Guitar Basics, Part 1

MUSIC 043 | High School, Middle School Course

This course is an introduction to the guitar, guitar technique, the music played on the guitar, and some important icons in guitar performance. It is an entryway to an awesome world of playing the guitar in many styles. By taking this course, students are preparing themselves for a lifetime of making music for their own and others' enjoyment. Learning how to play the guitar will also give students an understanding of the mechanics of stringed, fretted instruments, making it easier to learn other instruments such as ukulele, bass, mandolin, and banjo. This is the first course in a two-part Guitar series.

Course Details

Note

Students must have access to a playable guitar, a guitar pick, a tuner, a metronome, a way to make a video recording of yourself playing the guitar, and a webcam for appointments with the instructor. Access to Adobe Flash Player, as well as an account for both Spotify and Google is also required.

Course Outline

Unit 1: An Introduction to the Guitar
Unit 2: Playing with Both Hands
Unit 3: Reading Tab and Rhythms
Unit 4: Reading Notes on the First and Second Strings
Unit 5: Standard Notation Fundamentals
Unit 6: Accidentals
Unit 7: Full Chords and Strum Patterns
Unit 8: Playing in Other Time Signatures
Unit 9: The G Major Scale
Unit 10: The C Major Scale
Unit 11: A Deeper Understanding of the Fretboard
Unit 12: Keys and Key Signature

Syllabus

View syllabus