitar content over the last month as I learn to play, and I have to say...This was one of the most informative and exciting tutorial videos I've watched, bar none! There's a ton of content out there focusing on chords, finger position, and strumming patterns, but having an 8 minute video bust the door wide open to some beginner music theory has been a huge step to my learning of the instrument.
Your attitude, video quality, and easily accessible lessons despite your mastery of the instrument make watching your videos a delight! Thanks for the content.
another thing that worked for me was memorizing where b/c and e/f are on every string. once those notes are memorized navigating the fretboard become very easy
That tip sounds great!
No tab for me. Since I play cello and violin, learning the notes on the guitar was not so difficult. Tab is actually very difficult for me. Thank you for your videos. I absolutely love to hear you play and teach. Teaching is a gift and you are very gifted.
You are the best teacher on UA-cam
I don’t know if you’ll see this Brandon Acher, but you’re the spark that ignited my passion for classical guitar. It’s as though something has awoken Inside of me, an absolute instantaneous realization that I was meant to play this gorgeous instrument.
Thank you so much!
When life gets back to normal after the virus, I’m signing up in conservatory even though I’m 23 years old.
You’re impeccable mannerism is inspiring, keep doing what you’re doing and many thanks!
You go gurl!
It’s a super rewarding instrument :D
I refused to learn how to do this until a polished man in a crisp white shirt told me how. Now is my time
This is quiet possibly the greatest channel on UA-cam. Thank You, Brandon!
As someone who learnt music theory on the keyboard and is now learning a guitar this is extremely useful , exactly the thing i was looking for
One more video in which you miraculously manage to make me as an absolute amateur feel like I could actually really learn how to professionally (or at least more professionally) play the guitar. You are so inspiring.
As a teacher I know how much a pupils success depends on the confidence that your teacher beliefes in you. Now, giving someone that feeling is something you can't learn or practice, it is a gift.
So you are a truly gifted teacher.
Also:
2:27...me:having a 4-chords song flashback - lamao.
man , what a perfect timing to post this.... i just started to use sheet music to learn songs / pieces on guitar ... thanks man
Man I cannot thank you enough. I have been playing guitar since I was 12, I am now 35 and I have never learned this. I know I have never looked for it before, but that was for the reason of not looking stupid. Knowing this is going to help me reach another level and I really appreciate how simply you broke this down.
Bro, u just taught me more on the guitar in 5 minutes then i've learned in 20 years. Like u said, i knew what a number of them were up to the 6-7th fret, in my case, the first 2 strings up to the 9th fret cuz that is where ur index finger falls on power chords, and i knew there was a sequence to them repeating but didn't know how they repeated, or until now, how easily they repeated. This is what i've always known i needed to know in order to for instance: playing solos, hammering and pulling off to other strings but to the same notes as ur buddy plays/switches those same notes/chords. Not only that, knowing this will allow me to further advance my playing further then once again: anything i've learned in 20 years. I am eternally grateful for this. Moreover, it made me feel like i can still progress and learn and for that I can't thank you enough. Subscribed.
Tru story, when i "got it", when it hit me, i jumped out of my seat, literally repeating in my head: "I now know every note on the fret board, omg". Or more precisely, i've been given a tool to be able to "find" every note on the fretboard and can therefore memorize, something a true sensei does instead of just giving u a blatant sheet with all the notes. U are a true Master, i am the apprentice and i think i may be about 12-13 years older then u. Proving that it isn't about age. Thank you so much, I'm done now, lol.
You are very calm and humble. Thank you for these exercises.
I know I'm 2 years late, but NEVER stop making videos. Even when it's about something, I already know, I still learn something. Love your voice and your skills and the straightforwardness and the simple background and the audio quality and everything about your videos. Thanks.
This information is very important. For really learning and remembering the notes on the fretboard,
I used guitar flash cards and tested myself with the flash cards every day.
After you see the notes on the flash cards enough times, you can look at a piece of music, see a note, and know immediately where that note is on the guitar. Testing yourself with the cards that show each note and the name of each note was the most effective way for me. They’re sold on Amazon.
I learned more in 8 minutes than I did watching hundreds of videos on UA-cam Thank You!
You got my sub
He's the guy for whom Petrucci wrote The Count of Tuscany.
Saatwik Katiha let me introduce... MY BROTHER
@@LyndonLong A bitter gentleman - HISTORIAN!
