Metodo Guitarra e Violão para Aqueles Que Querem Iniciar

Guitar Method I
by Kevin Vigil, DMA

&
John Graham, MM
1
© 2005 Kevin Vigil & John Graham
2
To Barbie, Bonnie, Liz, Sarah, and Nathan
3
Credits
Content: Kevin Vigil & John Graham
Technical Illustrations: Mariya Pantyukhina
Photos: Mariya Pantyukhina, John Landers, Barbara Vigil, Kevin Vigil
Clip Art: Public Domain
Layout: Kevin Vigil
Special Thanks
The authors of this book would like to thank all who have made this book possible.
These people are teachers, students, enthusiasts and professionals who have made
editorial suggestions and/or have inspired our approach to various topics throughout
the book.
William Burke, Glenn Caluda, Neil Campe, Taylor Coleman, Jeanne Crowley, Jan
Edmondson, Patrick Fritz, Roxy Fuentes, Andre Giordani, Liz Graham, William
Ikner, Mike Kirkpatrick, Val Klavans, Glen McCarthy, Will Preston, Jim Roberts,
Patrick Sasai, Donald Sauter, Matt Serone, Brendan Slocomb, Jeffrey Tanner,
Howard Vance, Benjamin Verdery, Barbara Vigil, and William Wells.
Additionally, we would like to thank the hundreds (if not thousands) of students
who have been a part of the development of this book over the last fifteen years.
We hope that we have inspired you as much as you have inspired us.
4
Using this Book
• The authors of this book haved strived to accomodate various teaching and
learning styles.
• Some teachers prefer to begin instruction with chord playing while others
prefer to begin with note reading. Some teachers prefer to teach chords
concurrently with notes. There are certainly advantages to all of these
approaches. This text may be used for any of these approaches.
• No matter which way you plan to introduce material, the authors of this book
recommend covering Chapters 1 - 4 first.
• Pitch Notation begins in Chapter 5.
• Chord Playing is introduced in Chapter 7.
• Scales, Key Signatures and Chord Construction are covered in Chapter 8.

Chapters 5 and 6 should be considered prerequisites to Chapter 8.
5
Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Ground School 13
Unit 1: Choosing a Guitar 14
Unit 2: Guitar Care 17
Unit 3: Parts of the Guitar 17
Unit 4: Guitar Position 18
Chapter 1 Review 20
Chapter 2: Intro to Rhythmic Notation 22

Unit 1: Sounded Rhythmic Values 23
Rests 25
Measures & Time Signatures 27
Music in Two Parts 29
Chapter 2: Review 1 30
Unit 2: Tempo 33
Unit 3: Eighth Notes/Rests 36
Chapter 3: Fingerstyle & Pickstyle 40

Unit 1: Fingerstyle 41
Right Hand Finger Names 41
General Right Hand Position 42
Free Stroke 42
Rest Stroke 43
Thumb Stroke 43
Unit 2: Playing with a Pick 46
Downstrokes & Upstrokes 47
Chapter 3 Review 49
Chapter 4: The Left Hand 50

Unit 1: Left Hand Finger Names 51
Pressing the String 52
Unit 2: Fingerboard Diagrams 53
Unit 3: Positions 56
Unit 4: Left Hand Exercises 57
Chapter 4 Review 59
6
Chapter 5: Pitch Notation 61
Unit 1: Musical Staff 62
Unit 2: Musical Alphabet 63
Musical Alphabet on the Staff 64
Ledger Lines 64
Unit 3: Octave Identification 65
Unit 4: Helpful Hints 66
Chapter 5 Review 69
Chapter 6: Note Introduction 70

Unit 1: Upside Down & Backward 71
Unit 2: The Open Strings 73
Intervals 74
Tuning the Open Strings 75
Tuning with Unisons 76
Flash Cards 77
Open String Exercises 78
Chapter 6: Units 1 & 2 Review 82
Unit 3: Notes you Have Learned So Far 84
New Notes E1, F1, & G1 85
Flash Cards 86
Lazy Day (Solo) 89
Sleepy Sloth’s Sunday Slumber (Solo) 89
Wakin’ Up (Solo) 89
Power Chords E5, F5, & G5 90
Palm Mute 91
Balance and Dynamics 92
Rock Star (Trio) 93
Chapter 6: Unit 3 Review 94
Unit 4: Notes you Have Learned So Far 96
New Notes A1, B1, & C1 96
A1, B1, & C1 in Position I 97
Exercises with A1, B1, & C1 98
A1, B1, & C1 in Position V 99
Exercises with A1, B1, & C1 in Position V 100
Flash Cards 101
Scales 102
Walking the Lines 103
Three Dances (solo pieces) 104
:Power Chords (A5, B5, C5) 105
Movable Power Chords 106
Power Chord Studies 107
I Will Be President 108
Unit 5: Notes You Have Learned So Far 112
New Notes D1, E2, & F2 113
Exercises With D1, E2, & F2 in Pos. I 114
7
D1, E2, & F2 in Position V 115
Exercises with D1 E2, & F2 in Position V 116
Position V Solos (Eerie and Eerier) 117
Flash Cards 118
Scales 119
From Dawn to Dusk 120
Power Chords D5, E5, & F5 122
Movable Power Chords, Root on % 123
Power Chord Studies 124
Lead Sheet Format 125
First Day 126
New Notes G2, A2, & B2 132
Exercises with G2, A2, & B2 in Position I 133
G2, A2, & B2 in Position V 134
Exercises with G2, A2 & B2 in Position V 135
Position V Solos 136
Pentatonic Pickin’ Party
Laid-back Beat
Flash Cards 137
Scales 138
Half Steps/Whole Steps 139
Accidentals 140
Walkin’ Blues Bass & Sakura 141
Introduction to Key Signatures 142
Study in the Key of A Major 143
FAQ: Where is B ? 144
New Notes B2, C2, & D2 148
Exercises with B2, C2, & D2 in Position I 149
B2, C2, & D2 in Position IV 150
Exercises with B2, C2, & D2 in Position IV 151
Position IV - VI Solos 152
D Pedal to the Metal
Rose Pedals
Flash Cards 153
Scales 154
Two Folk Songs from the Brittish Isles 155
Star of the Country Down
Barbara Allen
Pavan I (Quartet) 156
New Notes E3, F3, & G3 161
Exercises with E3, F3, & G3 in Position I 162
E3, F3, & G3 in Position V 163
Exercises with E3, F3, & G3 in Position V 164
8
Position V Solos (Bars& Anchors Introduced) 165
Pedals and Bars 165
The Anchor Waltz 166
Flash Cards 167
Scales 168
Greensleeves - Performance Notes 169
Greensleeves 170
Score and Parts 171
A Sunday in Mexico - Score 172
Guitar I 179
Guitar II 181
Guitar III 183
Guitar IV 185
New Notes A3, B3, & C3 190
Exercises with A3, B3, & C3 in Position V 191
Asturias - Position IV/V Solo 192
References for Position V 193
Flash Cards 195
Scales 197
Romance - Performance Notes 198
Romance 199
Chapter 7: Chord Playing 202

