If you're an adult guitarist still feeling lost on the fretboard, read on to discover...

The System to Unlock the Fretboard And Finally Play With Confidence, Clarity, And

"FIREPOWER"

...Without endless drills, painful memorizing, or mind-numbing exercises

If the fretboard still feels like a puzzle with missing pieces, you’re not alone.

Most guitarists are handed brute-force memorization "hacks" and CAGED theory-heavy advice. All that does is leave them second-guessing every note.

But real progress doesn’t come from cramming.

It comes from something deeper:

Flow. Freedom. Feeling.

And a clear understanding of how the fretboard actually works.

Yet most lessons are built to impress, not to teach.


That’s why I created this unique course for adult guitarists — the kind who want to feel the fretboard, not just memorize it.

And I believe this system will give you exactly that.

Most students feel their first “aha” moment on day one, unlocking smooth movement, better instincts, and a deeper musical connection.


And plenty of players who thought “I’m too old to learn this stuff” hit that same breakthrough and never looked back...

Dan Thorpe, the "Fretboard Firestarter" cracking the code for you that I wish someone had given me 20 years ago

Dear Guitarist,


Here’s the story.

I'm Dan Thorpe. You may know me from Fingerstyle 101, which has helped over 12,000 guitarists worldwide — and now...


I’ve distilled my most powerful fretboard breakthroughs into this new system, called "Fretboard Fireworks."

It's a complete 3-part video course you can stream or download and use at your own pace. 


You’ll also get visual fretboard guides, TAB, and notation, so you’re never left guessing.

But heads up — this isn’t a course full of gimmicks. It’s for players who are ready to go deeper, put in the work, and use it multiple times.


Do that and you'll finally crack the fretboard code for real.


The course is taught on the acoustic, but all lessons work on the electric too. We focus on fingerpicking, blues, and other classic styles throughout to make the journey a joy.

And to help you decide if it’s right for you, here’s a glimpse of what’s inside this video course:

  • The 7 vampire-like fretboard mistakes sucking the life out of your progress and how to slay them for good. (Part 0.2)
  • A 6-minute crash course that demystifies the theory behind the fretboard. (Part 0.2)
  • The 3-letter “power word” that's a springboard to learning the entire fretboard, without needing memory tricks or hacks. (Part 1.1)
  • An old-school, Paul Simon-style folk piece that blends deep bass and shimmering open strings to make fretboard learning inspiring instead of a dull exercise. (Part 1.1)
  • A simple shape the pros use to free up the fretboard, yet is ignored by most. Once you see it… you won't look at the fretboard the same way again. (Part 1.2)
  • Famous Fun Riffs – Lock in your fretboard skills while jamming to iconic riffs like Smoke on the Water, Seven Nation Army, and Sunshine of Your Love. It’s the fun, musical way to sharpen your skills without even feeling like practice. (Part 3.3)
  • Discover the 5 principles behind fretboard freedom – Most guitarists are never shown these. The ones who are? They’re the intermediate and advanced players who stop feeling lost on the neck for good. (Part 0.2)
  • The slick triplet blues lick that gets your fingers grooving in different positions while sharpening your timing, slides, and pull-offs, without your fingers tripping you up. (Part 2.3)
  • The “Liquid D Major Chord” — a flowing, non-traditional shape that melts scales and chords together so you can seamlessly move up and down. (Part 1.3)
  • How neuroscientist Daniel Levitin found that learning music on a deeper level like this can rewire your brain for sharper focus, stronger memory, and quicker thinking. (Part 2.1)
  • Plus, why hunting for sharps and flats holds you back, and how a free tool helps you instantly map out and visualize new notes and positions. (Part 1.1)
  • Struggle with theory? This 2-step “Crushing It in One Key” lesson makes it all click — with strumming, a lead solo, and zero overwhelm (Part 3.2)
  • And the secret “Blues Belt” — a surprisingly simple 4-note shape that helps you break out of box patterns and jam freely around the fretboard… without even looking. (Part 3.1)

Okay, let’s take a moment to unpack the lesson above.


This method might sound a little unusual at first... but it’s shockingly simple.


I’ve shown it to students who’d been playing for years… and not one of them had any idea it even existed.


Yet, it worked so well, I invented a name for it. Simply because no one else was teaching it.

...Yet this one thing can completely reshape how you move across the fretboard

For instance, without thinking about it...


How does Eric Clapton jump between the low and high frets effortlessly?


How does Tommy Emmanuel glide along the strings like it’s second nature?