Hi Brandon! I dont know exactly how many miles youre away from me, but i could feel my heart smiles everytime you deliver your lessons. One great lesson ive learned today is that truly the teacher is the center of educative process. Please continue your cause, it really makes a difference. I could feel my appetite for guitar is slowly beating again. Thank you so much!
2:13 Someone Like Prelude in G Major
That so awesome! Full song please!
I had trouble learning the frets past fret 5. I knew the mathematical relations. I tried playing scales, name the notes on the frets as I played them, but I never really GOT it, to be able to look at a fret and instantly feel its note. That change when I decided to try learning the 6+ frets like I did with 1-5... by simply playing music. I took Sor's Opus 60, 5-10, and simply played it using frets 6-10, just by looking at the regular sheet music. This taught me the notes almost instantly, within those 5 songs I had them all memorized by heart. I'd recommend this method to anyone having trouble memorizing the frets. Also with frets 1-5, just suck it up, dump the tabs, and play sheet music for something simple, like Sor's Opus 60 1-10. You never have to go past the 5th fret. Each fret within the first 3 frets corresponds to a note on the treble clef
This was super helpful i fully understand all the notes of the guitar know, really appreciate it!
Thank you Brandon - I bought a guitar at the beginning of the pandemic and have now been at it for just over three months. I feel so much better from your instruction now that I have some idea that the guitar is not just strings and frets and TABs! Your explanation made what seemed complex, very simple, a sign of a true professional!
I'm really worried about Eddie.... :(
Thanks
It's been 20 years Captain, you have to let Eddie go.
I'm convinced this is a vampire who only films at night and is an insanely awesome guitar player who's lived through the centuries picking up all the perfect teachings of the guitar. Your awesome man!
Thanks everyone! Please SUBSCRIBE if you want to see more.
For exclusive Behind-the-scenes content, early viewing and digital downloads, consider becoming a patron: www.patreon.com/brandonacker
thank you so much for the awesome content! you´re a wonderful musician !
Old problem, the real problem is putting notes together. Learning note names is somewhat easier. Intervals, Intervals, Intervals.
Someone give this guy a medal!
I love your way of teaching, so tranquil and precise. It corresponds well to Satie's background music.
I started playing 3 years ago but I gave up. I picked it up again and again only to give it up. I have spent the last 2 hours watching your videos and it has inspired me to learn again, this time in a proper structured way. Thank you. You and your channel are a blessing
Did you learn?
Wow, the first person on UA-cam who talked about the work required to learn the fretboard. No crazy tricks or shortcuts. A recognition that it takes work and commitment to reach a goal. I find that to be very refreshing and the sign of a true guitarist.
This. Right here. Is why I needed you TEN YEARS AGO! That's when I realized that the guitar was a piano! But... was alone and could not find the notes. So I played "the power cords" in the first 4 frets. Now, I am starting all over.. *THANK YOU*
Thank you so much for this Brandon! 🙏
I love this guy so much. The appreciation for the teacher and the appreciation for the subject blend into one.
Just picked up the guitar again after ~38 years (Lessons at 10yo and got bored) about a week ago. Forgot the tuning of each string except #1 & #6, but oddly remembered how to tune off open E down thru without a tuner... and C in full and simple chord. LOL. My mnemonic I created to remember is Every Alligator Does Get Breakfast Eventually... because I obviously forgot what I was taught in that fashion (knowing how to tune off E). Excited.
Your comment is giving me inspiration. I picked up the guitar 16 years ago. Had lessons for 3 months then stopped. I pick up the instrument every now and then with the gap between two successive sessions ranging from 2 months to 2 years. Its like a torrid love affair. Sometimes it feels like she loves me sometimes she is cold as ice. 16 years and I am still a beginner.
So good thank you. I played guitar a few years without never understanding how the actual instrument works. Then I did a bit of piano and that was a lot clearer, now I actually understand a bit better the guitar.
This is just an amazing series of videos you are making for us here, its some priceless knowledges that will save us a lot of time. Thank you so much for sharing this with us and i cant wait to see more of your videos.
Having played chords my whole life, finally this makes sense to a beginner like me. Thanks a stack.
Loved the lesson. Can you also do a demystifying the notes now? Which ones work together and how what is the 3rd and the 5th?
