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!

Unlock My Secret Stash!

Gain instant access to my library of 326 print-friendly cheat sheets! Also includes my extended video lessons, jam tracks, courses, and more.

Join Song Notes Premium

Have questions? Watch video tour »

Browse Related Lessons

Click any tag below to view other lessons I've made in that category:

Enjoy My Lessons? Show Your Support!

Most of the lessons on my website are 100% free. If you have the means, please show your support with a tip jar contribution. I put many hours into every lesson — but it only takes you a minute to make a donation. You have my thanks!

Donate

Looking for More Song Lessons?

Featured Courses

Fun & Helpful Tools I've Made


Subscribe to my YouTube channel

Be sure to never miss a lesson by subscribing on YouTube. I put out 2-3 new videos every week. These include full song lessons, as well as covers, practice tips, behind-the-scenes updates. Thanks!


Recent Lessons

  • November 6, 2026

    Q&A: 8 Fun Songs for Two Guitars

    Got a guitar buddy but need a few songs to jam on? Here are 8 of my favorites, with ideas for how one of you can strum while the other plays riffs or fills.

  • October 30, 2026

    Chords Up the Neck — First Steps

    In reply to several different member questions asking about this topic, learn how to play any chord shape up the neck. I show you the three must-know shapes for getting started with this technique.

  • October 23, 2026

    [NEW] Metronome & Tempo Timer Tool!

    I'm excited to unveil a brand new tool to help you with your rhythm! Metronome, tap tempo, drum machine, and beat visualizer all rolled into one easy-to-use tool.

  • October 12, 2026

    "Love Me Two Times" by The Doors

    Learn to play this bluesy classic from 1967! This tune features ~4 guitar riffs, each of which is tricky to learn... but I'll walk you through it all, step by step, as per usual.

  • September 30, 2026

    Shuffle vs. Straight Rhythm... Hear the Difference!

    Learn to identify the rhytmic feel of a song, just by listening! In this lesson I break down the straight vs. shuffle rhythm, using 5 different riffs... each of which is played both ways.

  • September 25, 2026

    Red River Valley - Travis Picking Deep-Dive!

    Behond! 10 new videos from my Travis Picking Essentials course, focusing on the classic tune Red River Valley. Includes print-friendly tabs for everything taught in each of the videos.

  • September 16, 2026

    "Sweet Jane" by Velvet Underground

    Let's dive into the 1970 classic by the Velvet Underground! This one mostly uses a two-measure progression from start to finish, but there's a ton of strumming & rhythm nuance you'll need to capture the sound. I teach it all, including several different ways to play the chords needed.

  • September 14, 2026

    Practical Music Theory: 1-4-5 Chords & Why They're Important

    An explanation of the three most commonly used chords in each musical key, and why they're important. Say hello to the one, four, and five chords!

  • September 9, 2026

    Q&A: Understanding Secondary Dominants (ft. Sierra Ferrell)

    I answer a member question about chords that seem to fall outside the key, using secondary dominants to explain what’s happening. Featuring the catchy opening riff to Sierra Ferrell's Bells of Every Chapel.

Browse All Recent Lessons →

← back to homepage


YouTube URL
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lj5c_cpWS9g
Thumbnail (video)
Video thumbnail for How to use Fret Monster
Thumbnail (pdf)
n/a
Slug
363
Lesson URL
/lessons/363/
Patreon URL
n/a
Discussion URL
n/a
Add to Favorites
List of Favorites