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Show HN: I created a game to memorize the fretboard

fretboardfly.com

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Re: Show HN: I created a game to memorize the fretboard

#61
post #28
post #26

You might consider starting with learning the open strings, then the first fret, then second, etc. The way it works now requires a level of expertise beyond what beginners are likely to have. But the idea looks great!

you're totally right. I'm an intermediate player myself so I kindof built it with an intermediate bias. Did you try the practice mode? There's no timer there and you can filter it by strings and frets so you can focus on a small area of the fretboard at a time. But yeah, as I mentioned in a couple other comments here, I plan to build a gradual learning module using spaced repetition that starts with a few notes at a…

Cool tool.

If I might make a suggestion related to the gaps that you mentioned that motivated the tool...

It's hard to communicate the real importance of learning scales and chords at the same time. Specifically, learning all of the important scales and then building chords from those and finding more fingerable/playable voicings for them. Even going as far as removing strings and still trying to complete the scales/chords and then alternate tunings, etc. It's really a slow grind that there's no shortcut for.

Most players skip a lot of this important early practice because it's about the furthest thing from playing songs on the guitar like they want to.

Doing something like classical guitar lessons might be extremely helpful/humbling. Variety also helps -- I got a lot better once I started playing in multiple tunings and different kinds of guitars (#strings, baritone, etc) -- heck I'm learning the Stick right now.

Re: Show HN: I created a game to memorize the fretboard

#62
Hey I love this! Although there are some issues in the first game with touches not registering and also the entire play board not being visible.

I think what other people are saying about graded difficulty is also true. I have a degree in classical guitar performance. So I did fine. But I've had the fret board memorized for years. Unless there were settings I missed that could restrict the play area, I don't think most would be able to use this very effectively as a learning tool.

Re: Show HN: I created a game to memorize the fretboard

#63
post #23

I like the general idea - I would like a game tool like this. (and before I give my feedback, I should say, I spent a year or two working on a solo indie Zelda/Diablo mishmash focused on teaching guitar fretboards and music theory back in 2006-2009. A video of that incomplete game is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R6O32PFGZCE . It relied on players playing intervals and chords to cast spells, for both fighting…

I would love to get sucked into learning guitar with a game like that. I think there's an untapped niche for educational games with the depth, progression, and addictive aspects of RPGs. Hope you get the chance to resume development

Re: Show HN: I created a game to memorize the fretboard

#64
Really cool! Like i_c_b mentioned my only feedback is that, even in the practice mode, there's a lot of negative feedback.

I'd recommend adding a step to the practice mode where whatever highlighted region of the fretboard you're practicing has all of the notes visible, and then over time the notes are taken away as you build up your memorization.

Re: Show HN: I created a game to memorize the fretboard

#65
post #6

be nice if there was a "learning" mode where it shows you where things are and then quizzes you. like that game "Memory" or Simon says. Also this is training you visually. wouldn't it be better to train you by feel?

I was going to say the same thing! I guess tutorials could be a first step before jumping to the quiz part.

Re: Show HN: I created a game to memorize the fretboard

#66
post #28

Earlier quoted context omitted.

you're totally right. I'm an intermediate player myself so I kindof built it with an intermediate bias. Did you try the practice mode? There's no timer there and you can filter it by strings and frets so you can focus on a small area of the fretboard at a time. But yeah, as I mentioned in a couple other comments here, I plan to build a gradual learning module using spaced repetition that starts with a few notes at a…

Cool tool. If I might make a suggestion related to the gaps that you mentioned that motivated the tool... It's hard to communicate the real importance of learning scales and chords at the same time. Specifically, learning all of the important scales and then building chords from those and finding more fingerable/playable voicings for them. Even going as far as removing strings and still trying to complete the scales/…

Stick = Chapman stick? Mad respect for you man. I dont think I'm smart enough to handle more stringed instruments.Especially not that thing :).

>It's hard to communicate the real importance of learning scales and chords at the same time. Specifically, learning all of the important scales and then building chords from those and finding more fingerable/playable voicings for them. Even going as far as removing strings and still trying to complete the scales/chords and then alternate tunings, etc. It's really a slow grind that there's no shortcut for.

YESSSS! 1000% Thats my precise motivation with this app. What I've released is just the first step. I want to do all the intervals, the triads, the chords, the scales...you get the idea.

That slow grind you're describing is very very true. I couldnt cut it. This app is my attempt to basically get where you're at. Its not a shortcut but lets just say its the fun way to learn where you're less likely to give up.

Not sure if you signed up for the updates but I might hit you up when I build more modules because I'd love to hear from people who're further along in the journey

Re: Show HN: I created a game to memorize the fretboard

#67
post #40

Earlier quoted context omitted.

You've mentioned practice mode a couple of times to folks. I don't see one. I see level 1a, then the rest of the levels are 'coming soon'. That's it. No practice mode. EDIT: it's only after you choose a level - you can 'start' or 'practice'. gotcha. EDIT2: alternate tunings seems to be a logical step. is that on your roadmap?

alternate tunings have been requested quite a bit and honestly its not super hard to build for this module but things get really wonky in the further levels. I really want to pareto-prioritize and right now alternate tunings are not making the cut. To anyone else reading this, if alternate tunings are your thing, please leave a +1 to the parent comment or write to me on Twitter/reddit/discord, that ways I can gauge i…

Thanks. It's not a showstopper for me, but my brother and I are getting in to DADGAD and open G and stuff, and... it's something I think it would help folks (but we're a minority - that's why they're 'alternate' tunings!).

Re: Show HN: I created a game to memorize the fretboard

#68

Hey I love this! Although there are some issues in the first game with touches not registering and also the entire play board not being visible. I think what other people are saying about graded difficulty is also true. I have a degree in classical guitar performance. So I did fine. But I've had the fret board memorized for years. Unless there were settings I missed that could restrict the play area, I don't think mo…

I'll work on the touches not registering bit: Was it desktop or mobile?

There is in fact a restricted play area: Go to "Practice" and click the filter icon on the top right...you can choose frets and strings to focus on

Re: Show HN: I created a game to memorize the fretboard

#69
post #64

Really cool! Like i_c_b mentioned my only feedback is that, even in the practice mode, there's a lot of negative feedback. I'd recommend adding a step to the practice mode where whatever highlighted region of the fretboard you're practicing has all of the notes visible, and then over time the notes are taken away as you build up your memorization.

Noted! Thank you! I'm planning on building a Duolingo style spaced repetition system for this. I really wanted to work on more modules like Intervals and Triads (for selfish reasons) but enough people have made the point you made that I think its logical to address the issue.

Re: Show HN: I created a game to memorize the fretboard

#70
post #64

Really cool! Like i_c_b mentioned my only feedback is that, even in the practice mode, there's a lot of negative feedback. I'd recommend adding a step to the practice mode where whatever highlighted region of the fretboard you're practicing has all of the notes visible, and then over time the notes are taken away as you build up your memorization.

Could you talk a bit about the negative feedback in practice mode? Is it the unpleasant buzzing when you tap the wrong note? What would be an alternative?
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