Trent University - Continuing Education

This is an 8-week course for adults who are interested in learning how to play the guitar. It will suit those novices who have very little or no previous experience. It is important that this be an enjoyable experience: the teaching is friendly, interactive and non-judgmental. At the completion of the course, you will have a good understanding of the instrument and be able to use chords to play some favourite songs.

We will look at guitar essentials such as parts of the guitar; strings and frets; types of tuning; using the pick; strumming techniques; the capo; major, minor, seventh and barre chords; chord diagrams; understanding the complete fretboard; time signatures; common chord progressions; soloing; and the pentatonic scale. It’s easier than it sounds!

You will need to bring a guitar, either acoustic or electric, a notepad and a pick.

COURSE OUTLINE

Week 1

We will discuss our goals, approaches and outcomes, which will be focused on practice rather than theory.

We will look at the evolution of the guitar and various types of guitars.

We will break down the parts and the functions of the modern guitar.

Week 2

We will learn about holding the guitar and preparing to play it.

This includes tuning a guitar, different types of tuning, using a capo, string names, fret names and understanding the fretboard.

Week 3

We will look at the correct use of your fingers and wrists and the value of practice.

This has to do with holding the pick, fingering the fret, strumming styles, the thumb and the third finger, as well as techniques such as bends, vibrato, hammer-ons and pull-offs.

Week 4

We will explore the chord, which is the building block of popular playing.

This means understanding a chord, playing major and minor chords, seventh and barre chords, suspended and augmented chords, and reading a chord diagram.

Week 5

We will set aside time to review your questions and concerns.

We will also focus practically on your first five major chords, your first three minor chords, popular chord progressions, basic time signatures and playing a song.

Week 6

We will look at the simplest parts of the CAGED system of playing, which allows you to understand and easily use the full fretboard.

We will also learn more songs to play.

Week 7

We will look at the basics of soloing.

We will cover using chords for soloing, the pentatonic scale and 12 bar blues, and we will play more songs.

Week 8

The final week will be set aside for your questions and concerns. In addition, we will review and perform the songs learned during course.