Session 1 Lessons

2008-08-24T20:48:00.000-07:00

The first three lessons are available for download below. They cover Session 1, but were packaged as three lessons for use in a more advanced session.

Session 1 – Scales and Triads in C Major in Open Position
* Difficulty: Absolute Beginner
* Prerequisites: desire to learn
* Duration: 8 1-hour sessions typically
* Topics

Theory: Construction of a major scale and the nature of intervals, tuning guitar to standard tuning, scale and chord forms
Scales: C major scale in the open position
Chords: C major, D minor, E minor, F major, G major, A minor, B diminished chords in the open position. Also A major, E major, D major chords.
Keys: C major
Picking Techniques: simple strums in 3/ 4 and 4/ 4 time. Basic arpeggio. Simple melody.
Pieces: Three or four very simple three chord pieces from our common Canadian heritage.

Download Lesson 1 - Overview here.
Download Lesson 2 - Beginning Open Position C Major - Zone 1 here.
Download Lesson 3 - Completing Open Position C Major - Zone 1 here.

Sessions

2008-08-24T20:45:00.000-07:00

Overview
There is a lot of redundancy in the lessons as presented here. Clearly student and instructor will use the possible groups of lessons, here called sessions, as a guide. Lessons will in general be tailored to the student needs and taste, while preserving the overall framework, which is Metafretsbased.

* In the following section, assume the following approximate system of rating student ability:

Absolute Beginner refers to someone who has no knowledge of the guitar.
Beginner assumes that a few basic chords and pieces can be played, but perhaps not from memory.
Novice assumes that several basic chords in the open position, simple melodies and simple strummed or arpeggiated pieces can be played from memory.
Intermediate assumes that a number of chords and scales, including some bar chords, and pieces with several chords and maybe some runs, and various strumming patterns can be played easily, with the odd excursion to higher positions on the neck.
Advanced includes players who are probably able to play in a number of keys, in various places on the neck, and have several dozen pieces in their current repertoire.
Lowend Professional includes players who can play rhythm and lead in a group, without choking, or can play a number of fairly complex solo pieces in front of an audience.
Highend Professional includes the big name players who can play rhythm and lead in a group, in session work, or can play any number of fairly complex solo pieces with their guitar behind their back.
Virtuoso (i.e., guitar god) includes players who ability defies mortal comprehension, and are worshiped by all other players.

Major Keys

Session 1 – Scales and Triads in C Major in Open Position
* Difficulty: Absolute Beginner
* Prerequisites: desire to learn
* Duration: 8 1hour sessions typically
* Topics

Theory: Construction of a major scale and the nature of intervals, tuning guitar to standard tuning, scale and chord forms
Scales: C major scale in the open position
Chords: C major, D minor, E minor, F major, G major, A minor, B diminished chords in the open position. Also A major, E major, D major chords.
Keys: C major
Picking Techniques: simple strums in 3/ 4 and 4/ 4 time. Basic arpeggio. Simple melody.
Pieces: Three or four very simple three chord pieces from our common Canadian heritage.

Session 2 – Scales and Seventh Chords in C Major in Open Position
* Difficulty: Beginner
* Prerequisites: able to already play at beginner level
* Duration: 8 1hour sessions typically
* Topics

Theory: Cycle of perfect 4ths and 5ths, scale and chord forms
Scales: C major scale in the open position
Chords: C major 7, D minor 7, E minor 7, F major 7, G 7, A minor 7, B halfdiminished chords in the open position. Also A major 7, E major 7, D major 7 chords.
Keys: C major
Picking Techniques: strums in 2/ 4, 3/ 4 and 4/ 4 time. More arpeggios. More melodies.
Pieces: Six or seven very simple pieces from our common Canadian heritage.

Session 3 – Scales and Triads in C, A, G, E and D Major in Open Position
* Difficulty: Novice
* Prerequisites: able to already play at beginner level
* Duration: 8 1hour sessions typically
* Topics

Theory: TBD
Scales: Open position C, A, G, E and D major scales
Chords: All major, minor and diminished chords in the open position for the five keys below
Keys: C, A, G, E and D major
Picking Techniques: Depends upon the pieces chosen for the lesson
Pieces: One or more pieces per key

Session 4 – Scales and Seventh Chords in C, A, G, E and D Major in Open Position
* Difficulty: Novice
* Prerequisites: able to already play at beginner level
* Duration: 8 1hour sessions typically
* Topics

