I always think in intervals never in boxes. Simple to learn that the 5th is one above the root. 4th is one below. Flat seven is 2 frets back. Major third one below one fret back. Below the second is the 5th again and so on. Applies all over the neck subject only to a one fret compensation for the b string tuning

David, I learned to play guitar with your books. Your approach is thoughtful and always evolving. I would add that it's useful to sing the triads to make the connection deeper, in addition to the metronome. That really helped me.

“Not thinking (of the notes/intervals) but aware”. Yes. Thank you

You're an excellent teacher David.

This is really helpful. One thing that I do to help with the learning is to repeat a simple 4 note arpeggio across the notes of the E chord starting with an E on the open low E string and then say the intervals at the same time. For example, E, 5th, 3rd, root in first position. Then move up to the next position and repeat the arpeggio (E, 5, 3, R). It forces you to learn where the 5, 3, and R are, and it's interesting to hear how the different voicings change the sound of the arpeggio.

Good lesson I agree with your advice to nail the root and intervals asociated in triads.

David, thank you, thank you, thank you. This is my favorite Christmas present. You talk about the light getting turned on. I never thought about this and it makes perfect sense. I can't wait to get started on this new approach. In wanting to learn the fretboard and trying to memorize this and that, which never got me there, I can see how this is the perfect solution. Thanks again and have a great holiday season.

Thank you. I’m really trying to get this . I know it’s IMPORTANT.

Excellent advice. One thing I did to kickstart my understanding of note names and intervals was to write the notes and intervals underneath the chord diagrams on the tabs of any tune I was learning. Even without a guitar in hand, this exercise helped me visualize the intervals for each chord shape. Eventually, I started to recognize the inherent voicing of each CAGED chord shape and I've made great progress ever since. Thanks David.

Thank you. This all makes so much sense to me.

Thank you!

Excellent stuff, as always, David. If people need to learn those triads, Jeff McErlain has an excellent course on his website. Cheers!

I agree 100% that your use of the root and intervals is a very good way of communicating between teacher and students. Should have commented earlier

David - glad to hear that you read the comments. That’s worth knowing even if you don’t reply. In addition to R, 3rd and 5th, it would be even more helpful to say the note names with them in learning the fretboard. That would be reinforced by the images we see when looking at most fretboard diagrams as most of them show the note names instead of R,3,5. Great lesson. Thank you.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year David! Another perfect lesson for me to further learn the neck of the guitar. Always awesome stuff!

The "L" technique is a useful tool also to get familiar. Pick a note then make a L shape going up and south and the same note is there.

Thanks David

David, Can you expand on learning triads? I’m intrigued by the concept but have not been taught how to expand and develop study. I believe I’m not alone. Thank you

Great stuff. I need to spend more time mapping out the triads and intervals on the guitar. I've tried to spend time slotting this stuff into brain over the past few years of your Fingerstyle Five membership, but never stuck with it for long enough

Good lesson, David. I would have liked to hear you say the names of the notes, too. I agree with your comment about the folks who say “finger on the second fret of the third string.”….. I’m always saying, “Say the name of the note!” Mostly they don’t. But using the chords is a good method to also learn the notes as well as intervals. It’s also good to learn that the order of the chord shapes is always the same, one of the wonderful things about the guitar. Love your work….thanks…👍

This is one of the best lessons I've come across on KZfaq

💜💜💜

I guess I am one of the folks who are more interested in the where rather than the why. Play this and enjoy the ride. B10 E10 E9 E7 E9 E10 E7.B10 E7 B7 B10. E7 B10 B8 E10 E9E10 B10. B8 B7 B5 E7 E5 B8 E5 B8 B7 B8 E5 E10 E7 B8 B7 B10 B10 D. David will explain the intervals. Happy Christmas

that is a beautiful sounding old Martin David. what year is that?

What is the cost for joining membership

Hello, this is one thing I’m really struggling on to grasp. Correct me if I’m wrong but it seems I should focus on triads out of this lesson?