If you've never played guitar before, your first lesson will get you on your way.
- Learn
to hold the guitar and pick correctly
- Learn the open strings by their musical note names & their number
- See
the guitar tuned using an electronic tuner (next lesson you will tune the guitar!)
- Learn how to read a chord
diagram
- Learn at least a one chord song, possibly two
- Learn a right hand pick pattern to play a rhythm for
a song
- Play a one chord song using the chord / chords you have learned with the accompanying rhythm pattern.
Voila!
You have begun your musical journey.
What should you expect to learn in the first year?
Understand the parts of the guitar & how to care
for it.
Restring it and change broken
strings
-
Familiarization with
commonly used accessories for the guitar; including how & when to use them.
Items include Tuner, Metronome, Strap, Capo, Gig Bag, Guitar Stand, Music Stand,
Amplifier.
How to tune,
using both electronic tuners as well as tuning relatively by comparing notes on one string to another by ear
-
Understand basic music theory as it relates to
guitar
-
Know the 3 major & relative
minor chords in at least the common keys of G, C, D, & E
-
Understand
major scale & chord construction
-
Play
2 octave major scales including the use of open strings in the keys of A, C, D & G
-
Read Tablature & Standard notation
-
Use 6 basic accompaniment patterns, including strums &
finger-style
Determine appropriate
accompaniment pattern for a variety of musical styles
-
Understand
the importance of alternate pick direction for speed & accuracy, & apply it to scale, lead or solo playing
Of course, attainment of the above guitar skills
is entirely dependent upon the student's desire and amount of daily guitar practice.
Kids
The
ideal age for beginning guitar instruction is 9 - 11 years old.
Guitar instruction for children younger than 9 is done with prior approval.
Young children under 9 will have a different
curriculum than older children & adults.
Teens
What a great
friend you'll find in your guitar.
Also, consider joining a jam
band! Email or call (757-460-3580) with questions.
Adults
It's so easy to get started learning
guitar.
Don't put off that life long dream to play guitar
any longer.
You'll be playing a tune the first day!
