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New to guitar theory? Take the foundation course here.
The
Major Scale Learning theory is far easier when you
know the major scale.
It's arguably the basis of western music, and the scale against which
chords and
harmonies can be referenced. This lesson
gives you all the details and provides you with clear diagrams of the
major scale in different positions.
Chord
Root Notes Introduces you to the theory
behind how root notes work in
forming guitar chords. An essential primer for the guitar theory
lessons on chord construction below.
Guitar
Chord Theory How to construct chords, from
basic major and minor triads to more advanced, extended chords. Take
your knowledge of the major scale (above) and use
it to discover a wealth of chord voicings on the fretboard, not just
the plain old ones you're used to. Easy-to-follow, nothing overwhelming
here but very rewarding indeed. Also in this series...
Guitar
Chord Inversions Following
on from the chord theory series above, learn how to construct chord
inversions on the fretboard, giving you even more chord voicing
options. Also in this series...
Chord
Scales This
lesson will help you understand the concept of harmonizing scales and how you can
pull chords from scales. In short, it brings together your knowledge of
chord theory and scales into one system.
Borrowed Chords
Learn the concept of parallel keys and how the use of minor key chords
in major key progressions can be related to a simple scale change. See also...
Triad Harmonization
Learn how to build economical triad shapes in any key by harmonizing
the major scale in 3 positions on the top 3 strings of the guitar. This
will help you to explore more melodic expression with your chord
playing.
Relative Triads
Using your knowledge of triad shapes, learn how we can play them over
relative triads to create more complex harmony and melody. For example,
what happens when we play Bm over Em?
Chord
Scale Relationships Shows you how to identify a
"starting point" for your
soloing by connecting scale patterns to chord shapes. This is about
using your knowledge of those basic barre/movable chords from the
chords section and superimposing scale patterns on those same
positions.
Sharps
and Flats Ever wondered where sharps and flats come
from?
This lesson explains how sharps and flats are formed in scales and
chords. It should also help you understand how important the major
scale is in music theory in general.
Passing
Tones Learn how to identify and
use passing tones in
scales. These are tones you should avoid emphasising (e.g. holding
onto) in your solos. Includes a backing track and ear training
exercises to help you pick out the passing tones in the example scales.
Scale
Phrasing
Learn how to build meaningful
musical phrases from scales in your solos. This series will show you
how to explore scales with purpose and beyond the linear meandering
that so many players get trapped in when starting out with scales.
Transposing
Chords Transposition
is about moving a collection of notes to a new pitch. This lesson looks
specifically and transposing chord progressions to a new key using 3
simple methods.
Arpeggios
First learn how to build arpeggios block
by block, then learn how to
weave them into
your guitar solos. This series introduces you to the world of
arpeggios, how to construct them and how you can use them to "vertically enhance"
your solos and create
more meaningful lead phrases.
Modes
of the Major Scale
Series which looks
at the 7
modes of the major scale. Each lesson takes you
through the individual
"flavour" and characteristics of each mode, with jam tracks to help you
experiment with your own ideas. Finally, we learn how the modes work
together as part of a larger musical expression.
How to Solo Over Chord Changes
Gives you a clear process for playing melodies (lead) through
chord changes. Very important, as most songs use more than one chord!
Connects your knowledge of chord shapes, arpeggios and scales to chord
progressions. See also...
Guitar Lessons Home
Guitar Theory Lessons You Can Actually Understand
I'm glad you've shown interest in guitar theory lessons, because that suggests you understand how important this knowledge is, not only to your guitar playing but your overall understanding of music.
 |
These lessons will help you connect your fretboard, chord and scale knowledge and deepen your understanding of how music works on guitar. This is crucial if you want to improvise confidently and come up with ideas in the moment.
Many guitarists don't bother with this stuff, and I can only say they don't know what they're missing out on. I'm sure your results will prove most rewarding!
The problem is, a lot of guitar theory lessons out there are poorly explained and overcomplicated. I've made it my goal to teach guitar theory in a way that focuses your learning on only the most important concepts, explained in plain English. I'll introduce you to some terminology, but it will be backed up with clear and simple explanations.Guitar Theory Lessons Contents
Note: please make sure you've been through the fretboard foundations section first!New to guitar theory? Take the foundation course here.
