Learning guitar involves mastering a set of techniques and following a structured syllabus. Our guitar course has a solid curriculum typically progresses from fundamental concepts to more complex theory and playing styles. 

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Beginner syllabus

Our beginner's syllabus focuses on foundational knowledge and building muscle memory. 

Foundational concepts

• Anatomy of the guitar: Learning the names and functions of parts like the fretboard, headstock, tuning pegs, and bridge.

• Basic posture: Understand the correct way to hold the guitar and a pick to ensure comfort and proper technique.

• Tuning: Learn to use an electronic tuner or an app to correctly tune the strings. The standard tuning for a six-string guitar is E-A-D-G-B-E, from the thickest (lowest) to the thinnest (highest) string. 

 

Basic techniques

• Strumming: Practice basic downstrums and upstrums, keeping your wrist loose for a fluid motion. An angled pick position can help it glide over the strings.

• Open chords: Learn common open chords like C, G, D, E, A, and the minor variations of E and A. These three-chord groupings are the basis for thousands of simple songs.

• Reading tabs: Understand how to read guitar tablature (TAB), which uses numbers on six lines to indicate which fret on which string to play.

• Basic riffs: Practice short, repeating musical phrases. This makes learning more engaging than just exercises and builds finger dexterity. 

 

Intermediate syllabus

Our intermediate level builds on the basics, adding complexity in theory and technique. 

Techniques

• Barre chords: Master these challenging but essential chords, which use one finger to press down multiple strings at once. Practice strengthening your fretting hand until you can get a clean sound.

• Scales: Learn the major and minor pentatonic scales, which are foundational for understanding melody and lead guitar.

• CAGED system: Explore this popular method for navigating the fretboard by connecting five different chord shapes (C, A, G, E, and D) across the neck.

• Music theory: Gain a deeper understanding of intervals, major scales, and the construction of different chord types like major, minor, diminished, and augmented. 

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Tricks and practice habits

• Ear training: Begin to pick out melodies and chord progressions by ear. This skill develops naturally through consistent practice and active listening.

• Recording yourself: Record your practice sessions. Comparing older and newer recordings is a great way to track your progress and identify areas for improvement.

• Practice with a metronome: Improve your rhythm and timing by playing along with a metronome or backing tracks. 

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Advanced syllabus

Our Advanced Syllabus refine technique and musicality to a professional level. 

Techniques

• Advanced lead techniques: Master hammer-ons, pull-offs, string bending, vibrato, and fingerpicking patterns.

• Arpeggios: Practice playing the notes of a chord individually, which can be applied to lead lines and solos.

• Complex chords: Learn advanced chord types, such as seventh chords (major 7th, minor 7th, dominant 7th).

• Harmonics: Explore different types of harmonics, including natural and artificial (harp) harmonics.

• Sight-reading: Improving ability to read and play musical notation in real-time. 

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Tricks for musicality

• Improvisation: Learn to use scales and music theory to improvise solos and melodies over chord progressions.

• Mastering tone: Learn how to manipulate your tone using different picking positions, equipment, and effects pedals.

• Learn by ear: Continue to develop your ear to transcribe complex music without relying on tabs or other resources. 

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General learning tricks for all levels

• Consistency over intensity: Practice a little bit every day, even for just 15 minutes, rather than long, infrequent sessions.

• Use all four fingers: Make a habit of using your pinky finger early on to build equal strength in all your fretting fingers.

• Build finger calluses: Practice regularly to toughen your fingertips, which will prevent pain and help you press down strings more cleanly.

• Listen actively: Pay close attention to the music you enjoy. Try to discern the different parts of the song, like the chord progressions and melodies.