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The following exercise is actually a form of meditation. Meditation
is intentional concentration on a selected focus. We will use the circle
of fifths to go through the notes. If you're not formilar the circle
of fifths, it is an arrangement of the twelve keys in ascending fifths.
C, G, D, A, E, B, Gb, Db, Ab, Eb, Bb, F and C. The notes such as Gb
and F# are enharmonic and are two different spellings for the same note.
Enough talk, on with the exercise. This will be done with out the guitar in hand and in the lower octave of the neck since the notes repeat starting at the 12th fret.
You can do this anywhere when you have some down time or you can replace counting sheep with naming notes.
Imagine if you will a C on the low E string 8th fret, A string 3rd fret,
D string 10th fret, G string 5th fret, B string 1st fret, High E 8th fret. Next in the circle is G low E-3, A-10, D-5, G-0, B-8, E-3. Next is D starting with low E-10, A-5, D-0, G-7, B-3, and E-10. Next is A low E -5, A-0, D-7, G-2, B-10, E-5. You can see the formula. Finish going through the circle of fifths. It becomes more challenging if you do this in rhythm.
I used to go through this with ¼ notes and 8th notes.
In closing, I would like to mention that practicing with out your guitar in hand can be very effective. It is a great way to engrain your internal fret board. Not being bound by physical limitations and can create ideas and licks you never thought you could play.
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