Theory: TBD
Scales: Open position C, A, G, E and D major scales
Chords: All major 7, minor 7, dominant 7 and halfdiminished chords in the open position for the five keys below
Keys: C, A, G, E and D major
Picking Techniques: Depends upon the pieces chosen for the lesson
Pieces: One or more short pieces per key

Session 5 – Scales and Triads in C Major in Six Positions
* Difficulty: Intermediate
* Prerequisites: able to already play at novice level
* Duration: 8 1hour sessions typically
* Topics

Theory: Chord formulas for triads
Scales: C major scale in six different positions
Chords: All major, minor, and diminished chords in six different positions for the key below
Keys: C major
Picking Techniques: Depends upon the pieces chosen for the lesson
Pieces: One or more short pieces per position, depending on the musical tastes and skill level of the players

Session 6 – Scales and Seventh Chords in C Major in Six Positions
* Difficulty: Intermediate
* Prerequisites: able to already play at novice level
* Duration: 8 1hour sessions typically
* Topics

Theory: Chord formulas for sevenths
Scales: C major scale in six different positions
Chords: All major 7, minor 7, dominant 7 and halfdiminished chords in six different positions for the key below
Keys: C major
Picking Techniques: Depends upon the pieces chosen for the lesson
Pieces: One or more short pieces per position, depending on the musical tastes and skill level of the players

Session 7 – Scales and Triads in A Major in Six Positions
* Difficulty: Intermediate
* Prerequisites: able to already play at novice level
* Duration: 8 1hour sessions typically
* Topics

Theory: Chord formulas for triads
Scales: A major scale in six different positions
Chords: All major, minor, and diminished chords in six different positions for the key below
Keys: A major
Picking Techniques: Depends upon the pieces chosen for the lesson
Pieces: One or more short pieces per position, depending on the musical tastes and skill level of the players

Session 8 – Scales and Seventh Chords in A Major in Six Positions
* Difficulty: Intermediate
* Prerequisites: able to already play at novice level
* Duration: 8 1hour sessions typically
* Topics

Theory: Chord formulas for sevenths
Scales: A major scale in six different positions
Chords: All major 7, minor 7, dominant 7 and halfdiminished chords in six different positions for the key below
Keys: A major
Picking Techniques: Depends upon the pieces chosen for the lesson
Pieces: One or more short pieces per position, depending on the musical tastes and skill level of the players

Session 9 – Scales and Triads in G Major in Six Positions
* Difficulty: Intermediate
* Prerequisites: able to already play at novice level
* Duration: 8 1hour sessions typically
* Topics

Theory: Chord formulas for triads
Scales: G major scale in six different positions
Chords: All major, minor, and diminished chords in six different positions for the key below
Keys: G major
Picking Techniques: Depends upon the pieces chosen for the lesson
Pieces: One or more short pieces per position, depending on the musical tastes and skill level of the players

Session 10 – Scales and Seventh Chords in G Major in Six Positions
* Difficulty: Intermediate
* Prerequisites: able to already play at novice level
* Duration: 8 1hour sessions typically
* Topics

Theory: Chord formulas for sevenths
Scales: G major scale in six different positions
Chords: All major 7, minor 7, dominant 7 and halfdiminished chords in six different positions for the key below
Keys: G major
Picking Techniques: Depends upon the pieces chosen for the lesson
Pieces: One or more short pieces per position, depending on the musical tastes and skill level of the players

Session 11 – Scales and Triads in E Major in Six Positions
* Difficulty: Intermediate
* Prerequisites: able to already play at novice level
* Duration: 8 1hour sessions typically
* Topics

Theory: Chord formulas for triads
Scales: E major scale in six different positions
Chords: All major, minor, and diminished chords in six different positions for the key below
Keys: E major
Picking Techniques: Depends upon the pieces chosen for the lesson
Pieces: One or more short pieces per position, depending on the musical tastes and skill level of the players

Session 12 – Scales and Seventh Chords in E Major in Six Positions
* Difficulty: Intermediate
* Prerequisites: able to already play at novice level
* Duration: 8 1hour sessions typically
* Topics

Theory: Chord formulas for sevenths
Scales: E major scale in six different positions
Chords: All major 7, minor 7, dominant 7 and halfdiminished chords in six different positions for the key below
Keys: E major
Picking Techniques: Depends upon the pieces chosen for the lesson
Pieces: One or more short pieces per position, depending on the musical tastes and skill level of the players

Session 13 – Scales and Triads in D Major in Six Positions
* Difficulty: Intermediate
* Prerequisites: able to already play at novice level
* Duration: 8 1hour sessions typically
* Topics

