Acoustic Guitar 2

About this course

The course develops acoustic guitar technique in folk and pop styles, with work on barre chords, chord changes, strumming, plectrum use and fingerstyle. Learners study hammer-ons, pull-offs and slides, apply pima fingerstyle patterns, and work with 16th-note rhythms, music notation and guitar tab. Teaching combines tutor explanation and demonstration with group tuition, playing alongside other learners, group performance and regular feedback. The repertoire includes two songs designed to apply the technical material, with opportunities to play with the group, independently and to backing tracks.

What you'll learn

• Develop barre-chord vocabulary and change between major, minor and seventh chords
• Perform up-and-down 16th-note strumming with controlled dynamics and plectrum articulation
• Apply pima fingerstyle to 8th-note arrangements using hammer-ons, pull-offs and slides
• Read music notation, guitar tablature and 16th-note rhythm representations
• Play two songs incorporating the course’s strumming and fingerstyle techniques

Is this course right for you?

This course is intended for guitarists with more than a year’s playing experience in folk and pop styles, ideally with Acoustic Guitar 2A or equivalent experience. Learners are expected to participate in group playing and performance, as well as play independently and practise regularly between classes.

• Prior experience with open major, minor and seventh chords, arpeggio fingerpicking and left-hand articulations is expected
• Tutor approval is required before enrolment
• Short practice sessions between classes are expected

Before you go

• Bring a six-string acoustic guitar, capo, A4 folder, notebook or progression diary, pencil and eraser.
• Sheet music and learning resources are provided.
• Plan for practice sessions of 15 to 20 minutes at least four times a week.