Unit 1: Introduction to Playing Chords 203
Sample Strum Patterns 203
Sample Fingerstyle Patterns 204
Chord Charts 205
Chord Symbols 205
E & Am 206
Moonlight 207
C 208
Lighthouse 209
G & Em 210
The Battle of Aughrim 211
D, A, & A7 212
This Land is Your Land 213
Down in the Valley 214
Worried Man Blues 215
F & Dm 216
Wayfaring Stranger 217
E7 & B7 218
12-Bar Blues in E 219
Blues Boogie in E 220
Las Mañanitas 221
G7, C7, & D7 222
12-Bar Blues in G 223
Aura Lee 224
9
Unit 2: Movable Chord Forms 225
^ and % Root Reference Chart 225
Major Chord ^ String Form 226
Major Chord % String Form 227
Combining Movable Major Chords 228
Minor Chord Forms - ^ and % String Forms 229
Dominant 7 Chord ^ String Form 231
Dominant 7 Chord % String Form 232
Another Dominant 7 Chord % String Form 232
Blues in C 233
Blues in A 233
Combining Open String & Movable Chords 235
Auld Lang Syne 235
Greensleeves 236
Unit 3: Capos 238
Unit 4: Common Chords Dictionary 239
Chapter 8: Music Fundimentals 251

Unit 1: Scales & Key Signatures 252
Major Scales 252
Key Signatures 254
Observations 255
Circle of Fifths 255
The Order of Sharps and Flats 256
Minor Scales/Relative Keys 257
FAQ: How do I know if a piece is Major or Minor? 260
Study in C Major 260
Study in A minor 261
C Major Scale Studies 262
A Minor Scale Studies 262
G Major Scale Studies 263
E Minor Scale Studies 263
D Major Scale Studies 264
B Minor Scale Studies 264
A Major Scale Studies 265
F Minor Scale Studies 265
E Major Scale Studies 266
C Minor Scale Studies 266
F Major Scale Studies 267
D Minor Scale Studies 267
B Major Scale Studies 268
G Minor Scale Studies 268
Unit 2: Chord Construction 271
Triads 271
Constructing Triads from Scales 272
Triads from the C Major Scale 273
Chord Symbols 273
Roman Numerals 274
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Scale Degree Names 274
Primary & Secondary Chords 274
FAQ: If a chord is made up of only three notes, 276
why is it that chord charts indicate to strum more
than three strings?
Seventh Chords 277
Constructing Seventh Chords from Scales 278
Seventh Chords from the C Major Scale 279
The Sound of Sevenths 280
Chapter 9: Further Rhythmic Instruction 281

Unit 1: Ties 282
Unit 2: Dotted Quarter Notes 284
Unit 3: Pick Up Notes 288
Unit 4: Sixteenth Notes 291
Unit 5: New Time Signature 6/8 295
Unit 6: Rhythmic Words 299
Appendix 1: Glossary of Terms 300
Appendix 2: Flash Cards 306
11
12
Chapter 1
Ground School
Unit 1: Choosing a Guitar
Unit 2: Guitar Care
Unit 3: Parts of the Guitar
Unit 4: Guitar Position
13
Unit 1: Choosing a Guitar
• It is not uncommon that new students of the guitar feel physically challenged.
• Some believe that it is their lack of ability that prevents them from
progressing.
• It is more often the case, however, that it is the instrument itself that is
holding the student behind.
TOO LARGE Perfect!
Shapes and Sizes