Theory: Chord formulas for triads
Scales: D major scale in six different positions
Chords: All major, minor, and diminished chords in six different positions for the key below
Keys: D major
Picking Techniques: Depends upon the pieces chosen for the lesson
Pieces: One or more short pieces per position, depending on the musical tastes and skill level of the players

Session 14 – Scales and Seventh Chords in D Major in Six Positions
* Difficulty: Intermediate
* Prerequisites: able to already play at novice level
* Duration: 8 1hour sessions typically
* Topics

Theory: Chord formulas for sevenths
Scales: D major scale in six different positions
Chords: All major 7, minor 7, dominant 7 and halfdiminished chords in six different positions for the key below
Keys: D major
Picking Techniques: Depends upon the pieces chosen for the lesson
Pieces: One or more short pieces per position, depending on the musical tastes and skill level of the players

Minor Key
Session 15 – Scales and Triads in C Minor in Open Position
* Difficulty: Novice
* Prerequisites: able to play in a major key at the novice level
* Duration: 8 1hour sessions typically
* Topics

Theory: Construction of the three minor scales and the major scale and the nature of intervals, tuning guitar to standard tuning, scale and chord forms
Scales: C minor scales (natural, melodic and harmonic) in the open position
Chords: C minor, A minor, G minor, E minor, D minor chords. Also C minor, D diminished, Eb augmented, F minor, G major, Ab major, B diminished,
Keys: C minor
Picking Techniques: simple strums in 3/ 4 and 4/ 4 time. Basic arpeggio. Simple melody.
Pieces: Three or four very simple three chord pieces from our common Canadian heritage.

Session 16 – Scales and Seventh Chords in C Minor in Open Position
* Difficulty: Novice
* Prerequisites: able to already play in a major key at the novice level
* Duration: 8 1hour sessions typically
* Topics

Theory: Cycle of perfect 4ths and 5ths, scale and chord forms
Scales: C minor scales (natural, melodic and harmonic) in the open position
Chords: C minor 7, A minor 7, G minor 7, E minor 7, D minor 7 chords. Also C minor (major 7), D halfdiminished, Eb major 7 sharp 5, F minor 7, G 7, Ab maj 7, and B diminished 7.
Keys: C minor
Picking Techniques: strums in 2/ 4, 3/ 4 and 4/ 4 time. More arpeggios. More melodies.
Pieces: Six or seven very simple pieces from our common Canadian heritage.

Session 17 – Scales and Triads in C, A, G, E and D Minor in Open Position
* Difficulty: Novice
* Prerequisites: able to already play in a major key at the beginner level
* Duration: 8 1hour sessions typically
* Topics

Theory: TBD
Scales: Open position C, A, G, E and D minor scales
Chords: All major, minor, augmented, and diminished chords in the open position for the five keys below
Keys: C, A, G, E and D minor
Picking Techniques: Depends upon the pieces chosen for the lesson
Pieces: One or more pieces per key

Session 18 – Scales and Seventh Chords in C, A, G, E and D Minor in Open Position
* Difficulty: Novice
* Prerequisites: able to already play in a major key at the beginner level
* Duration: 8 1hour sessions typically
* Topics

Theory: TBD
Scales: Open position C, A, G, E and D minor scales
Chords: All major 7, minor 7, dominant 7, major 7 sharp 5, minor (major 7), diminished 7 and halfdiminished chords in the open position for the five keys below
Keys: C, A, G, E and D minor
Picking Techniques: Depends upon the pieces chosen for the lesson
Pieces: One or more short pieces per key

Session 19 – Scales and Triads in C Minor in Six Positions
* Difficulty: Intermediate
* Prerequisites: able to already play at novice level
* Duration: 8 1hour sessions typically
* Topics

Theory: Chord formulas for triads
Scales: C minor scale in six different positions
Chords: All Major, minor, augmented, and diminished chords in six different positions for the key below
Keys: C minor
Picking Techniques: Depends upon the pieces chosen for the lesson
Pieces: One or more short pieces per position, depending on the musical tastes and skill level of the players

Session 20 – Scales and Seventh Chords in C Minor in Six Positions
* Difficulty: Intermediate
* Prerequisites: able to already play at novice level
* Duration: 8 1hour sessions typically
* Topics

Theory: Chord formulas for sevenths
Scales: C minor scale in six different positions
Chords: All major 7, minor 7, dominant 7, major 7 sharp 5, minor (major 7), diminished 7 and halfdiminished chords in six different positions for the key below
Keys: C minor
Picking Techniques: Depends upon the pieces chosen for the lesson
Pieces: One or more short pieces per position, depending on the musical tastes and skill level of the players

