Sure i am not the first to come up with this, but started doing a cool exercise. Just take a major scale, keep your hand in the same fret position and just start playing random patterns within the scale and say the scale degree, so e.g., 1-3-8-7/6-7-2-3/5-3-6-1/…etc, etc. Pick patterns that make you cross strings and require pinky and ring to move independently. Builds finger dexterity/independence and helps learn scale degrees, and you can do it slow focusing on moving your fingers only a little as possible to stop flying fingers. For those still learning the fretboard, you can replace the scale degrees with note names.
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Hey @Old_WannaBe,
I would like to add my version of this: play a scale down the fretboard, across 2, 3, or 4 strings and at least three octaves.
- Always just play in one direction (up or down) the neck, so you memorize the pattern.
- Explore the “gaps” and transitions in your fingering - where do you shift, are there spots with just one or two notes you play before shifting?
- Go slowly at the start, maybe even without a beat. Increase your speed after a few passes.
- Play with the dynamics.
- Say the note names or Nashville numbers (root = 1, fifth = 5, &c).
- Sing notes or intervals
- Play without looking
- Play rhythms, time signatures, 16ths …
- The sky is your oyster, invent something!
Happy practicing!
Antonio
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