There are many shapes and sizes of guitars. If you are a small person, the last thing
you want is a big guitar. It will force your body to contort in order to hold it. This,
in turn, may lead to extreme joint positions which may cause physical injury in the
form of tendonitis or carpal tunnel syndrome.
There is a very popular style of acoustic steel string guitar called a dreadnought.
This type of guitar has an extremely large lower bout and a shallow waist which
makes holding it difficult for shorter people. The solution is to avoid such a large
instrument and get a smaller bodied guitar.
There is rarely a problem with acoustic nylon string guitars (also known as
classical). These are the ideal beginning guitars. They are traditionally smaller in
body size and nylon strings have much less tension than steel strings. This makes for
much easier playing. If this is still to large for you, try a 3/4 sized guitar.
14
Action and String Tension
Action is the term used to describe the distance from the string to the fretboard.
The greater the distance the harder the tension. If the action is high, it will require
more physical strength to press the string. If the action is too low, your notes will
have a "buzzing" quality as the string vibrates against the frets. It is ideal to set the
action as low as it can be without the strings buzzing.
Some guitars have mechanically adjustable action at the bridge. This is found almost
exclusively on electric guitars. Other guitars may have the action adjusted by
changing the height of the saddle. To lower the action, the saddle can be filed. To
add height, a shim may be placed under the saddle or a new saddle can be made.
This should be done by someone who knows what they're doing. It is well worth
bringing the instrument to a professional to have this done right.
About 1/8 inch from the top of the 12th fret to the bottom of the string provides
a comfortable playing action.
;
If the action has been adjusted and the tension is still too hard, you may consider
using different tension strings. For electric guitars, a set of strings with the first
string at .008 or .009 should do the trick. For acoustic steel string guitars use extra-
light strings. Light is not light enough! You may also use Silk and Steel strings.
These have about half the tension of regular steel strings and are much easier on the
fingers. There is rarely a problem with nylon string guitars, but there are low,
medium and hard tension sets available, so choose what works best for you.
15
Sound
If you are choosing an electric guitar, your sound is made up of many factors. This
includes the pickups in the guitar, the amplifier you're plugged into and any signal
processing you may be using. While it helps to have a great guitar, your sound is
only as good as the total quality of the equipment being used.
If you are choosing an acoustic steel or nylon string guitar, your sound is mainly
produced from the top (soundboard). If you have a low-priced instrument, it
probably has a plywood (laminated) top covered with a veneer to make it look nice.
Plywood is hard to vibrate, therefore your sound will be quiet and relatively thin. If,
however, you have a solid-top your sound will be much bigger.
The two most common woods used on guitar tops are cedar and spruce. Cedar
generally has a darker sound and spruce generally has a brighter sound. The
thickness of the top and how it is braced is as important as the type of wood used.
Other factors in the sound of acoustic steel and nylon string guitars have to do with
the types of wood used on the back, sides, neck and finger board.
Left-Handed People
It seems that guitarists are the only people who would consider flipping their
instrument around to accommodate being left handed. In fact, there are no such
things as left-handed pianos, harps, woodwinds, brass, etc... Playing the guitar is an
ambidextrous (equally both handed) activity. In many respects, it is to the advantage
of the left handed individual to play in the standardized manner. If, however, you
are already accomplished at playing in a left handed fashion, it may be more difficult
to break your habits at this point.
Looks
This is perhaps the most subjective item in choosing a guitar. It is more important to
some than others. The fact of the matter is that you will have this instrument for a
long time and its appearance may be important to you. While playability and sound
should be primary considerations, appearance can be important to some.
Cases
After choosing a guitar, the last thing you want is to bang it into something, or let it
get rained on. It is only common sense to get a good case.
16
Unit 2: Guitar Care
The best thing you can do to maintain the quality of your guitar is to keep it in its
case when you are not playing it. This protects it from the numerous dangers in the
average household.
Protect your guitar from extreme changes in temperature and humidity. Most
guitars are made of wood. Wood expands when wet and cracks if it is dried out.
During the winter, when the air is dry, you may want to use a guitar humidifier to
maintain the moisture in the wood. During the spring, when the air is humid, you
may want to throw a couple of packs of silica gel packets in your case to absorb the
excess moisture. Anywhere between 40%-60% humidity is ideal for most guitars.
Unit 3: Parts of the Guitar

Head
Tuners
Nut
Frets
Neck/
Fingerboard
Sides
Soundhole
Body
Rosette
Soundboard
Bridge
Saddle
17
Unit 4: Guitar Position
An Order of Priorities
• Injury Prevention - Playing a musical instrument is a lifelong skill. It is
important to position the guitar and your body in a manner that minimizes
the potential for repetitive motion injuries. In short, the joints should not be in
an extreme, extended or flexed position.
• Technical Facilitation/Stability - The guitar should be positioned so that

the player has access to the entire fingerboard without contorting the body. In
addition, the guitar must be stable. Can you imagine playing a piano that is
rolling around the floor? Many beginning students position guitars in ways
that allow the instrument to move with every note that is pressed by the left
hand. This makes it difficult to develop a firm technical foundation.
• Comfort/Relaxation - Comfort is perhaps best described as not being

uncomfortable. Sitting upright in a chair is not the most comfortable
position, but it is not uncomfortable. The most relaxed state for the human
being is laying down in bed. This does little for technical facilitation.
Step 1
Without the Guitar
• Relax your shoulders and raise

your left arm from the elbow and
bring it to a playing position.
• Swing your right arm from the

elbow so that your hand is in front
of your stomach.
18
Step 2
• Bring the guitar to you.