The
Major Scale Learning theory is far easier when you
know the major scale.
It's arguably the basis of western music, and the scale against which
chords and
harmonies can be referenced. This lesson
gives you all the details and provides you with clear diagrams of the
major scale in different positions. Chord
Root Notes Introduces you to the theory
behind how root notes work in
forming guitar chords. An essential primer for the guitar theory
lessons on chord construction below.
Guitar
Chord Theory How to construct chords, from
basic major and minor triads to more advanced, extended chords. Take
your knowledge of the major scale (above) and use
it to discover a wealth of chord voicings on the fretboard, not just
the plain old ones you're used to. Easy-to-follow, nothing overwhelming
here but very rewarding indeed. Also in this series...
- Augmented & Diminished Triads
- 7th Chords
- Extended Chords
- Chord Voicings (part i)
- Advanced Chord Voicings (part ii)
Guitar
Chord Inversions Following
on from the chord theory series above, learn how to construct chord
inversions on the fretboard, giving you even more chord voicing
options. Also in this series... Chord
Scales This
lesson will help you understand the concept of harmonizing scales and how you can
pull chords from scales. In short, it brings together your knowledge of
chord theory and scales into one system. Borrowed Chords
Learn the concept of parallel keys and how the use of minor key chords
in major key progressions can be related to a simple scale change. See also... Triad Harmonization
Learn how to build economical triad shapes in any key by harmonizing
the major scale in 3 positions on the top 3 strings of the guitar. This
will help you to explore more melodic expression with your chord
playing. Relative Triads
Using your knowledge of triad shapes, learn how we can play them over
relative triads to create more complex harmony and melody. For example,
what happens when we play Bm over Em? Chord
Scale Relationships Shows you how to identify a
"starting point" for your
soloing by connecting scale patterns to chord shapes. This is about
using your knowledge of those basic barre/movable chords from the
chords section and superimposing scale patterns on those same
positions. Sharps
and Flats Ever wondered where sharps and flats come
from?
This lesson explains how sharps and flats are formed in scales and
chords. It should also help you understand how important the major
scale is in music theory in general. Passing
Tones Learn how to identify and
use passing tones in
scales. These are tones you should avoid emphasising (e.g. holding
onto) in your solos. Includes a backing track and ear training
exercises to help you pick out the passing tones in the example scales. Scale
Phrasing
Learn how to build meaningful
musical phrases from scales in your solos. This series will show you
how to explore scales with purpose and beyond the linear meandering
that so many players get trapped in when starting out with scales.
Transposing
Chords Transposition
is about moving a collection of notes to a new pitch. This lesson looks
specifically and transposing chord progressions to a new key using 3
simple methods. Arpeggios
First learn how to build arpeggios block
by block, then learn how to
weave them into
your guitar solos. This series introduces you to the world of
arpeggios, how to construct them and how you can use them to "vertically enhance"
your solos and create
more meaningful lead phrases.
- Major arpeggios
- Minor arpeggios
- Using arpeggios in solos
- Major 7th Arpeggios
- Minor 11th Roadmap
- Turning Scales Into Arpeggios
- Added Tone Arpeggios
Modes
of the Major Scale
Series which looks
at the 7
modes of the major scale. Each lesson takes you
through the individual
"flavour" and characteristics of each mode, with jam tracks to help you
experiment with your own ideas. Finally, we learn how the modes work
together as part of a larger musical expression.- Ionian (see: Major Scale)
- Dorian
- Phrygian
- Lydian
- Mixolydian
- Aeolian (see: Natural Minor Scale)
- Locrian
- Modal Harmony (Ear Training)
- Mode Relationships
- Modal Chord Progressions
How to Solo Over Chord Changes
Gives you a clear process for playing melodies (lead) through
chord changes. Very important, as most songs use more than one chord!
Connects your knowledge of chord shapes, arpeggios and scales to chord
progressions. See also...| Was this
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