Beginning Guitar

$299.00

GUITR 041 | High School | 0.50 Credit Hours

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.

GUITR 041 | High School | 0.50 Credit Hours

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.

*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 Details

  • Unit 1: About the Guitar

    Unit 2: Reading Music

    Unit 3: Playing Notes

    Unit 4: Key Signatures and Accidentals

    Unit 5: Chords and Strumming

    Unit 6: More Chords and Fingerpicking

    Unit 7: Songwriting

    Unit 8: Guitar Tablature

    Unit 9: Styles and Influential Players

    1. This course focuses on teaching you how to play songs and includes several examples for your improvement, but it doesn’t contain a collection of songs. For that, you’ll want to go to a music store and choose a book of songs you’ll enjoy performing.

      Other Materials

      • Guitar: You will need daily access to a playable guitar. An acoustic guitar is preferred, but an electric guitar would work fine for every unit except 5 and 6; consider borrowing an acoustic for those chord-based units. The higher the quality of your guitar, the more musically satisfying your experience will be. If you’re buying a new guitar, be wary of anything under $150.00 (U.S.). Avoid miniature guitars, or anything with a poorly made tuning mechanism (see Unit 1). An experienced guitarist or reputable salesperson may offer you more specific guidance.

      • Strings: Your guitar must be strung correctly with new, or relatively new, strings. Strings cost about ten dollars for a complete set, and a sales clerk should be willing, for a small fee, to put them on for you. Old strings will sound dull, offer poor intonation, and are liable to snap unexpectedly.

      • Flat pick: Flat picks, or plectrums, are less than a dollar. Get at least three picks of varying stiffness. Thin will work best for strumming chords, while stiffer picks will be more appropriate for lead playing.

      • Recording equipment: Some assignments require you to make a video recording of yourself playing. Please make sure you will have periodic access to some kind of equipment that allows you to digitally record video.