Over the course of 5 weeks, students will learn how to tune their guitar, understand proper hand posture, master common chords, and build up to playing simple songs. We will explore the basics of rhythm, strumming, and timing. Each lesson will include guided practice sessions, and by the end of the course, students will be able to play their first songs and understand basic musical concepts. All lessons are small groups of students

What You Will Learn:

• Week 1: Introduction to the guitar, tuning, and basic finger exercises.
• Week 2: Learning open chords (C, G, D, E, A) and simple strumming patterns.
• Week 3: Understanding rhythm, down and up-strokes, and learning your first song.
• Week 4: Basic music theory (chord progressions)
• Week 5: Putting it all together – playing full songs

Course Requirements:

• No prior experience is necessary.
• A guitar is not required. (provided in the course to use during lessons)
• 3 hole binder
• A willingness to practice regularly to build muscle memory and confidence.

Who Should Take This Course:

• Complete beginners with no prior guitar experience.
• Those who want to learn to play basic songs and understand the fundamentals of guitar playing.
• Anyone looking for a fun, engaging way to start their musical journey

By the end of the course, you will have:

• Learned the basic chords and strumming patterns.
• Played through a few simple songs from start to finish.
• Gained a solid understanding of rhythm, timing, and basic music theory.
• Developed the confidence to continue learning and improving your guitar skills.

This course will provide you with the tools to begin your musical journey on the guitar, and set the stage for future growth as you continue exploring the world of music.

Course objectives:

Fundamentals & Technique

• Learn open chords (C, G, D, E, A) and their variations (major, minor, 7th chords).
• Learn proper finger placement and hand posture to avoid bad habits.
• Practice strumming patterns (downstrokes, upstrokes, alternate strumming).
• Develop finger independence (fingerpicking exercises and scales).
• Improve fretting hand strength and dexterity

Music Theory & Application

• Learn the basics of music theory
• Understand the Circle of Fifths and how it relates to chord progressions.
• Learn to identify and play common chord progressions (I-IV-V, ii-V-I, etc.).

Song Learning & Repertoire

• Learn 3-5 songs in full, focusing on a mix of genres you enjoy.
• Challenge yourself with more complex songs
• Practice timing and rhythm by playing along with a metronome or backing tracks.

Please make sure students arrive 10-15 min earlier to the lessons, drop off at the front fountain at Westminster Catawba Christian School. Students will be dismissed and dropped off in the same place.