Or James Taylor float between shapes with ease?

It's all to do with very simple, repeatable shapes. That's what this tool will give you. 


And my own students from...


Blues lovers to fingerstyle folk fans use this exact idea to free their fingers on the fretboard.


Dennis, one of my longtime students, told me:

“I continue to be amazed at how you drag me, kicking and screaming into techniques that almost seem like a waste of time - but turn out to be golden opportunities to learn things so musical they bring tears to my eyes.”

He was skeptical until he tried it, but...


What seemed odd turned out to be the key that opened everything up


...Now you might be wondering:

“Exactly What Will I Be Able to Do After This?”

Fretboard Bundle v1
  • Move from fret 0 to fret 12 and beyond without getting lost
  • Use tools to improvise melodies and riffs without relying on slow memory drills
  • Learn to visualize the fretboard like a map... even with your eyes closed
  • Play actual pieces, not boring, repetitive, non-musical exercises
  • Master the fretboard in a clear, logical way, one string at a time
  • Finally connect the dots using unique patterns that are fun to apply
  • Gain the confidence to jam the music that is inside of you
  • Cherish your practice sessions, knowing it is all making sense
  • Build fretboard confidence that lasts and gets used in everything you play and learn
 "Yes, I’m Ready to Finally Own the Fretboard”

The six Unique Methods That Make This Work When Everything Else Hasn’t

At the heart of this course, are six techniques you almost certainly won’t find in traditional guitar lessons...


...But these have given my students more fretboard results than anything else.


Believe me, I've tried all sorts of fretboard learning ideas, "hacks" found on YouTube. And even a popular book promising me to learn the fretboard in a day. (It didn't work - I was just more confused).


Most were like sticking on a band-aid. 


But the real results came from getting a deeper understanding while having fun and playing music that inspires.

Below is a quick look at the tools that make this course different.


And they're what I've either created, adapted, or learnt from studying my guitar heroes...

#1 - The "Fretboard Hopping" Technique 

A smarter way to move anywhere on the neck... fast

  • The simple pattern-based secret that shatters boring, complex “box patterns” so you can leap across the fretboard like you’ve been playing for years (even if you haven’t).

#2 - Real Jams, Not "Dull" Exercises

From practice to performance

  • Skip the lifeless exercises. These mini jams feel like we’re in the same room, playing together. These sharpen your timing, boost your musicality, and build belief fast... All while getting you to learn every key note on every string.

#3 - Brain Training in Disguise

Turn fretboard memorization into muscle memory

  • These quick-fire tests use proven methods to wire the notes into your hands and brain — no drills, no dull theory, just fast, instinctive fluency.

#4 - The "Scavenger Hunt"

Find patterns fast, and finally make the fretboard a breeze to navigate

  • Navigate the fretboard like a map. Not all notes are as important as others. Learn which notes matter most and how to land on them quickly. 

#5 - Fast-Track Fretboard Recall

...With the unusual “Spelling Bee” method

  • A fun way to wire the fretboard into your hands with just 3–4 notes at a time while turning the fretboard into a launchpad for playing the music you love.

#6 The See-It-All TAB System

A radically different approach to reading notation.

  • A one-of-a-kind “fusion TAB” method that trains your eyes and fingers together. It bridges the gap between TAB and standard notation with a fresh lens for playing melodies, fingerstyle, and chords with true musical insight.

✅ All six core concepts are woven seamlessly into every lesson – No overwhelm, no fluff.


Just clear, focused learning that feels natural and fun.

I’ve done the heavy lifting for you – No need to plan, organize, or figure things out yourself.


Just press play, watch (rewatch if you like), and feel it click as the pieces fall into place.


You’re just one click away from seeing the fretboard differently forever...

But what if you're worried this might be too hard?


It won't be. 


This course is made for real adults, not prodigies, both acoustic and electric players. 


No chart-memorizing. No jazz theory.


Just practical, repeatable methods that work for those who are over the age of 50 (like most of my students).

You’ll be playing actual enjoyable music from the first part.


...And if you have any questions at ANY point, rest assured, help is on hand.


Simply leave a comment on the lesson page and...


I will personally help you get total understanding.


We all know the guitar can feel tough. Unlike the piano, where notes move in a straight line, the fretboard can feel like a spiral staircase with missing steps.


There are 72 positions to play the notes before we hit fret 12. No roadmap. Until now...

By the end, you won’t just know the fretboard— you’ll own it

(Thanks to This 3-Part System)

I've broken the course up into three clear parts. 


