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Last updated: January 2026

Note Path: The Guitar Note Recall Method

Note Path is a guitar note recall method that trains guitarists to locate any note on the fretboard with fast, reliable recall (target: sub-2 seconds). This phased fretboard practice routine uses progression (open strings → strings → pairs → full neck) and three gates—Accuracy, Speed, Stability—so you advance only when your fretboard memory is real.

Key takeaways

  • Phases control scope (what part of the neck you're responsible for).
  • Phase Checks control proof (scored, short, and repeatable).
  • Stability prevents "I passed once" from becoming fake progress.

The loop: Learn → Apply → Prove

1) LEARN: Note Quiz (practice)

On-screen drills. No guitar required. High rep count, low friction.

2) APPLY: Play Along (with guitar)

Backing tracks + beat-aligned prompts to apply note knowledge musically.

3) PROVE: Phase Check (scored)

A short assessment that can advance progression if you hit the gate.


The phases (progression model)

You don't start with the full neck unless you're already there. Note Path expands the allowed "Zone" over time.

Phase Scope
Open Strings Open strings only
Low E String Low E string, frets 0–12
A String A string, frets 0–12
E + A Pair Both strings combined
(more string pairs)
Full Fretboard All strings, natural notes
Full + Accidentals All notes including sharps/flats

The gates (how advancement works)

Gate 1: Accuracy

You must demonstrate correctness, not "close enough."

Gate 2: Speed

Speed is measured as median answer time with a target threshold.

Gate 3: Stability (anti-luck system)

Stability is your Phase Check streak:

  • Pass a Phase Check → +1 Stability
  • Fail a Phase Check → stability resets for that phase
  • Earn 2 Stability in a row to advance

This is how you prevent luck-based advancement and force consolidation.


Phase Check requirements

To move up, you'll need 35 out of 35 correct with a median answer time at or below the target for your phase.

Example requirement strings (depending on phase):

  • 35/35 correct with median answer ≤ 1.2s
  • 35/35 correct with median answer ≤ 1.4s
  • 35/35 correct with median answer ≤ 1.5s
  • 35/35 correct with median answer ≤ 1.6s
  • 35/35 correct with median answer ≤ 1.9s
  • 35/35 correct with median answer ≤ 2.0s

Cooldowns (why you can't spam Phase Checks)

After a Phase Check, the app may enforce a cooldown (4 hours after the first Phase Check) to make assessments meaningful and support learning consolidation.


Heatmaps (how to read them)

A heatmap visualizes your attempt history by fret position.

  • Green = strong / fast / correct history
  • Red = slow or error-prone areas that need work

How to use it:

  1. Identify the red cluster
  2. Run a short focused practice session on that zone
  3. Retest with a Phase Check when available

Current availability

Note Path is currently available for Guitar with Standard E tuning.


FAQ

What's the difference between Note Quiz and Phase Check?
Note Quiz is practice. Phase Check is scored and is the only mode that advances phases.
Why median time?
Median is harder to game than average and better represents typical recall speed.
Why require 35/35?
Because "pretty good" under time pressure is not the same as "I know the neck." The strict accuracy gate forces clean recall.

Ready to start your Note Path?