Categorising Lesson Levels - Beginner, Intermediate & Advanced

<h1>Categorising Lesson Levels - Beginner, Intermediate & Advanced</h1>Author: <a title="Danny Poole" href="http://www.articlesbase.com/authors/danny-poole/94885.htm">Danny Poole</a> This is a common way I categorise my lessons. If you hate being put into molds or categories then don't read on, just keep on learning what ever you feel like. I find this a good guide to filling in the gaps when lessons skip certain topics. First I group student into 3 main levels (Beginners, Intermediate & Advanced). Then each of those main groups into sub groups (Level 1, Level 2 & Level 3). Then each of those sub groups into sections (Theory, Chords & Rhythm then Melody & Riffs), melody & riffs are split into two sections (Notation & Tablature). So we end up with... Beginner - Level 1 Summary <ul> <li>Just started playing </li> <li>Knows little to nothing on the guitar </li> <li>Needs reminders on finger placements, holding a pick, hand positioning, parts of the guitar, string numbering etc. </li> </ul> Theory <ul> <li>Knows little to nothing about music theory</li> </ul> Chords & Rhythm <ul> <li>Knows little to nothing about chords or rhythm </li> </ul> Melody & Riffs <ul> <li>Knows little to nothing about notation or TAB </li> </ul> Beginner - Level 2 Theory <ul> <li>Has a basic understanding of music theory <ul> <li>musical alphabet </li> <li>tones & semitones</li> <li>note spacing eg. E & F and B & C are a 1 fret move</li> <li>basic music symbols <ul> <li>whole note </li> <li>half note</li> <li>quarter note</li> <li>treble cleff</li> <li>music staff</li> <li>repeat signs</li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> <li>Knows the string names (EADGBE) </li> </ul> Chords & Rhythm <ul> <li>Can play basic chords although needs visual reminders (A, C, D, E, G Major) </li> <li>Getting a grasp of basic 8th note rhythm but can’t change chords quick enough to make a song distinguishable while using simple chords</li> </ul> Melody & Riffs <ul> <li>NOTATION: Understands how to read a music staff and simple notation but cannot play it fluently </li> <li>TAB: Understands how to read simple TAB</li> </ul> Beginner - Level 3 Theory <ul> <li>Memorised all the string and note names within the 1st three frets </li> <li>able to work out (not memorise) any note on any string up to and beyond the 12th fret</li> </ul> Chords & Rhythm <ul> <li>Memorised all open chords and can play them with out visual aids or prompting (A, C, D, E & G). </li> <li>Starting to change chords quick enough to make a simple chord pattern song recognisable</li> <li>Can make the "E Shaped Bar Chord" (F Major) but not have to have it sounding clearly.</li> </ul> Melody & Riffs <ul> <li>NOTATION: Can play a simple notation song fluently so that others can recognize the tune </li> <li>TAB: Can play a simple riff with no effects (hammering, sliding, bending, etc.)</li> </ul> Intermediate - Level 1 Theory <ul> <li>Knows all the notes on the thick E & A strings for bar chord, 5th chord & scale placement </li> </ul> Chords & Rhythm <ul> <li>Can play and has memorosed variations on open chords (Am, Dm, Em, A7, C7, D7, E7, G7) </li> <li>Can play the "E Shaped Bar Chord" (F Major) with a decent sustained sound (all six strings sounding out clearly)</li> <li>Can get a grasp on a basic 16th note rhythm playing it fairly smoothly </li> </ul> Melody & Riffs <ul> <li>NOTATION: Can play a notation song fluently using the 1st 4 strings </li> <li>TAB: Understands TAB/Playing effects like hammering, sliding, pull offs & bending, etc.</li> </ul> Intermediate - Level 2 Theory <ul> <li>Understands the theory of a Major Scale and has memorised its formula (TTSTTTS) </li> <li>Understands chord construction (The 1st, 3rd & 5th of any major scale makes the major chord)</li> <li>Knows all the notes (including sharps and flats) on the thick E & A strings for bar chord, 5th chord & scale placement </li> </ul> Chords & Rhythm <ul> <li>Can change from an open chord to a bar chord easily with a clean and clear sound </li> <li>Rarely has trouble learning new and different 16th note rhythms</li> <li>Never has trouble learning new and different 8th note rhythms</li> <li>Can work out an 8th note rhythm by ear and write them out in either notation or using up & down symbols or notation</li> </ul> Melody & Riffs <ul> <li>Can play the Major Scale up & down fluently </li> <li>NOTATION: Can play a notation song fluently using the all 6 strings</li> <li>Can play a riff or solo fluently using playing effects like hammering, sliding, pull offs & bending</li> </ul> Intermediate - Level 3 Theory <ul> <li>Understands the formula of the most common chord variations (minor, 7th, minor 7th, major 7th) </li> </ul> Chords & Rhythm <ul> <li>Can work out an 16th note rhythm by ear And write it out in either notation or using up & down symbols </li> <li>Can transfer common chord variations (minor, 7th, minor 7th, major 7th) into bar chords up the next of the guitar</li> </ul> Melody & Riffs <ul> <li>Can play the Minor & 5 Pentatonic scales up and down fluently </li> <li>Can improvise to a basic level (keeping in time an not playing bad notes)</li> </ul> Advanced - Level 1 Theory <ul> <li>Understands the theory behind the Major, Minor & 5 Pentatonic scale </li> <li>Knows how many sharps and flats are in any key signature</li> <li>Understands the theory behind relative minors & majors</li> </ul> Chords & Rhythm <ul> <li>Can work out any rhythm pattern quickly by ear or visually </li> <li>Can write out any rhythm pattern</li> <li>Play rhythms using extra note hammer ons, pull aways or slides</li> </ul> Melody & Riffs <ul> <li>Has memorised the Major, Minor & 5 Pentatonic scale </li> <li>Can play scale exercise patterns fluent (should be able to see the scale note placing on the fretboard before you place the fingers down)</li> <li>Can play a basic riff or solo with ease within a 1/2 hour</li> <li>Can place all notes of one kind (e.g. F) on every string, every fret in under 10 seconds (Octaves)</li> </ul> Advanced - Level 2 Theory <ul> <li>Can work out any diatonic scale (major/minor) by ear </li> <li>Knows all the chords to use in any key (Major 1st, Minor 2nd, Minor 3rd, Major 4th, Major 5th, Minor 6th, Diminished 7th)</li> <li>Knows at a glance (or a least to work it out quickly) what every note on the guitar is </li> </ul> Chords & Rhythm <ul> <li>Fully understands the CAGED chord system on the guitar (major & minor) </li> <li>Can link chords with key correct bass runs</li> <li>Can finger pick at least a few songs </li> </ul> Melody & Riffs <ul> <li>Has the ability to work out solos by ear on his/her own </li> <li>Can improvise around a Major, Minor & Pentatonic Scale without hitting too many off notes</li> <li>Can visually see what key another guitarist is soloing in and can jam easily with another player </li> </ul> Advanced - Level 3 Theory <ul> <li>Understands the theory behind modes </li> <li>Can construct any chord in any position on the fret board when given the chord formula (eg.1-3-5-7)</li> <li>Can transpose to and from any key (without capo) </li> </ul> Chords & Rhythm <ul> <li>Knows all the scale notes around any of the 5 CAGED chord shapes (Major & Minor) </li> </ul> Melody & Riffs <ul> <li>Can place a diatonic scale over every chord in the CAGED system </li> </ul>   More lessons & Articles: <a href="http://www.guitartutoronline.com"><a href="http://www.guitartutoronline.com" target="_blank">www.guitartutoronline.com</a></a>About the Author: My teaching philosophy is to encourage the interest and passion that my students have for music, by allowing them to learn the guitar through their favourite songs. There is no use in trying to force sight reading and music theory on a teenager who wants nothing more than to be in a band just for fun. I have always found music can only be successfully taught once someone has been playing for a little while, and they start to love the instrument. As they improve on the basics, their natural desire is to become better, and at that moment they realise they need to know (and most importantly, want to know) the theory they initially despised!Article Source: <a href="http://www.articlesbase.com/">ArticlesBase.com</a> - <a href="http://www.articlesbase.com/music-articles/categorising-lesson-levels-beginner-intermediate-advanced-636406.html" title="Categorising Lesson Levels - Beginner, Intermediate & Advanced">Categorising Lesson Levels - Beginner, Intermediate & Advanced</a>

