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How to use Fret Monster

Lesson #363 • May 7, 2021

Video lesson

👉 Use this free tool yourself @ FretMonster.net

Editor’s notes

Hey friends! Many times in the past few months I’ve used my web tool FretMonster in my YouTube video lessons – and a lot of you have asked me to give a tutorial explaining different ways to use it. For those who asked, you’re in luck! In this video I’ll give a quick overview of what it is, how it works, and show a handful of different ways you might use it.

Here’s timestamps of what I cover in my video:

  • 0:00 Introduction
  • 0:42 Quick overview of FretMonster
  • 2:37 Basics of “reading” the fretboard
  • 7:22 Seeing scale notes & positions
  • 10:51 Modifying common chords
  • 15:07 Recognizing triads
  • 20:20 Recognizing repeating patterns (CAGED)
  • 25:09 Adding flourish to chords
  • 27:00 Seeing “other” chords in the same key
  • 29:45 Farewell & final advice

I say in this video, FretMonster doesn’t give you specific instructions (which is something guitar tabs DO give you). Instead, FretMonster gives you a “map” that you can use toward whatever your goals might be. This could include things like:

  • Seeing scale patterns on the fretobard
  • Identifying the notes in any given key
  • Recognizing triads up & down the fretboard
  • Finding easy ways to add flourish to any chord you play
  • Visualizing the notes in any one key
  • Understanding how the chords in any one key are related
  • etc

Give it a watch – I hope it helps! And most definitely, let me know any questions you have. I absolutely want to continue to improve FretMonster into the future (making it easier to use, etc) – and feedback is great. Thanks!

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