✅ PART 1 — focuses on "lightbulb" moments on three strings... but not the ones you might expect.

✅PART 2  —  connects those breakthroughs across all six strings… so the full neck starts to be your friend and not your foe!

✅ PART 3 — ramps up the fun with real-world musical “a-ha” moments.


Here's some more of the secrets inside:

  • Two iconic song challenges that lock in key lessons with famous melodies. These are the perfect fretboard “final boss” (without feeling like a test).
  • The “play less, learn faster” visualization trick that rewires your brain to know the neck cold—even when a guitar is not in your hands. (Part 0.4) 
  • The dead-simple fingerpicking formula inspired by Chopin and Rachmaninov — lets you create soulful, classical-style pieces in minutes (Part 1.2)
  • Turn tricky chords like B minor into elegant, silky, soulful sounds with no barre chords needed... Giving you the tools to create music that sounds like you. (Part 2.2)
  • How the “Landmark” method pros love shows you exactly where you are on the fretboard. No memorizing, no second-guessing, and no looking down.
  • The strange little ‘Big Cats Eat Fish’ mnemonic that can make fretboard logic simple — no charts, no cramming, just a fun way to connect the dots. (Part 1.4)
  • The J.S. Bach ‘dyad’ secret that makes stiff fingers sound elegant with rich, expressive partial chords that glide across the neck. (Part 2.1)
  • A deeply personal fingerstyle piece I wrote when my son, Archie, was born. It's rich with harmony, soaked in emotion, and designed to help you explore the neck with freedom. It's one of my most loved student arrangements. (Part 2.4)
  • The surprising way fretboard training strengthens your memory. Plus, how it helps you recall shapes, songs, and notes faster… even if you’ve always said, “I’ve got a terrible memory.” (Part 0.2)
  • ...And the "5-fret" and "7-fret" simple formulas, the simple G–Em–C–D jam drills, and a quirky secret to exploring the fretboard properly... even if you’ve never soloed or strayed past fret 5.
 Get Your Fretboard Breakthrough Today!

And speaking of breakthroughs… remember Dennis from earlier?


He used to struggle with memory. He was convinced he’d never jam the fretboard. He thought he was going to be stuck only "parrot learning" YouTube songs.

Now?


He’s playing the music he always felt inside him and loving every minute...

 
And when you have the right tools, the path becomes clear.

To Enhance Your Skills Across the Neck And Improve All Your Playing... You Also Get 3 Bonus Tools 

These bonuses are vertical videos, great for watching on your mobile.


They're like my popular social media "reels", but they're deeper and made for fast wins you can use right away.

#1

The Rhythm

Lab

Three quick, musical workouts that turn the metronome into a secret fretboard weapon

  • How to glide lush 2-note shapes that sound like elegant music
  • A simple way to turn timing drills... into picked riffs you’ll actually enjoy
  • Take on the Two-Note Quest to lock in fretboard recall  while using a click to give you faster results

#2

The 3-Stage Scale Map

Master the neck with one scale — no clutter, no cramming. Just a smarter way

  • The one string that makes scales click... and gets you jamming from day one
  • How to build up your scales to add more bass, chord tones, and melody
  • Why it's key to dodge the “Scale Trap” and use patterns that flow, not frustrate

#3

Beyond the 12th fret

Exploring the dusty end of the fretboard: Once scary, now your playground

  • The 12-Fret Mirror Rule: How patterns repeat and easy ways to use them to explore more notes with ease
  • Landmarks & Licks: Why we use the fret markers to cut down brain processing time
  • Fun musical drills to open up the whole fretboard with expression
 Start Playing With Fretboard Confidence

End the Struggle... Without Sacrificing Your Fun Playing Time

This course is built to help you save time, energy, and frustration.

How?

Because everything’s laid out in a clear order with visual guides that make the fretboard easier to see, understand, and play.

Think of it like learning the fretboard in “cheat mode.”


Yes, you still have to play — but now, it’s on an easier level.

  • Step-By-Step Action Plan
    Follow the crystal-clear path one lesson at a time, at your own pace, with no confusion or overwhelm.
  • Fretboard Clarity At A Glance With The Cheat Sheets & Diagrams
    See all the key notes laid out visually. Stop second-guessing. Start connecting the fretboard without frustration.
  • Built-In Momentum Tracker
    Watch your progress build with each lesson. Feel your confidence rise as everything clicks.
  • The Bottom Line?
    These tools and lessons will help you absorb fretboard knowledge faster. You'll practice smarter... And you'll make enjoyable progress every time you pick up your guitar.