Session 21 – Scales and Triads in A Minor in Six Positions
* Difficulty: Intermediate
* Prerequisites: able to already play at novice level
* Duration: 8 1hour sessions typically
* Topics

Theory: Chord formulas for triads
Scales: A minor scale in six different positions
Chords: All Major, minor, augmented, and diminished chords in six different positions for the key below
Keys: A minor
Picking Techniques: Depends upon the pieces chosen for the lesson
Pieces: One or more short pieces per position, depending on the musical tastes and skill level of the players

Session 22 – Scales and Seventh Chords in A Minor in Six Positions
* Difficulty: Intermediate
* Prerequisites: able to already play at novice level
* Duration: 8 1hour sessions typically
* Topics

Theory: Chord formulas for sevenths
Scales: A minor scale in six different positions
Chords: All major 7, minor 7, dominant 7, major 7 sharp 5, minor (major 7), diminished 7 and halfdiminished chords in six different positions for the key below
Keys: A minor
Picking Techniques: Depends upon the pieces chosen for the lesson
Pieces: One or more short pieces per position, depending on the musical tastes and skill level of the players

Session 23 – Scales and Triads in G Minor in Six Positions
* Difficulty: Intermediate
* Prerequisites: able to already play at novice level
* Duration: 8 1hour sessions typically
* Topics

Theory: Chord formulas for triads
Scales: G minor scale in six different positions
Chords: All Major, minor, augmented, and diminished in six different positions for the key below
Keys: G minor
Picking Techniques: Depends upon the pieces chosen for the lesson
Pieces: One or more short pieces per position, depending on the musical tastes and skill level of the players

Session 24 – Scales and Seventh Chords in G Minor in Six Positions
* Difficulty: Intermediate
* Prerequisites: able to already play at novice level
* Duration: 8 1hour sessions typically
* Topics

Theory: Chord formulas for sevenths
Scales: G minor scale in six different positions
Chords: All major 7, minor 7, dominant 7, major 7 sharp 5, minor (major 7), diminished 7 and halfdiminished chords in six different positions for the key below
Keys: G minor
Picking Techniques: Depends upon the pieces chosen for the lesson
Pieces: One or more short pieces per position, depending on the musical tastes and skill level of the players

Session 25 – Scales and Triads in E Minor in Six Positions
* Difficulty: Intermediate
* Prerequisites: able to already play at novice level
* Duration: 8 1hour sessions typically
* Topics

Theory: Chord formulas for triads
Scales: E minor scale in six different positions
Chords: All Major, minor, augmented, and diminished chords in six different positions for the key below
Keys: E minor
Picking Techniques: Depends upon the pieces chosen for the lesson
Pieces: One or more short pieces per position, depending on the musical tastes and skill level of the players

Session 26 – Scales and Seventh Chords in E Minor in Six Positions
* Difficulty: Intermediate
* Prerequisites: able to already play at novice level
* Duration: 8 1hour sessions typically
* Topics

Theory: Chord formulas for sevenths
Scales: E minor scale in six different positions
Chords: All major 7, minor 7, dominant 7, major 7 sharp 5, minor (major 7), diminished 7 and halfdiminished chords in six different positions for the key below
Keys: E minor
Picking Techniques: Depends upon the pieces chosen for the lesson
Pieces: One or more short pieces per position, depending on the musical tastes and skill level of the players

Session 27 – Scales and Triads in D Minor in Six Positions
* Difficulty: Intermediate
* Prerequisites: able to already play at novice level
* Duration: 8 1hour sessions typically
* Topics

Theory: Chord formulas for triads
Scales: D minor scale in six different positions
Chords: All major, minor, augmented, and diminished chords in six different positions for the key below
Keys: D minor
Picking Techniques: Depends upon the pieces chosen for the lesson
Pieces: One or more short pieces per position, depending on the musical tastes and skill level of the players

Session 28 – Scales and Seventh Chords in D Minor in Six Positions
* Difficulty: Intermediate
* Prerequisites: able to already play at novice level
* Duration: 8 1hour sessions typically
* Topics

Theory: Chord formulas for sevenths
Scales: D minor scale in six different positions
Chords: All major 7, minor 7, dominant 7, major 7 sharp 5, minor (major 7), diminished 7 and halfdiminished chords in six different positions for the key below
Keys: D minor
Picking Techniques: Depends upon the pieces chosen for the lesson
Pieces: One or more short pieces per position, depending on the musical tastes and skill level of the players

Meta-lessons

Session 1 Lessons

Sessions