Rock and Pop Guitar – Improvers

About this course

The course develops rock and pop guitar playing across rhythm and lead styles. Participants work with extended chords, genre-appropriate voicings, chord progressions, chord charts, fingerpicking and arpeggios, alongside introductory lead techniques such as string bending, palm muting and double stops. Teaching takes place in a group with music ranging from simple pieces to more challenging arrangements. Learners receive feedback connected to their individual goals and work with the tutor on a Personal Learning Plan. Practice methods and ear training are also included, including recognising simple diatonic progressions and playing short phrases by ear.

What you'll learn

• Expand chord vocabulary through extended chords, voicings and common progressions.
• Read and use tablature and simple chord charts when learning songs.
• Apply fingerpicking and arpeggio techniques in guitar playing.
• Use introductory lead techniques including string bending, palm muting and double stops.
• Recognise simple diatonic chord progressions and play short musical phrases by ear.
• Build a repertoire of popular songs across rock and pop styles.

Is this course right for you?

This course is intended for guitarists developing beyond beginner-level skills. It involves learning as part of a group while receiving feedback linked to individual goals. Some playing experience is required, including a basic knowledge of open chords and the ability to read tablature and simple chord charts.

• Some guitar-playing experience is required.
• Basic knowledge of open chords is the minimum stated requirement.
• Learners should be able to read tablature and simple chord charts.