"I am so happy to learn how easy it is to move around the fretboard"

Here's what just a few students have said about my fretboard lessons...

  • Yay! I cannot tell you how much I love this. This is exactly what I was looking for. Thank you! Need more, lots more! — Teresa Halvorson-Fox
  • Really enjoyed the lesson. I am so happy to learn how easy it is to move around the fretboard. Lots of fun to practice this one. Looking forward to more of these. — Allan Fowler Sr.
  • Really neat lesson, ties a lot of things together. Really enjoyed this. — John Widger
 Yes, I Want to Unlock the Fretboard for Good

“

Great teaching, Dan! You explain everything so that it’s clearly understood. I am a person who needs to understand the whys, and you explain so beautifully. 👍

Diane Bourne

Student


Thanks for the fretboard quiz. I need those, even though I didn’t find this one especially difficult. These quizzes help a lot with becoming acquainted with Mr. Fretboard.

Larry Fleeman

Student

“

Holy fretboard, Guitar Man! Yes, please develop this lesson further. John is right—it helps tie things together. Thank you. This is a great lesson. (They all are.)

Susan Chinchillo

Student

“

I had so much fun pushing myself to the limit like you suggested. I really like the idea of playing the same riff all over the neck. We can repeat the riff pattern anywhere. This is not only fun, but it also builds confidence in knowing the fretboard.

Krystal Kuehns

Student

Now About The Refund Policy…

I don’t offer instant, no-questions-asked refunds — and here’s why:

If you actually go through a good portion of the course and decide it’s not for you, just show me you gave it a real try, and I’ll happily refund you.

That’s fair, right?

If that doesn’t work for you, that’s okay. This course is only meant for students who are ready to put in the time and make real progress.


You don’t risk a penny. Try it for 90 days, and if it doesn’t click, you don’t pay.


...And rest assured, you’ll never be asked to memorize endless charts or decode jazz theory. Just play.

Start Here:

Your Fretboard Task (And Win) Begins Now

The moment you join, watch the first 3 short videos in the "Getting Started" section.

They take just 12 minutes, but they’ll completely transform how you see the fretboard.

Inside, you’ll discover:

  • Why most fretboard methods hold you back
  • The key pitfalls and bad habits I myself had to unlearn to finally make progress
  • And how to start seeing the neck with near X-ray vision — starting tonight

There's no theory for "theory’s sake". The course will be a shift in how you think, play, and feel the guitar.

You’ll walk away with real clarity, renewed belief, and a fresh sense of possibility.

You get lifetime access to HD video, downloadable content, full TAB & notation, exclusive bonuses, and lessons you can use at your own pace.


Ready to ignite your full potential as a guitarist? 


If so, click the ‘Add to Cart’ button below and start your journey to mastering the fretboard today.


 Everything You Get Inside Fretboard Fireworks

  • Complete Fretboard System: A step-by-step guide to mastering the fretboard, with practical, real-world applications.
  • Engaging, Interactive Lessons: HD video, downloadable content, and full TAB & notation.
  • Fun musical pieces from fingerpicking, strumming, and blues making the process a blast.
  • Practical Techniques: Learn my personal methods for dynamic playing, creating melodies, and jamming.
  • Lifetime Access: Revisit lessons anytime and track your progress with ongoing support.
  • Exclusive Bonuses: Special lessons and tools to accelerate your guitar journey.
  • 90-day money-back guarantee 

$255

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Remember, this isn’t a YouTube bundle or theory bore-fest.


This is the system I wish someone had handed me when I was stuck, frustrated, and second-guessing everything I played.


It's NOT about CAGED theory, it's NOT about hacks, and it's NOT about hard slogging memorization drills. 


Instead, it’s a structured, proven system that works on both acoustic and electric guitars. It helps you build a real relationship with the fretboard and you’ll use these tools for life.


If this helps you develop your playing and finally play with confidence… what’s that worth?

As Jimi Hendrix once said, “All I play is truth and emotion.”

I love that, and if you’ve ever felt there’s more in your fingers than you can get out... And you’re ready to play truth and emotion (not just notes)… this is your next step.

Your trusty guitar tutor and pal,

Dan Thorpe


P.S. One last thing. There is a very small bit of overlap with the Dan Thorpe Acoustic Academy lessons (from Feb '23 and June '24)...


But this is a fully structured, updated system with new materials and all the tools in one place. It features brand-new pieces of music to play... Exciting new arrangements and updated perspectives, which will give you much more clarity. 

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