• Do not change your body to accommodate the guitar.
• It doesn’t matter what type of guitar you play, your body position is
the priority.
• There are many different ways to position guitars in a healthy
playing position, some are illustrated by the following pictures.
Steel String Guitar. Left leg Classical Guitar elevated by a

elevated by a footstool. guitar support (by Lance Linchfield).
Guitar - 1953 Gibson SJ-200 Guitar - 2003 Smallman & Sons
Electric Guitar brought to Classical/Electric Hybrid brought

position by a strap. to position by a strap.
Guitar - Epiphone Special Guitar - 2001 by Paul McGill
19
Chapter 1 Review
Part I: True or False.
1. _______________ Small people should play large guitars.
2. _______________ Nylon stringed guitars are commonly known as classical

guitars.
3. _______________ Action is the term used to describe the distance from the
string to the fretboard.
4. _______________ The sound of an electric guitar primarily comes from the

soundboard.
5. _______________ Lower priced steel and nylon string guitars usually have a
soundboard made of plywood.
6. _______________ It is best to keep your guitar in its case when you are not
playing it.
7. _______________ Wood expands when it is humid (wet).
8. _______________ During the winter, when the air is dry, a guitar humidifier
can help to maintain appropriate moisture in the wood.
9. _______________ It is important to hold the guitar in a position that promotes

physical strain and injury.
10. _______________You should not change your body to accommodate the

guitar.
20
Part II: Label the parts of the guitar with the letter from the list below.
Parts List
a. body h. head
b. side i. nut
c. strings j. neck
d. soundhole k. soundboard
e. rosette l. bridge
f. frets m. saddle
g. neck/fingerboard n. tuners
21
Chapter 2
Introduction to
Rhythmic Notation
Unit 1: Sounded Rhythmic Values

Sounded Rhythmic Values (q h h. & w )
Rests ( & )
Measures & Time Signatures
Music in Two Parts
Unit 2: Tempo
Unit 3: Eighth Notes/Rests (   &  )
22
Unit 1: Sounded Rhythmic Values
Rhythmic notation is used to represent the organization of time into regular beats
or pulses. These beats can be subdivided or added together to create short or long
durations.
Rhythmic Value Symbol Duration
Quarter Note q = 1 beat
Half Note h = 2 beats
Dotted Half Note* h. = 3 beats
Whole Note w = 4 beats
Table 1. The table above is based on the quarter note as the beat.
* A dot placed after a note adds half of that note’s value to itself.
Anatomy of Note Symbols
Noteheads are oval shapes that may be solid or hollow. Hollow noteheads
are used for half notes and larger values. Solid noteheads are used for
quarter notes and smaller values. Noteheads for half notes and smaller
values are slanted. Noteheads for whole notes are not slanted. Noteheads
are also used for identifying pitch by their placement on the musical staff
(See Chapter 5).
Stems are attached to the noteheads of half notes and smaller. If a

notehead is on the middle line of the musical staff, the stem may be drawn
in an upward or downward direction. If the notehead is below the middle
line, the stem is drawn upward and if the notehead is above the middle
line, the stem is drawn downward.
Noteheads Stems
Noteheads
Stems
23
Rhythm Exercises Group 1
• Clap or play these rhythms on the guitar. You may play on open strings,
incorporate various left hand finger patterns, pick alternation, and/or right
hand finger alternations.
24
Rests
Rests are silent note values. For every sounded rhythmic value, there is an
equivalent silent value.
Rhythmic Value Symbol Duration
Quarter Rest = 1 beat
Half Rest = 2 beats
Dotted Half Rest* = 3 beats
Whole Rest = 4 beats
Table 2. The table above is based on the quarter note as the beat.
* A dot placed after a rest adds half of that rest’s value to itself.
Half and Whole Rests

Similar but Different
Half rests and whole rests look almost identical. The difference is that a
half rest is a solid rectangle that sits on top of a line and the whole rest
hangs from a line.
Half Rest Whole Rest
Play Your Rests!

• To play a rest, you must stop your strings from vibrating.
• Play and hear the difference between these two rhythms:
and
25
• Clap or play these rhythms on the guitar. You may play on open strings,
incorporate various left hand finger patterns, pick alternation, and/or right
hand finger alternations. Be sure to play the rests!
26
Measures & Time Signatures
In rhythmic notation, groups of recurring beats are organized into larger units called
measures. Measures are separated by bar lines. From the beginning of a piece of
music to the first bar line is a measure. From one bar line to the next is also a
measure. The last measure of a piece is indicated with an end bar line.
c
A time signature is an accent system. The first beat of each measure is
4
accented. Other beats may be strong or weak. The top number of a time
∑
signature represents the number of beats in a measure and the bottom
4
number identifies the type of rhythmic value counted as a beat.
Also referred to as common time and represented by c ∑