This is a common way I categorise my lessons. If you hate being put into molds or categories then don't read on, just keep on learning what ever you feel like. I find this a good guide to filling in the gaps when lessons skip certain topics.

First I group student into 3 main levels (Beginners, Intermediate & Advanced). Then each of those main groups into sub groups (Level 1, Level 2 & Level 3). Then each of those sub groups into sections (Theory, Chords & Rhythm then Melody & Riffs), melody & riffs are split into two sections (Notation & Tablature).

So we end up with...

Beginner - Level 1

Summary

Just started playing
Knows little to nothing on the guitar
Needs reminders on finger placements, holding a pick, hand positioning, parts of the guitar, string numbering etc.

Theory

Knows little to nothing about music theory

Chords & Rhythm

Knows little to nothing about chords or rhythm

Melody & Riffs

Knows little to nothing about notation or TAB

Beginner - Level 2

Theory

Has a basic understanding of music theory
- musical alphabet
- tones & semitones
- note spacing eg. E & F and B & C are a 1 fret move
- basic music symbols
  - whole note
  - half note
  - quarter note
  - treble cleff
  - music staff
  - repeat signs
Knows the string names (EADGBE)

Chords & Rhythm

Can play basic chords although needs visual reminders (A, C, D, E, G Major)
Getting a grasp of basic 8th note rhythm but can’t change chords quick enough to make a song distinguishable while using simple chords

Melody & Riffs

NOTATION: Understands how to read a music staff and simple notation but cannot play it fluently
TAB: Understands how to read simple TAB

Beginner - Level 3

Theory

Memorised all the string and note names within the 1st three frets
able to work out (not memorise) any note on any string up to and beyond the 12th fret

Chords & Rhythm

Memorised all open chords and can play them with out visual aids or prompting (A, C, D, E & G).
Starting to change chords quick enough to make a simple chord pattern song recognisable
Can make the "E Shaped Bar Chord" (F Major) but not have to have it sounding clearly.

