Randall Jackson

Fretboard Abcs: Building Confidence, Guitar Fretboard Knowledge and the Foundations of Tonal Structures Randall Jackson 1st edition

For advanced beginners through advanced intermediate guitarists, this book presents a structured approach to developing a thorough knowledge of the guitar fretboard. Knowing where the notes are, without having to stop and think, is essential to chordal and soloing mastery, but few structured methods for developing this knowledge exist. This book fills that gap, and does so by developing a set of exercises that will at the same time challenge the student, develop a thorough knowledge of the guitar fretboard what's where, and in the process build the foundations of tonal structures that will benefit those who play any style at any level. Audio mp3s for the exercises are downloadable from the book's website at www. FretBoardABCs.com. The book begins with a very brief few sections that present the musical theoretic rationale for the 24 exercises that comprise most of the book. Those who already have the necessary understanding of major and minor scale fundamentals and the concept of triads can move directly to the exercises, but nearly everyone will find an informational nugget or two that will enhance their understanding and playing ability. The exercises themselves essentially move the student through the cycle of fifths, building triads on each root note in the cycle. The tablature that accompanies the standard notation creates an approach that economizes on left hand movement by selecting fingering forms that minimize horizontal movement along the fretboard. The exercises move first through several cycle patterns using major triads, then through the cycle patterns using minor triads. The book concludes with prescriptions for elaborating on and augmenting these exercises by adding 6ths, 7ths, and 9ths to the triads, and includes suggestions for adding variety to the triad extensions. This book will be an excellent resource for beginners looking to accelerate their progress, and for intermediate and even some more advanced players who've never developed a comprehensive knowledge of FretBoard ABCs and the foundations of tonal structures. There are no magic bullets, becoming a good musician takes effort, but students who invest their time in this effectively structured approach will see dramatic improvements in their playing, and be one step closer to guitar mastery!