Cory Wong’s Bold Challenge: Are You an Advanced Guitarist?
In a recent Instagram post, Cory Wong stirred the pot by asserting that aspiring advanced guitarists must conquer a particular challenge to earn that title.
“A gentle nudge to those who label themselves as advanced guitarists,” he states in a captivating reel, his new ernie Ball guitar resting on his lap. “If you can’t perform this exercise, I wouldn’t classify you as an advanced guitarist.”
The Essential Exercise: Mastering the Fretboard
So,what’s this crucial exercise? It involves having a thorough understanding of where every note resides on the guitar (or any stringed instrument,for that matter) adn being able to access them instantly.
“You should be able to identify all the notes on your guitar! Can you play a C note on every string?” he challenges.
Wong showcases his own expertise by effortlessly playing six C notes across different strings, highlighting the importance of familiarizing oneself with the fretboard.
This exercise is no walk in the park; it’s a brain teaser that will certainly get players thinking, especially if they attempt to match Wong’s impressive speed.
Why This Skill Matters
This test is particularly valuable because, unlike the piano, the guitar’s notes are not arranged in a straightforward manner. Locating a C note on each string requires a bit more mental gymnastics. This skill becomes even more crucial for guitarists who frequently switch between various tunings and keys.
Musicians like John Browne from Monuments and Clayton King have praised the benefits of open tunings in metal music, as they simplify the note variations. For example, in standard tuning, only one string repeats a note, while in DADGAD tuning, guitarists only need to learn three distinct strings: D, A, and G.
This approach can be seen as a strategic advantage, helping players navigate the complexities of standard tuning while pursuing specific notes on the fly. Irrespective, both Browne and King emphasize the importance of knowing the location of notes at any given moment.
The Debate: Theory vs.Intuition
“If you can’t do that, I’m not labeling you as an advanced guitarist,” Wong concludes. “That’s just the way it is; time to get practicing.”
Wong’s post has sparked lively discussions among guitar enthusiasts,with many chiming in with tips for mastering the fretboard.
Some commenters pointed out that numerous legendary guitarists have achieved greatness without a deep understanding of music theory,while others highlighted musicians who can execute complex chords without knowing their technical names.
This topic has certainly polarized opinions, and Wong has enjoyed the varied reactions: “I didn’t anticipate this would provoke so many people,” he remarked later. “I’m all for it.”
