The fretboard doesn't have to be a sea of individual notes to memorize. Once you learn to work with your brain's natural pattern system, note names start coming with the shapes you already know.
Learning and understanding intervals on your guitar will help you grow as both a chord master AND a lead or solo guitar master. The fastest (and most fun) way to learn intervals is by playing a game called, 'Interval Madness'. Check it out here. If you sign up for a free account, you'll also get a free PDF with chord charts showing all the Intervals you'll encounter in the game.
