Beginning Guitar

In this unit, students will become familiar with the parts of the guitar and learn how to tune the instrument. They will play notes on the first string and simplified forms of the C, G, G7, and D7 chords while reading the corresponding musical notation. Students will apply a quarter-note strumming pattern, practice performing as an ensemble, and develop independent practice habits that will support their progress throughout the course.

In this unit, students will learn notes on the second string and continue to practice the chords learned in Unit 1 to build fluency and consistency. Students will improve their ability to move accurately between strings with both the fretting and plucking hands. Students will learn and apply the eighth-note strum pattern for playing chords and begin composing their own basic chord progressions.

In this unit, students will learn notes on the third string and the chords full C, Full G, and E minor. Students will read more complex melodies up to a range of an octave and will learn the syncopated strum pattern for playing chords.

In this unit, students will learn notes on the fourth string and the chords A7 and D. Students will learn to read rhythms with ties and play increasingly complex melodies. Students will learn the bass-strum pattern for playing chords. Students will also learn how to read, write, and play from tablature notation.

In this unit, students will learn notes on the fifth string and the chords A minor, Am7, and A. Students will be introduced to ledger lines and additional strumming patterns for chord playing. Students will improve their chord transitions and work on maintaining a steady beat through chord changes using a wide variety of chords.

In this unit, students will learn notes on the sixth string and the E and F chords. They will demonstrate the skills developed throughout the course by composing and presenting final performances. Students will also explore music connected to their interests and identify opportunities for continued learning beyond the course.