Scales and chord studies - Should I focus on memorization?

Scales in two octaves, starting with the 5th string.

• 4 3 2 1 is the finger to start on.

• 5th string

Scales in two octaves, starting with the 5th string.

• 4 3 2 1 is the finger to start on.

• 6th string
  

Play a two-octave C scale, starting with the 4th finger, then the 3rd, then the 2nd, and finally the 1st, every time you encounter a C note on the 5th and 6th strings. Muscle memory will start to take over the more you practice the scales. Don't think or attempt to memorize each note. Note recognition will happen. Don't force yourself or add stress because you want to memorize notes.

The chords come in a variety of string combinations.

Gmi7 > C7 > FMaj7 > FMaj6: Play in four different inversions on each string combination.

String Combinations

• 1-2-3-4

• 2-3-4-6

• 2-3-4-5

• 1-3-4-5

• 3-4-5-6

As you "figure out" where to play the four notes that make up the Gmi7 chord (in four different places), exploring on the fretboard will naturally lead to memorization.