Melody & Riffs

NOTATION: Can play a simple notation song fluently so that others can recognize the tune
TAB: Can play a simple riff with no effects (hammering, sliding, bending, etc.)

Intermediate - Level 1

Theory

Knows all the notes on the thick E & A strings for bar chord, 5th chord & scale placement

Chords & Rhythm

Can play and has memorosed variations on open chords (Am, Dm, Em, A7, C7, D7, E7, G7)
Can play the "E Shaped Bar Chord" (F Major) with a decent sustained sound (all six strings sounding out clearly)
Can get a grasp on a basic 16th note rhythm playing it fairly smoothly

Melody & Riffs

NOTATION: Can play a notation song fluently using the 1st 4 strings
TAB: Understands TAB/Playing effects like hammering, sliding, pull offs & bending, etc.

Intermediate - Level 2

Theory

Understands the theory of a Major Scale and has memorised its formula (TTSTTTS)
Understands chord construction (The 1st, 3rd & 5th of any major scale makes the major chord)
Knows all the notes (including sharps and flats) on the thick E & A strings for bar chord, 5th chord & scale placement

Chords & Rhythm

Can change from an open chord to a bar chord easily with a clean and clear sound
Rarely has trouble learning new and different 16th note rhythms
Never has trouble learning new and different 8th note rhythms
Can work out an 8th note rhythm by ear and write them out in either notation or using up & down symbols or notation

Melody & Riffs

Can play the Major Scale up & down fluently
NOTATION: Can play a notation song fluently using the all 6 strings
Can play a riff or solo fluently using playing effects like hammering, sliding, pull offs & bending

Intermediate - Level 3

Theory

Understands the formula of the most common chord variations (minor, 7th, minor 7th, major 7th)

Chords & Rhythm

Can work out an 16th note rhythm by ear And write it out in either notation or using up & down symbols
Can transfer common chord variations (minor, 7th, minor 7th, major 7th) into bar chords up the next of the guitar

Melody & Riffs

Can play the Minor & 5 Pentatonic scales up and down fluently
Can improvise to a basic level (keeping in time an not playing bad notes)

Advanced - Level 1

Theory

Understands the theory behind the Major, Minor & 5 Pentatonic scale
Knows how many sharps and flats are in any key signature
Understands the theory behind relative minors & majors

Chords & Rhythm

Can work out any rhythm pattern quickly by ear or visually
Can write out any rhythm pattern
Play rhythms using extra note hammer ons, pull aways or slides

Melody & Riffs

Has memorised the Major, Minor & 5 Pentatonic scale
Can play scale exercise patterns fluent (should be able to see the scale note placing on the fretboard before you place the fingers down)
Can play a basic riff or solo with ease within a 1/2 hour
Can place all notes of one kind (e.g. F) on every string, every fret in under 10 seconds (Octaves)

Advanced - Level 2

Theory

Can work out any diatonic scale (major/minor) by ear
Knows all the chords to use in any key (Major 1st, Minor 2nd, Minor 3rd, Major 4th, Major 5th, Minor 6th, Diminished 7th)
Knows at a glance (or a least to work it out quickly) what every note on the guitar is

Chords & Rhythm

Fully understands the CAGED chord system on the guitar (major & minor)
Can link chords with key correct bass runs
Can finger pick at least a few songs

Melody & Riffs

Has the ability to work out solos by ear on his/her own
Can improvise around a Major, Minor & Pentatonic Scale without hitting too many off notes
Can visually see what key another guitarist is soloing in and can jam easily with another player

Advanced - Level 3

Theory

Understands the theory behind modes
Can construct any chord in any position on the fret board when given the chord formula (eg.1-3-5-7)
Can transpose to and from any key (without capo)

Chords & Rhythm

Knows all the scale notes around any of the 5 CAGED chord shapes (Major & Minor)

Melody & Riffs

Can place a diatonic scale over every chord in the CAGED system

More lessons & Articles: www.guitartutoronline.com

My teaching philosophy is to encourage the interest and passion that my students have for music, by allowing them to learn the guitar through their favourite songs. There is no use in trying to force sight reading and music theory on a teenager who wants nothing more than to be in a band just for fun. I have always found music can only be successfully taught once someone has been playing for a little while, and they start to love the instrument. As they improve on the basics, their natural desire is to become better, and at that moment they realise they need to know (and most importantly, want to know) the theory they initially despised!

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