---
title: "Finding Channels in the Fretboard with Jeb Sherrill (the chair guy)"

description: "Jeb Sherrill (the chair guy) joins the pod to discuss the mysticism, geometry, and awesomeness that is the guitar fretboard. We keep it high level, so even people that don’t play this beautiful instrument can get inside the guitarist’s head!"

status: complete

date: 2024-10-29

kind: guest

guestSlugs:
  - jeb-sherrill

listenUrl: "https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lovemusicmore/episodes/Finding-Channels-in-the-Fretboard-with-Jeb-Sherrill-the-chair-guy-e2q6ucp"
appleUrl: "https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finding-channels-in-the-fretboard-with-jeb-sherrill/id1567355195?i=1000674829595&uo=4"
spotifyUrl: "https://open.spotify.com/episode/4Jrpb84m8hSONO6Svf1hv8"
youtubeUrl: "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1F-lGqAZiQo"

topicsDiscussed:
  - "Guitar"
  - "Jazz"
  - "Transformative learning experiences: Developing as a player"
  - "Musical improvisation: Finding freedom on the fretboard"
  - "Spirituality of music: The connection to emotion"
  - "Patterns and structure: The geometry of the fretboard"

hostNote: |
  In this episode of Love Music More, we delve into the fascinating world of guitar with expert Jeb Sherrill, known for his innovative approach to the instrument through the 'chair system.' Jeb shares his unique journey from struggling musician to guitar educator, emphasizing how finding the right perspective on the fretboard transformed his playing. **Jeb's passion shines through as he explores the intersections of improvisation and composition, inviting listeners to see the guitar in a new light. Whether you play or simply appreciate music, there's something profound here to inspire your own musical journey.

selectedMoments:
  - label: "Introduction to the chair system"
    startSec: 116
    note: "Jeb explains how the chair system transformed his understanding of the fretboard and facilitated his journey in music."
  - label: "Epiphany about guitar playing"
    startSec: 196
    note: "Jeb describes his moment of realization while watching a YouTube video that changed his approach to playing."
  - label: "Seeing music visually"
    startSec: 361
    note: "Discussing how he visualizes music on the fretboard at night, Jeb shares about the spiritual and mystical aspects of playing."
  - label: "Improvisation and creativity"
    startSec: 602
    note: "Jeb elaborates on the connection between improvisation in music and how it parallels the act of composing."
  - label: "Breaking traditional patterns"
    startSec: 931
    note: "Explaining the shift from traditional box patterns to diagonal thinking on the fretboard for enhanced creativity."
  - label: "The impact of simplified systems"
    startSec: 2415
    note: "Discussing the accessibility of music creation and the importance of intuitive learning for aspiring musicians."

excerptQuotes:
  - text: "I started to see music on the fretboard, especially at night. I mean, I do this in my head and I just see the music on the fretboard, and it's... kind of spiritual."
    startSec: 360
    reviewed: true
  - text: "You start realizing there’s really just one pattern. When you go diagonal, it’s a place that’s right in between the horizontal and the vertical, and it just kind of blooms."
    startSec: 930
    reviewed: true
  - text: "It’s all about bringing order out of chaos, and when you start playing, it’s like you find these channels in the fretboard and these channels are the music."
    startSec: 678
    reviewed: true
  - text: "The idea of being able to make something that affects people emotionally is just... there’s nothing more incredible."
    startSec: 3188
    reviewed: true
  - text: "...music and language are both ways that we as humans translate emotion and meaning."
    startSec: 2032
    reviewed: true
  - text: "If whatever method you're presently using for guitar isn't working for you, it might. I'm not saying it will, but it might."
    startSec: 3032
    reviewed: true

faq:
  - question: "What is the chair system in guitar playing?"
    answer: "The chair system is an innovative approach created by Jeb Sherrill that helps guitarists understand the geometry and patterns of the fretboard, allowing for more intuitive and expressive playing."
  - question: "How did Jeb Sherrill get into guitar?"
    answer: "Jeb started playing guitar about 30 years ago but faced challenges in learning traditional methods. A transformative experience about seven years ago led him to develop the chair system."
  - question: "What can I learn from Jeb Sherrill's approach to guitar?"
    answer: "Listeners can learn about overcoming traditional patterns in guitar playing, the importance of improvisation, and the spiritual aspects of music-making, fostering a deeper connection with the instrument."

transcriptPublished: false

draft: false
---