USAF PJ - Posted - 03/14/2021:  14:04:47

This phrase is used often. If it is a real concept can it be explained and practiced, (w/the word "practiced" taking on more than one description)?

Texasbanjo - Posted - 03/14/2021:  15:38:58

I don't know what it means to other people, but to me, it means learning the fretboard and how to travel around it. Know how to find chords all up and down the neck, find melodies all over the neck, both up and down.

Many times I can't tell you what note I'm playing, but I know where the note (sound I want) is and how it sounds and how it fits in with the rest of what I'm picking. I could also tell you what note it was if I HAD to, but why? I don't need to know I'm playing a G or a B, I just have to know where that note is and how it fits into various melody/licks/rolls.

EulalieBlue - Posted - 03/14/2021:  15:40:38

I'm glad you asked that question. I presume that "unlocking" the fretboard refers to a system of understanding the arrangement of notes at each fret/string intersection on a fretted string instrument. One must develop an organizing principle, identify reference points and logical patterns as the notes ascend or descend for a working familiarity, and I assume that "unlocking" means that the person advertising with this terminology has the "key" to understanding.

Bunk. There is no one system of understanding that applies to all players, and a good teacher works with each individual learner to discover the particular system of logic that makes sense. The whole idea that everything can be standardized implies that, if you don't understand the standardized system, you must be unteachable. This is not true. Everyone has a unique perspective and it's up to the teacher to find the path to his or her student's mode of understanding.

beegee - Posted - 03/14/2021:  16:40:01

I know a lot of banjo players who never play above the 5th fret. Knowing the fretboard awakens many options. Chords and inversions are necessary elements.

pat_mccarley - Posted - 03/14/2021:  20:17:46

I’m working through this with my teacher Kendl Winter. We call it music theory but it really is learning how to navigate the fretboard by learning different chords and shapes so that I can play up and down the fretboard and with other musicians. I really recommend it.

USAF PJ - Posted - 03/15/2021:  07:22:49

I am w/ you Pat. Curious to know how Kendl is navigating this w/ you. I am comfortable playing w/out a capo in a different key and doing two finger rolls up and down the neck. I am wanting to add some licks  beyond two finger rolls. What would Kendl recommend, or some others do?



"Home Sweet Home", w/ my D tuned to C how would you play back up?

Edited by - USAF PJ on 03/15/2021 07:24:10