Welcome to guitar class!

Guitar.  The instrument of the gods.

In this class, you will learn the six basic open position chords (CAGEDF), how to spell them and how to modify them to create other chords in the open position (minor, dominant, major 7, suspensions, etc).  You will also learn how to turn those open position chords into barre chords and move them up the neck to play basic chord progressions in any key.

I've found that the best way to do this is to simply learn songs that use these chords.  To that end, I have provided a list of songs that use the chords we will study and present them in a logical order. There are You Tube links to performances of these songs in the sidebar.

It is not enough to be able to play the song that I have assigned.  The point is to learn chord progressions, and how harmony works.  I'll be asking you to spell the chords, name the notes that make them up and indicate how chords function in a particular key (ex. a G7 chord is the V chord in the key of C. In root position, it is spelled GBDF).

Don't let any of this intimidate you.  It all will make sense.

Assessment
In addition to the quizzes on chord structure, We will make recordings of excerpts of these tunes on a regular basis. For that, you will need to use SmartMusic software.  Wahconah has several computers set up with SmartMusic, but many students prefer to make their recordings at home.  To get a home subscription, follow the link to Smartmusic in the sidebar. Our school code is MUSIC.

Grades
If you submit a recording and get an A, I will not email you with my comments. You will know I have scored your piece when you log on to SmartMusic again. If you get a B or lower, I will email you and point out those things that lowered your grade, and give you the opportunity to record it again.  Please note, there are many factors that I take into consideration when tabulating a grade including the degree to which your guitar is in tune, and recording quality. Please listen back to your recording before you submit it for grading.

Materials
You must have a guitar in working condition to participate in class.  We have spare guitar strings in class, and I can do some basic repair on guitars so leaving your guitar at home because of a broken string is not an acceptable excuse for not being prepared.  I will deduct points from your participation grade for not being prepared. Keep in mind that if you play electric guitar, you will need a cord to plug into the amp.  Put a piece of tape with your name on it on your cord.
A notebook is essential as is something to write with.  Be prepared for class.

I look forward to sharing the passion I have for guitar with you.

B. Rabuse