Adwitiya Dixit the terms refer to the intervals between notes in terms of the lower note’s major scale
you taught me more about music in this video than i ve ever learned from a shit ton of videos i watched trying to figure out the basics of guitar. i wish i could physically be your student. thank you.
Ismoil ? He does online tutoring FYI
I just know the fifth fret are made up of the notes ADGCEA so when going up the fretboard thast is my reference. E shapes become A chords A shapes become D chords
D shapes become G chords G shape become C Chords C shape become F chords...
That’s the CAGED system. Don’t know if you know of it, but there’s an awesome video about in on UA-cam with a guys explaining it really well.
Edit: the one with Scott Pail Johnson is the best at explaining it.
I had no idea this was a common practice, but I did this back in high school when I got frustrated learning scales and trying to count up the frets in my band all the time. So, I wrote out the notes on each string, and started by memorizing bc, and ef on every string. Then I did this! Great video! This is my personal favorite way to familiarize with the fretboard.
Bach/adele spliced together in there. You. Are. Amazing....
I have to say this is a great video. Very nice and easy to understand. I have not ever played an instrument and had only a couple months of music class in school. I recently started messing around with the guitar (well not so recent...lol as it's been about 10 years ago) and was trying to figure this out and could not so I like most ended up working on tabs and well I ended up getting frustrated and just gave up.
After recently running across your channel and seeing just a small handful of your videos, I enjoy your content because of the way you speak and give these kinds of tips and teachings to make even the lamest beginner an understanding on how to play. Thank you for what you do, and thank you again for this video!
My personal favorite is Every Acid Dealer Gets Busted Eventually
Every Brilliant Guitarist Deserves An Encore ....
Every American Democrat Gets Biden's Emails
I learned it as "Elvis And Daffy Get Baked Early"
The first four strings are like those of a viol, and the final three are a second-inversion e minor chord. That's how I remember it.
Idk, Yadd Gibby worked for me
I wondered about the fretboard today while doing the warm-ups from your guitar tips video. So, I came to your channel looking for your video on the fretboard. This is exactly what I needed to help me understand the fretboard better. Thank you, Brandon. Also, special thanks to Rob Scallon, I discovered you through his videos!
Do you like Phil Collins? I've been a big Genesis fan ever since the release of their 1980 album, Duke. Before that, I really didn't understand any of their work. Too artsy, too intellectual. It was on Duke where Phil Collins' presence became more apparent. I think Invisible Touch was the group's undisputed masterpiece. It's an epic meditation on intangibility. At the same time, it deepens and enriches the meaning of the preceding three albums. Listen to the brilliant ensemble playing of Banks, Collins and Rutherford. You can practically hear every nuance of every instrument. In terms of lyrical craftsmanship, the sheer songwriting, this album hits a new peak of professionalism. Take the lyrics to Land of Confusion. In this song, Phil Collins addresses the problems of abusive political authority. In Too Deep is the most moving pop song of the 1980s, about monogamy and commitment. The song is extremely uplifting. Their lyrics are as positive and affirmative as anything I've heard in rock. Phil Collins' solo career seems to be more commercial and therefore more satisfying, in a narrower way. Especially songs like In the Air Tonight and Against All Odds. But I also think Phil Collins works best within the confines of the group, than as a solo artist, and I stress the word artist.
Did you know that Whitney Houston's debut LP, called simply Whitney Houston had 4 number one singles on it?
I started playing guitar a year ago and wasn't planning on learning how to read guitar music but this video changed my mind. definitely subscribing keep it up
Also, the same note in the same octave usually appears multiple times on the fretboard. For example, the 7th fret on the A string is E 3, as is the 2nd fret on the D string. How do you decide which one to play?
Usually the one that is easier (i.e. closer) for your left hand position at that moment.
@@duran3d That should work in theory, I've personally never been able to sort it out, though. On a piano, I have exactly one key that'll sound E 3; on a guitar, I've got 4 different ways to play the same note. Maybe I'll give it another try when my arm heals and I can play again. Cheers!
You're a genius teacher.. Really people who work like you are a treasure for humanity.
Thank you for your simple yet thorough lesson.
I am into 7 months of playing and luckily I learned this right away and have the fret board memorized.
I find that many guitar players simply do not start with fundamentals and theory because they work from Tab. Then they at some point have to learn theory and the fundamentals later.
I knew to get to that stuff from the get go. I still have much to learn but I am confident in my process.