There are four beats in each measure.
∑ ∑
4
34 ∑
∑ ∑
4
∑ ∑
8
There are three beats in each measure.
∑
4
2 ∑
4
∑ ∑
12
∑ ∑∑
4 There are two beats in each measure.
∑
16
∑ ∑
8
27
∑ ∑
20
∑ ∑
4
8 24
Clap or play these rhythms on your guitar. You may play on open strings,
incorporate various left hand finger patterns, pick alternation, and/or right hand
finger alternations. Be sure to make a difference between strong and weak beats!
28
Music in Two Parts
• The guitar is capable of playing more than one musical part at the same time,
i.e. bass & melody. Separate parts are notated with stems drawn in opposite
directions.
These exercises may be performed several different ways.
1. One person/group claps or plays Part 1 while the other person/group
claps/plays Part 2.
2. One person taps the exercise with the right hand on Part 1 and the left hand
on Part 2.
3. After Right Hand Position is introduced in Chapter 3, come back to this
page and play the exercises with i, m, or a on Part 1 and p on Part 2.
29
Chapter 2: Review 1
1. _______________ A rest is a silent note value.
2. _______________ An end bar usually appears at the beginning of a piece.
3. _______________ Time signatures are an accent system.
4. _______________ From one bar line to the next is called a beat.
5. _______________ The first beat of each measure is accented.
6. _______________ For every sounded rhythmic value there is an equivalent

silent rhythmic value.
7. _______________ All noteheads are hollow.
8. _______________ Stems may be drawn upward or downward from a

notehead without changing the rhythmic value.
9. _______________ All beats, within a measure, are weak.
10. _______________ In two-part music, stems are drawn in opposite directions.
Part II: Greater than (>), less than (<), or equal to (=) .
1.  ___  6.  ___ .
2.  ___   7.  ___ w
3. w ___  8.  ___ 
4. . ___    9.  ___ 
5.  ___ . 10. . ___   
30
Part III: Label the beats.
Part IV: Each of these measures is incomplete. Complete the measures using only
one rhythmic value (sounded or silent).
31
Part V: Label (insert) the time signature.
32
Unit 2: Tempo
• Tempo refers to the speed and character of the music. Composers often
suggest the tempo of a piece at the beginning of the printed music. It may be
indicated either numerically or descriptively. While tempo refers to the speed
of the music, relationships between rhythmic values stay the same. A half
note will always be half the value of a whole note and a quarter note will
always be half the value of a half note.
Numeric Tempo Markings

Metronomes are devices that define tempo in beats per
minute. For example, if a metronome were set on 60, it
would click or beep 60 times per minute (or once per
second). If a metronome were set on 120, it would click
or beep 120 times per minute (or twice per second).
Composers, arrangers, and publishers often indicate

tempo with metronome markings. To experience the
same rhythm at various tempi (plural of tempo), play
the rhythm below with the suggested metronome
markings.
q = 40
q = 60
q = 80
q = 120
33
Descriptive Tempo Markings
• Some composers prefer a descriptive language to indicate tempo. Rather than
giving a strict numeric value, they prefer to leave some amount of flexibility
for various performers and acoustical conditions.
• Italian terms for various tempi have become standard. These terms were in
use well before J.N. Maelzel’s metronome (patented in 1815). Some Italian
tempo indications suggest indications of mood as well as speed. For example,
the word allegro means “cheerful,” grave is our word “grave,” and largo
means “wide” or “spacious.”
Common Tempo Indications
lento, largo, grave - very slow

adagio - slow
larghetto - somewhat faster than largo
andante - on the slow side, but not too slow
andantino - somewhat faster than andante
moderato - moderate tempo
allegretto - on the fast side, but not too fast
allegro - fast
vivace - lively
presto - quick, fast
prestissimo - very fast
Tempo Changes
accelerando (accel.) - gradually getting faster

ritardando (rit.), rallentando (rall.) - gradually getting slower
piú lento - slower
piú allegro - faster
fermata () - hold the specified note/chord indefinitely
rubato - a short change in tempo, stealing time and giving it
back.
34
Chapter 2: Review 2
Part I: Multiple choice. Circle the correct answer.
1. Tempo refers to ____________________.
a. the speed and mood of the music

b. a fashion magazine
c. a part-time job.
2. The metronome was patented by J.N. Maelzel in ______________________.
a. 2006
b. 1410
c. 1815
3. An example of a numeric tempo marking is _______________________.
a. Andante
b. Largo
c. q = 80
4. The standard language for qualitative tempo markings is ________________.
a. Italian
b. German
c. French
5. Which of these terms is an indication to change tempo?
a. allegretto
b. accelerando
c. presto
35
Unit 3: Eighth Notes/Rests
A beat can be divided into two parts: a downbeat and an upbeat.
• Tap your foot and clap while you count quarter notes in common time.
• Notice that your foot goes down on each count. These are downbeats.
• Notice that your foot goes up between counts. These are upbeats.
Downbeat Upbeat
• Now clap on the downbeats and upbeats.

• Continue to count the downbeats as “1, 2, 3, 4” and say the word “and” on
the upbeats.
• CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! You are now clapping and counting eighth
notes.
Eighth Notes
• Eighth notes look like quarter notes with a flag.
E
• When more than one eighth note appears in succession, the flags may be
replaced by a beam that connects one eighth to another.
e
beam 
;
;
flag
flag

;
beam
Eighth Rests
‰
• Eighth rests have the same value as eighth notes, but are silent.
• Eight rests look like the number 7 with a curl.
36
Counting Eighth Notes
• When counting eighth notes, continue to count quarter notes as downbeats.
• Say the word “and” on the upbeats.
• To label eighth notes, the “+” sign will be used instead of the word “and”.
37
Chapter 2: Review 3
Part I: Greater than (>), less than (<), or equal to (=)
1.  ___  6.  ___ .
2.  ___   7.  ___  
3. w ___  8.  ___ w

