Am looking online, but not finding clear answers. Are the dot markings on my fretboard specifically to make finding chord shapes/inversions easier? I can see the double dot is the octave. Anything specific about the other frets?
Banjo Fretboard Markers
3 Likes
Hi @danlaurajacobson Laura Great question. Don’t quote me but I think different banjo’s may have certain markers in different locations. You can expect to see markers at the 5th 7th and 12th these would indicate bar chords C, D and G these are also locations where you’ll find harmonics.
I was going to say the second fret for the A chord however on checking my Fender I see it has markers at the 1st & 3rd frets so I guess that rules out my theory about bar chord locations. I am sure my other banjos have a marker at the second fret. Just goes to show how much I don’t rely on these markers.
I would say though that these markers do help you find chord shapes / inversions and do help when fretting the fifth string with the thumb. I don’t use them a lot myself except for one Celtic tune Harvest Home which requires accurate fretting of the fifth string up the neck at speed. See my other teacher below demonstrate.
1 Like
Great question, yes! They help me know where to go on my fretboard, but I don’t use them specifically to find chord shapes. They weren’t created for that purpose, I do not believe.
2 Likes
Thank you! I definitely use them for finding inversions in a specific shape (enough that when I capo, I’ve temporarily marked up the side of my fretboard up the neck), but I didn’t want to be missing anything if there was something else to know about them–ha! Thanks
4 Likes