I've got a question for the guitarists here, especially those who have gone deep into learning the fretboard and theory. A bit of background... I've been playing guitar for over 25 years. I started young and learned almost entirely by ear. Since then, I've continued learning through online tutorials, tabs, chord charts, and just countless hours of playing. Like most guitarists, I feel like we're always learning and improving. The interesting thing is that my ears know where to go, but my brain doesn't always know why. If you play something, I can usually hear it, work it out, and find it on the guitar. I tend to feel my way around the fretboard rather than consciously thinking about note names or theory. It's always just been instinctive. Now I've reached a point where I really want to connect the dots. Learning all the notes on the fretboard and understanding how everything fits together feels surprisingly difficult. After playing by ear for so many years, my default is always to rely on what I hear and what my hands already know. Trying to think about note names almost feels like learning the instrument all over again. So here's my question... If you were starting to properly learn the fretboard after 25+ years of playing by ear, what would be your first steps? Would you focus on: - Learning every note on the fretboard? - Intervals? - The CAGED system? - Triads? - Scale degrees? - Something else entirely? I'm also aware that I'm pretty set in my ways after all these years, so it feels like quite a daunting challenge. But I know that adding this knowledge could open up a whole new level of freedom and understanding. I'd love to hear from anyone who's been through a similar journey or teaches guitar. What approach helped everything finally click for you?

@Aeric Bansuri Welcome to the community! I know you just joined, but we are looking forward to getting to know you, and learning more about your guitar playing journey! @Phil Smith Great to have you! Already you've been posting and sharing your music and getting into the community, and I couldn’t be more thrilled! You definitely fit the vibe! Welcome!

So this is pretty cool! Two total surprises here! @Philip Cliff was a Facebook friend from over 20 years ago when we used to play an online game together and he was in my clan! Recently I learned he's a guitar player too, so I invited him to our community! He was a great mate back then, looking forward to becoming reacquainted with him in a new context! @David Aebisher Wow! David is one of my overseas online Academy students! I’m so excited to welcome him! Awesome guy - how did you find this place? Welcome, my friend!

Welcome to people that I should have welcomed way sooner! I could make a lot of valid excuses, but the truth is I just got jumbled around and the next thing you know one day is two and so on and here we are. Totally my fault. I am GENUINELY glad you are all here! In no particular order: Welcome @George Cole It's great to have you with us. I met George through @Ricardo Ponce who was having a live. In the brief minutes we got to talk, we fought with my horrible mic sound, which occurred during a mild flood at my home, anyways it's a long story and we are all dried out now. But yeah, welcome to the community! Look forward to seeing and getting to know you more! Welcome @Misha Pelt to our community. From the brief into I had with her, she is a new member but also has her own community in which she is trying to help others understand the fretboard. I embrace others out there that are trying to use their own unique way of doing things to help others. I hope we can get to know you and support what youre about and what youre doing, Misha. Please forgive the delay in welcoming you! Welcome @Sam Ryan I got to speak to you briefly, and I hope things are improving for you. Look forward to getting to know you more!

We are trending at #2 on Skool Discovery for Music! I had no idea! So, wow, how cool is that? Thats all of you, not me! But wow. Grateful for you guys! I’m working on and towards a lot of things because Im non stop on ideas and inspiration and fresh motivation all the time, but for right now lets just share and celebrate this moment! Thank you to @Chris Lawrence for the heads up about this!