4. . ___   9.   ___ w
5.  ___  10.   ___ .
Part II: Label the beats and upbeats.
38
Part III: Each of these measures is incomplete. Complete the measures using only
Part IV: Label the time signature.
39
Chapter 3
Fingerstyle
&
Pickstyle
Unit 1: Fingerstyle
Right Hand Finger Names
Beginning Right Hand Position
Free Strokes
Unit 2: Pickstyle
Holding a Pick
Downstrokes and Upstrokes
40
Unit 1: Fingerstyle
• Fingerstyle technique is used for playing single notes as well as
music with two or more parts.
Right Hand Finger Names
i
m
a
p = pulgar (thumb)
i = indice (index)
m = medio (middle)
a = anular (ring)
c = cuatro - meñique (pinkie)
41
General Right Hand Position
The left side of the fingernails should contact the string.
p =^%$
i =#
m=@
a =!
a m
;
i
!
@
# p
$
%
^
(c is not used in the beginning stages)
*Circled numbers refer to strings (! @ # $ % ^).
• Free stroke is a common stroke for playing individual strings.

• A free stroke is made by plucking a string without making contact with
adjacent strings.
42
• Rest stroke is a common stroke for playing individual strings.
• A rest stroke is made by “resting” the finger on the adjacent string once the
stroke has been made.
• P Stroke (Thumb Stroke). P moves primarily from the wrist joint.

• Once the stroke is made, p should should follow-through to the left side of
the fingers (outside of the hand).
43
General Right Hand Position Exercises
*simili - a word used to mean ‘play as before’. It is used particularly if

repeating a pattern of articulation to avoid clutter in the musical score.
44
Fingerstyle Alternation Exercises
• It is a common technique to alternate two fingers with each other.

• This allows for smoother and faster connections of successive notes on the
same string. Alternation is also an important technique to develop for speed.
• The most common finger combination for alternation is “i” and “m”.
45
Unit 2: Playing With a Pick
• Picks are commonly used for playing single notes and strumming
chords.
Holding a Pick
Some guitarists prefer to hold Other guitarists prefer to hold

the pick between the thumb the pick with the thumb, index
and the index finger. and middle fingers.
Three Common Hand Positions
• Floating position is primarily used to strum chords.

• Side of Hand and Fingertip positions are used for stability and
control when playing single strings, a select number of strings, and
special effects.
Floating Side of Hand Fingertip
46
Downstrokes and Upstrokes
Downstrokes and Downstrums
• The symbol is placed above a note(s) to indicate a downstroke or

downstrum. Downstrokes are for individual strings, downstrums are for
multiple strings.
• Downstrokes and downstrums are made by moving the pick in a downward

direction.
Downstroke Downstrum
Upstrokes and Upstrums
• The symbol is placed above a note(s) to indicate an upstroke.
• Upstrokes are made by moving the pick in a upward direction.
Upstroke Upstrum
47
Pickstyle Alternation Exercises
• It is a common technique to alternate downstrokes and upstrokes.

• This allows for smoother and faster connections of successive notes on the
same string. Alternation is also an important technique to develop for speed.
48
Chapter 3 Review
Part I: Matching. Items from the right column may be used more than once.
1. _____ thumb a. index finger
2. _____ upstroke b. middle finger
3. _____ anular c. downstroke
4. _____ m d. p
5. _____ e.
6. _____ alternation f. c
7. _____ indice g. ring finger
8. _____ pulgar h. i and m
9. _____ pinkie
10. _____ medio
Part II: True or False
1. _______________ Floating position is primarily used for strumming chords

with a pick.
2. _______________ When making a free stroke, the finger makes contact with
several strings.
3. _______________ Upstrokes are notated with .
4. _______________ Downstrokes are notated with .
5. _______________ p (the thumb) plays strings ^ % and $ in general right hand

position.
49
Chapter 4
The Left Hand

Unit 1: The Left Hand
Left Hand Finger Names
Pressing the String
Unit 2: Fingerboard Diagrams
Unit 3: Positions
Unit 4: Left Hand Exercises
50
Unit 1: The Left Hand Finger Names
1 2
3
2 1
3
51
Pressing the String
• Playing the guitar shouldn’t hurt. If the guitar is positioned well (pp. 18 - 19),
strings can be pressed with a minimal amount of effort.
Tips for Minimizing Left Hand Tension

• Keep left hand fingernails as short as possible.
• Press with the tip of your finger.
• Place fingertip just behind the fret wire.
• Do not squeeze the string all the way to the fingerboard.
• Only apply enough pressure to get a good sound.
52
Unit 2: Fingerboard Diagrams
• Fingerboard diagrams are simply a representation of your fingerboard if it
were facing you.
• Horizontal lines represent frets.
• Vertical lines represent strings. Strings are labeled with circled numerals.
First Position Diagram

This diagram illustrates the
first five frets of the guitar.
The nut is present in this
diagram.
^ % $ # @ !
^% $ # @ ! Nut
Frets
53
Other Position Diagram
This diagram represents a
section of the fingerboard. A
Roman numeral in the upper
left hand corner indicates the
position represented. (This
diagram begins at the 5th
fret). Note that the nut is not
present in this diagram.
^ % $ # @ !
V
54
Reading a Fingerboard Diagram
• A circle drawn above a fingerboard

diagram indicates an open string.
• Open strings are played by plucking the

string (with the right hand) which is
indicated by the circle.
• This example indicates that string @

should be played as an open string.
• A solid dot placed on a fingerboard

diagram indicates the location of a
particular note or group of notes.
• This diagram indicates that string #

should be pressed at the 2nd fret.
V
• This diagram indicates that string $
should be pressed at the 7th fret.
55
Unit 3: Positions
A position is a four finger to four fret relationship which is named after the fret that
the first finger occupies.
• These pictures both illustrate Position II (second position).

