Lessons Overview:

Lesson 1: An Introduction to the Guitar

• Guitar history
• Types of guitars
• Parts of the guitar
• Holding the guitar
• Plucking and picking
• Hand health
• Tuning the guitar

Lesson 2: Playing With Both Hands

• Left hand position and fingering
• How to read music diagrams
• Fretting warm up
• Strumming
• G, C, and D chords

Lesson 3: Reading TAB and Rhythms

• Warm up exercises
• Beats and rhythm
• Reading rhythms
• How to read tablature
• Reading rests
• Guitar care
• String replacement

Lesson 4: Reading Notes on the First and Second Strings

• Notes on the first string
• First string études
• Notes on the second string
• Second string études
• Dotted rhythms

Lesson 5: Standard Notation Fundamentals

• Standard notation
• Up picking
• Alternate picking
• Rhythm assignments
• The tie

Lesson 6: Accidentals

• Guitar history
• Accidentals
• Notes on the third string
• Syncopation

Lesson 7: Full Chords and Strum Patterns

• Alternate strumming
• Five strum patterns
• D7 chord
• Full G, C, D, and E minor chords
• Playing two chords per measure
• Performance review preparation

Lesson 8: Playing in Other Time Signatures

• 3/4 Time
• Two chords per measure in 3/4
• Simple meter
• Other time signatures
• Pickup measure
• The tie in strumming notation

Lesson 9: The G Major Scale

• Guitar history
• G major scale
• Dotted quarter note
• Anticipated chord changes
• Notes on the fourth string

Lesson 10: The C Major Scale

• Guitar history
• Notes on the fifth string
• C Major Scale
• Notes on the sixth string

Lesson 11: A Deeper Understanding of the Fretboard

• Fretboard understanding
• Chromatic scale
• Major scale construction
• “Say and Play” warm up
• Beyond the 12th fret

Lesson 12: Keys and Key Signatures

• Keys and key signatures
• Minor scale construction
• Relative scales
• Theory assignments
• Performance review
• Preparing for your final exam

*Please note: there are other lesson components and assignments that are not reflected on this summary.

Required Materials:

• Guitar (in playable condition)
• Guitar pick
• Tuner
• Metronome
• Computer and internet access
• Recording device (video camera, smart phone, tablet, computer, etc.)

Optional:

• Strap
• Replacement strings