Oh, demystifying, I thought you meant 'demistifying' because I found an old guitar in my grandfather's basement and last night a black-red mist started coming out of the sound hole and there's a choir chanting whenever I look at it, so this is not the tutorial I was looking for. Still neat advice though!
😆
That was very helpful!
I've been playing guitar for 2 years now. I've looked everywhere just to understand how the notes work on a guitar. I couldn't. So just use chords.
I think your video is a great start for me!
Great job! 👍
for the people in the comments, he’d explaining ho the fret works...that’s what desmistifying means...
there is no shortcut for learning the notes, but study and practice, practice and practice...
learning, anything, has no shortcuts...
different learning techniques, but at the end it all comes to memory and practice
Brandon seems like the kind of person that is really kind and sweet. You are great man, thank you for getting people like me into music history and for all the tips. You are really an angel hope you are having a good day
No one:
Brandon: I'm gonna do what's called a pro gamer move.
I love how chill your videos are.
Holy mother of god THE VEINS in your hand are bigger than some people fingers...
A doctor's dream!
It's all the extra blood he's got from being a vampire.
Brando is Buckethead confirmed.
Imagine the pecker! Lol
My phlebotomy skills are drooling.
Superb guy. Simplified tutorials with a quiz for a bonus. A true legend!
Never seen a vampire play a guitar so beautifully before
The lighting is on point here. Wow!
I see Brandon i click like. Period
Thank you Brandon :) I must say, ever since finding your channel, I've been enjoying playing guitar a lot more. I am learning more and I feel encouraged to try new things.
Me: *first time watching video from this person and channel*
Brandon Acker: welcome back *_*smiles*_*
Have we met before?
Hey, thank you. I really knew nothing about notes before until I watched this. Notes to me felt intimidating that I always thought I just did not have the talent whatsoever in music or that my brain just wouldn't get it. I hope there will be more guitar tips from you. You're really good at explaining and make it sound simpler.
But what is the difference between the same notes in different strings? How do you know which one to play?
The tone is different, and your left hand can only stretch so far on the fretboard.
Note is the same but they don't sound exactly the same (same frequency but not same harmonics).
Generally, the context of the note will tell you which one to play.
For example, you play a G on 6th string 3rd fret. Next note is a D. You can play it on 5th string 5th fret OR 4th string open. Try it and you'll hear the difference. And depending on the following note after those G and D, you'll find one of them easier to articulate all together.
I'm no professional but that's what works for me.
Same note on different string will have a slightly different tone. Which string you play on is often obvious by context of where the other notes in the piece are being played. If unclear, sheet music for classical guitar may indicate which string a given note is intended to be played on by a number with a circle around it. If not, its up you to YOU the guitarist to decide which way works best for YOU based on technical ease of playing or tonal considerations. All else being equal same note in lower positions generally sounds better and is preferred.
I love these videos so much. They may not be the most polished videos of this style but he loves the topics so much and seems genuinely excited just to share his knowledge.
wait this isn't polished enough for you?
He sounds like the Bob Ross of the guitar
Brandon Acker is a pedagogical wonder. He should be teaching at Juilliard. This is brilliant in its simplicity. Kudos to you - and many thanks!
Oh man, why didn't you make these videos earlier?
You rock, sir. I love the sensibility when you explain. Not dumbed down as if you were speaking to a child. Just the facts plain and simple. And I really liked the mnemonic for the notes of the strings. I’ve been playing guitar for over 20 yrs but never got into your style of playing although I always found it so enticing. Now that I’m fifty I’m starting to explore this style and with your tips I’m making good progress. Thanks!
Poor Eddie. Didn't know dynamite was bad.
2:29 even though I saw it coming, that moment brought tears to my eyes. Yes, all with the same 12 notes.
I'm putting in a silent minute for my boy Eddie. (laughing_crying_emoji)
So sad that he was that hungry. Why didn't Eddie just go to the food bank? 😁
@@sweetnsourchick1761 He was going through withdrawals, so he couldn't make one.
Thanks Eddie for taking one for the team
Here before people start commenting on his looks
Brandon, that is so incredibly intuitive. I have played by ear for more years than i want to say, only knowing cords for the lower end of the neck. this is so simple but yet a revalation. thanks so much for sharing this.
How is this free
Brandon & Bernth are the best YT channels for guitarra
Good to see some love for Bernth. He's One of the best teachers on UA-cam. I also like Signals Music Studio for music theory.