• Notice that each finger is assigned to a fret.
Position I Position V
This diagram illustrates the four This diagram illustrates the four
finger to four fret coverage of finger to four fret coverage of
position I (first position). position V (fifth position).
1 1 1 1 1 1 V 1 1 1 1 1 1
2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4
56
Unit 4: Left Hand Exercises
Goals for Left Hand Exercises
• Develop finger independence
• Make a nice sound with the least amount of pressure
• Establish a consistent point of contact on the tip of each finger
• Maintain a consistent hand position from string to string
Note: It is recommended for beginners to play these exercises in fifth position or higher. Frets are
further apart in the lower positions and require a larger stretch between fingers. These exercises
may be played in the lower positions as the fingers become more flexible and independent.
• Start on string ^ and play the lowest numbered finger followed

by the higher numbered finger.
• Repeat this sequence on the remaining strings (% $ # @ !).
• After playing !, reverse direction and return to ^.
Exercise 1 Exercise 2
1 1 1 1 1 1
2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
3 3 3 3 3 3
1 1 1 1 1 1
3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
4 4 4 4 4 4
57
1 1 1 1 1 1
2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
3 3 3 3 3 3
4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4
More Left Hand Exercises

Now try the same approach with these finger combinations:
Exercise 7: 1324 Exercise 12: 3412
For further exercises, combine two or more of these combinations

or create exercises of your own.
58
Chapter 4 Review
Part I: Multiple choice. Circle the correct answer.
1. The left hand fingers are labeled with ________________________.
a. Roman numerals
b. letters
c. circled numbers
d. regular numbers
2. Positions are labeled with ___________________________.
a. Roman numerals
b. letters
c. circled numbers
d. regular numbers
3. Strings are labeled with ____________________________.
a. Roman numerals
b. letters
c. circled numbers
d. regular numbers
4. A circle drawn above a fingerboard diagram indicates __________________.
a. an open string
b. a left hand position
c. a right hand finger
d. a whole note
5. A solid dot placed on a fingerboard diagram indicates __________________.
a. an open string
b. a right hand finger
c. a whole note
d. the location of a particular note or group of notes.
59
Part II: True or False.
1. _______________ A position refers to a four finger to four fret relationship

named after the fret that the first finger occupies.
2. _______________ It is important to squeeze a string down with all of your

might to get a good sound.
3. _______________ Fingernails should be kept long on the the left hand.
4. _______________ The top fret in an “other position” fingerboard chart is

indicated by a Roman numeral in the upper left corner.
5. _______________ The left hand fingers are p, i, m, a.
Part III: Label the left hand fingers.
60
Chapter 5
Pitch Notation
Unit 1: Musical Staff

Lines and Spaces
Clefs
Unit 2: Musical Alphabet

Musical Alphabet on the Staff
Ledger Lines
Unit 3: Octave Identification
Unit 4: Helpful Hints
61
Unit 1: The Musical Staff
• The musical staff consists of five horizontal lines and four spaces. These
lines do not represent the strings of the guitar.
Space
Space
Lines Space
Space
Clefs
• Clef signs are placed at the beginning of a staff to indicate the pitch range
of a particular staff.
• Low pitched instruments such as bass guitar and tuba are notated in bass
clef (also called F Clef).
Bass Clef (or F Clef)

• Higher pitched instruments such as flute and violin are notated in
treble clef (also called ‘G clef’).
• The guitar is notated in treble clef, although it actually sounds an

octave (eight notes) lower than where it is written.
• The technically correct clef for the guitar is a treble clef with the
number “8” written below it. This represents that the guitar sounds
an octave lower. Most music for guitar is published without the “8”.
Treble Clef (or G Clef)

(This is most often used for guitar.)
Treble Clef
Sounding one octave lower
is the technically correct clef
for guitar.
62
Unit 2: The Musical Alphabet
The musical alphabet is:
A B C D E F G
Music ascends and descends, therefore it is helpful to realize that the musical
alphabet does too:
G
F F
E E
D D
C C
➚
A
B
➚ B
A
The musical alphabet starts over after the letter “G” and is infinite in both
ascending and descending directions. Also notice that it does not have to begin with
the letter “A”:
...E F G A B C D E F G A B C D E F G A B...
↔
Practice Exercise
Say the musical alphabet forward and backward until you can ascend and
descend without effort. Try starting on different letters.
63
The Musical Alphabet on the Staff
• Once a clef is assigned to a musical staff, the lines and spaces represent
specific notes (pitches).
• Lower notes are written on the lower lines and spaces and higher notes are
written on the higher lines and spaces.
• Noteheads placed on the lines and spaces indicate which notes are played on
your instrument.
• The bottom line in the treble clef is an “E”. The letters of the musical
alphabet ascend (or descend) alternating between lines and spaces.
Ledger Lines
• Ledger lines are short horizontal lines used to extend the range of the staff.
• The musical alphabet continues to ascend or descend alternating between lines
and spaces.
• When ledger lines are used below the staff, space notes are written below the
line(s).
• When ledger lines are used above the staff, space notes are written above the
line(s).
Ledger lines below the staff:
Ledger lines above the staff:
64
Unit 3: Octave Identification
• An octave is the distance between two notes that share the same letter name.
Start on any letter of the musical alphabet and count the number of notes
until you reach the same letter. They are eight notes apart (8 = “oct”).
• The note range of the guitar is nearly four octaves. To minimize confusion, an
octave identification system is introduced here.
Octave 1:
Octave 2
Octave 3:
Octave 4:
65
Unit 4: Helpful Hints
for Octave 1
Many people have difficulty in recognizing ledger line notes below the staff. These
are some helpful (if not corny) hints that may help you to identify these notes more
quickly.
If you imagine a line on the side of the ledger lines and you look
above the notehead, you can see a capital letter E and F:
E1: F1:
If you imagine a curved line A1 looks like an airplane

