Level 2 Requirements:

The student must be able to play the 15 Beginner’s Open Chords, and must have an understanding of how to play Barre Chords based on the open E Major and A Minor shapes - even if the execution of these Barre chords is still a bit fuzzy! They must be able to execute the fingerpicking and strumming patterns taught on the Absolute Beginner’s Course. For new students, these will be covered in a free assessment session, and will also be recapped in the first weeks of the Level 2 course.

Level 2 Course Outline

Aimed at Students who have been playing regularly for 3-6 months.

• Recap of Beginner’s Course Easy Theory

• Recap of Beginner’s Course Fingerpicks & Strums

• Using a Capo

• How to transpose songs (Change Key of a song)

• New Strumming Patterns

• New Fingerpicking Styles

• Quick Chord changes

• Barre Chords - finally putting them into practice.

• Adding bass lines to your strumming

• 10 Popular Songs are taught to demonstrate the various playing techniques (strumming, fingerpicking and new chords) which can be applied to several other songs across musical genres. 

DVD and Audio CD support - all the techniques you learn in class are also demonstrated on the Course DVD (covers material from Level 1 to Level 3), so you can recap the techniques and theory when you get home. Having a visual reference and demonstration is an exceptionally powerful tool!

The audio CD has tracks for you to jam along to at home. We also use this CD in class when we jam as a group.

Course Materials:

• DVD - Guitar Basics with Pete
• Audio CD with Jam Tracks
• Printed Course Manual

What do I need to bring to class?

• Your own guitar
• Your own Sheet Music Stand
• A Pen to make notes in your course manual 
• Recommended - a guitar tuner. You can also get a tuner app for your phone.
• A Capo - we start using a capo towards the end of the Level 2 course

Level 3 Requirements:

The student must be able to play Barre Chords with confidence, and must be able to perform all the strums and fingerpicks taught on the first two courses. For new students, these will be covered in a free assessment session.

Level 3 Course Outline

Aimed at Students who have been playing regularly for about 9 months.

• Recap of Level 2 Course Easy Theory

• Recap of Level 2 Course Fingerpicks and Strums

• Using a Capo - To find easier chords

• Using A Capo - To find equivalent chord voicings

• How to transpose songs (Change Key of a song)

• New Strumming Patterns

• New Fingerpicking Styles

• Playing the Blues - An Introduction

• Using a Plectrum vs Fingers - When and Why?

• Barre Chords vs Open Chords - When and Why?

• An Introduction to TABLATURE

• Working out the Time Signature of a Song

• New Techniques: Hammers, pulls and slides!

• An introduction to Chord Construction

• 10 Popular Songs are taught to demonstrate the various playing techniques (strumming, fingerpicking and new chords) which can be applied to several other songs across musical genres.

New Student Assessments and Previous Course Materials:

The playing ability of the prospective new student will be assessed, so that they can be placed on the appropriate course level. These sessions normally take 15 - 20 minutes, and are held at Pete's home at an arranged time. The previous levels’ Course Manuals and Audio CDs can be purchased.