Acoustic Guitar 4

About this course

The course develops solo acoustic guitar playing through contemporary fingerstyle songs and arrangements combining melody with harmony. Tutor explanations and demonstrations are followed by group tuition, playing with others and group performance. Participants work on fingerpicking patterns, alternating and droning bass notes, melody-and-thumb coordination, single-note solos using PIMA, and the triads and chord extensions within each song’s key. The course also covers reading music and guitar tab, fretboard navigation, and combining lead and rhythm playing.

What you'll learn

• Play fingerstyle arrangements of well-known songs
• Read guitar tab, music and rhythm notation
• Navigate the guitar fretboard independently
• Use the thumb for droning and alternating bass notes
• Combine melody and harmony in complete fingerpicking arrangements
• Examine triads and chord extensions within a song's key

Is this course right for you?

This Advanced course is intended for guitarists developing beyond foundational techniques. It expects equivalent experience to Acoustic Guitar 3, including established barre chords, the CAGED system, Travis picking, slur techniques and reading guitar tab and rhythm notation. Participation includes playing both with others and independently.

• Prior acoustic guitar study or equivalent playing experience is expected
• Learners should be ready to combine lead and rhythm playing
• The course includes group performance as well as solo playing

Before you go

• Bring a six-string acoustic guitar and capo.
• Bring an A4 folder, notebook or progression diary, pencil and eraser.
• Sheet music and learning resources are provided.
• Short, regular practice between classes is expected, with at least 10 to 15 minutes of practice at least four times a week.