Goal

To produce a proficient guitarist in eight two hour lessons weekly, or to help a bassist or guitarist improve to a level that is self perpetuating though teaching music theory and sight reading through the use of sheet music, tablature, chord diagrams, scale diagrams and songs. This syllabus is designed for persons intending teach a short course in guitar or bass. Teachers should be sure to know the content in other to make full use of this, they should feel free to use their music textbooks and hand drawings. If possible use of a projector and tabbing software (Guitar Pro, Tux guitar* and FretPro Trainer*) can be used to learn songs and scales. **Free although Guitar Pro is a good investment for any guitarist. Students will need a notebook and preferably their own guitar/ Bass. The times stated in all caps are negotiable.

Lesson 01: The Guitar Two hours (maximum)

Students learn: 1. Parts of the guitar (neck, headstock, fret board, body, truss wire, bridge, machine heads, strings, whammy bar, pickups etc). 20 MINUTES 2. Tuning and maintenance: changing strings, using a digital tuner and natural harmonics. 10 MINUTES. Older students may be taught physical concepts of sound such as frequency as it relates to pitch as well as timbre. Further concepts on sound standing waves, superposition, harmonics and beats may be touched upon at more advanced stages, for general knowledge (this is completely optional). 3. Strumming without the pick (or plectrum). 10 MINUTES 4. Holding the pick correctly, and strumming with the pick. 10 MINUTES 5. The caterpillar (finger exercise). 10-15 MINUTES Note: the caterpillar must be played at least twice before moving on exercises such as these should be practised regularly to develop strength and dexterity. 6. The chromatic scale and string names (EADGBE). One note hunting game on every string. (30 MINUTES). 7. A little Recap of content covered. 20 MINUTES

Lesson 02: Fundamentals of Music Theory 1 Two hours (maximum)

Caterpillar (5 MINUTES) Students will learn: 1. A new finger exercise. (5 MINUTES) 2. Tones and semitones. (1 MINUTES) 3. The Treble clef (Bass clef in the case of bassist). (10 MINUTES) 4. The Major Scale In G and C (20 MINUTES) 5. Sharps, Flats and Natural notes. (5 MINUTES) 6. Key signature (30-40 MINUTES) 7. The 4/4 Time signature (10 MINUTES) 8. Note Value (10 MINUTES) 9. The major Triad (5 MINUTES) 10. Reading Chord Diagrams (10 MINS) 11. Chords 1, 4, 5 of G Major (G,C,D) (10 MINS) Home work: 1, 4, 5 of D Major (D, G, A), D Major Scale, key signature exercise, rest value

Lesson 03: The Fundamentals of Music Theory 2 TWO HOURS (MAXIMUM)

Finger exercises (3 MINUTUES) Students will learn: 1. Recap of The Fundamentals of Music 1. (20 MINUTES) 2. Homework review (30 MINUTES) 3. Sight reading exercise in the key of C. (15-20 MINUTES) 4. Ear Training exercise and an introduction to the concept of intervals (thirds, fifths and sixths, octaves and octave and thirds).(30-45 MINUTES) 5. A song in G Major. (20 MINUTES) Homework: 1, 4, 5 of E Major (E, A, B)

Lesson 04: TWO HOURS (MAXIMUM)

Finger exercises (3 MINUTES) Students will learn: 1. The 3/4 time signature. (10 MINUTES) 2. Sight reading exercise in G major and C major in 3/4 time. (30 MINUTES) 3. Homework review and the introduction of barre chords. (30-45 MINUTES) 4. Minor chords and construction of the triad. (20 MINUTES) 5. Chords of C major (20 MINUTES) 6. A song in D Major (20 MINUTES)

Lesson 05: TWO HOURS (MAXIMUM)

Finger exercises (3 MINUTES) Students will learn: 1. Sight reading in D major and A major (20-30 MINUTES) 2. Chords in A Major and F Major (20 MINUTES) 3. The fundamentals of finger style (15 MINUTES) 4. A song in A Major (with minors) (20 MINUTES) 5. Assigning Minors in keys (2,3,6) (5-10 MINUTES) 6. Finger style Arpeggios (30 MINUTES)

Lessons 06: SCALES TWO HOURS (MAXIMUM)

Finger exercises (3 MINUTES) Students will learn: 1. The pentatonic scale in A minor/C major (Mixolydian and Aeolian) (30 MINUTES) Note: mode theory should not be expounded beyond Ionian (Major scale) and Aeolian (Natural Minor scale) 2. Pentatonic improvisation (30 MINUTES) 3. Alternate picking techniques (15 MINUTES) 4. Hammer-ons, pull-offs, slides, bends and tapping (15 MINUTES) 5. Pentatonic Jam (30 minutes) Home work: practise pentatonic scale, try learning modes

Lesson 07: TWO HOURS (MAXIMUM)

Finger exercises (3 MINUTES) Students will learn: 1. Pentatonic scale in A minor/ C major (Ionian, Dorian, Phrygian) (30 Minutes) 2. Pentatonic Jam (all positions) (20 MINUTES) 3. The minor scale and the concept of relative minors. ( 20 MINUTES) 4. Modes A minor/C (Mixolydian and Aeolian).(15 MINUTES) 5. Tablature Practise (15 MINUTES) 6. Key finding exercise (20 MINUTES)

Lesson 08: TWO HOURS (MAXIMUM)

Finger exercises (3 MINUTES) Students will learn: 1. Harmonic and Melodic minor scales (30 MINUTES) 2. Dominant 7th Chords, suspended 2nd and 4th chords. (15 MINUTES) 3. Modes A minor/C (Locrian, Dorian, Phrygian) (30 MINUETS) 4. Power chords (5 MINUTES) 5. Augmented and Diminished chords (10 MINUTES) 6. Exposure to midi sequencing software (Guitar Pro, Tux Guitar) and an attempt at Cannon Rock by Jerry C. (30 MINUTES) A List of songs, artists and complementary material is given at the end of the course. Students will be encouraged to continue playing and practising. Contact will be maintained in the future.