connecting the top ledger line from the front view. A is
to the notehead, you can see a for airplane.
capital letter G.
G1: A1:
B1 looks as if someone is C1 looks like a cat. D1 is “down under”

balancing a book on their C is for cat. the staff. D is for
head. B is for book. down.
66
Helpful Hints
for Notes on the Staff
• E is on the bottom line.
• F is the next letter of the alphabet and it is on the top line.
• B is on the middle line. If you were to draw a capital B, the center of the
letter is on the middle line. You might also think of B as being BETWEEN
the the other lines.
• Once you know the top, bottom and middle notes of the staff can act as
visual references. You can then find other notes by going up or down in the
musical alphabet.
B
E F
The spaces on the staff simply spell FACE:
F A C E
The lines can be remembered as follows:
Every Green Booger Dries Fast
OK! So it’s gross.... but you’ll never forget it. Will you?
67
Helpful Hints
Two More FACES
In addition to the spaces on the staff, the word FACE is also spelled on the
ledger lines below and above the staff.
Low Face:
F A C E
High Face:
F A C E
68
Chapter 5 Review
Exercise 1
Write the notes names with octave identification.
Exercise 2
Write the requested notes on the staff.
69
Chapter 6
Note Introduction
Unit 1: Upside Down and Backward
Unit 2: The Open Strings
Intervals
Tuning the Open Strings
Tuning with Unisons
Open String Exercises
Unit 3: New Notes E1, F1, & G1
Power Chords E5, F5, & G5
Unit 4: New Notes A1, B1, & C1 in Pos. I & V
Power Chords A5, B5, & C5
Unit 5: New Notes D1,E2, & F2 in Pos. I & V
Power Chords D5, E5, & F5
Lead Sheet Format
Repeat Signs
First and Second Endings
Unit 6: New Notes G2, A2, & B2 in Pos. I & V
Whole Steps & Half Steps
Accidentals
Introduction to Key Signatures
Unit 7: New Notes B2, C2, & D2 in Pos. I & IV
Bars, Guide Fingers, & Anchors
Score and Parts
Unit 8: New Notes E3, F3, & G3 in Pos. I & V
Bars, Guide Fingers, & Anchors
Score and Parts
Unit 9: New Notes A3, B3, & C3 in Pos. V
References for Position V
70
Unit 1: Upside Down & Backward
When it comes to learning the location of notes on the guitar, you may find
that the guitar is upside down and backward. Here are some reasons why:
1. The lower sounding strings are physically located higher, while higher
sounding strings are physically located lower.
2. The highest sounding string has the lowest string number (!), while the
lowest sounding string has the highest string number (^).
3. Fret numbers and pitches are higher at physically lower points on the
fingerboard.
^
%
ard
. $
erbo #
fing @
he !
ont
r
he
hig
s are
ote
ndn .
ets
a
oard
r fr rb
we ge
Lo fin
he
ont
er
low
s are
te
d no
n
etsa
fr
her
Hig
71
Common Terminology
• Terminology for discussing notes on the fingerboard is defined by pitch.
• Higher positions, frets, and notes are referred to as being on the upper part of
the fingerboard.
• Lower positions, frets, and notes are referred to as being on the lower part of
the fingerboard.
• The lower numbered strings are referred to as the higher strings.
• The higher numbered strings are referred to as lower strings.
w er ^
Lo %
$
#
@
!
r
ighe
H
r
ighe er
H w
Lo
72
Unit 2: The Open Strings
The open strings are tuned to these notes:
^ % $ # @ !
E1 A1 D1 G2 B2 E3
73
Intervals
Notice that the notes of the open strings are not in alphabetical order. They
are tuned in intervals of 4ths and a 3rd.
• An interval is the distance between two notes. From E1 to A1 is an

interval of a 4th
4th
• From G2 to B2 is an interval of a 3rd.
3rd
• The open strings of the guitar are all tuned a 4th apart with the exception
of G2 to B2.
^ % $ # @ !
4th
4th 3rd
4th
4th
74
Tuning the Open Strings
Matching Pitch
• Matching the pitch of your strings to a pitch

source is an important skill to develop.
➥
• If your string sounds too low, it is loose.
Hig
• If your string sounds too high, it is tight.
he
r L
Pitch Sources
➥ ow
1. The CD that will come with this book.
er
2. A keyboard.
(Middle C)
^ % $ # @ !
E1 A1 D1 G2 B2 E3
3. A Tuning Fork.
To check your tuning abilities, you

may want to use an electronic tuner.
Just follow the directions supplied
by the manufacturer.
75
Tuning with Unisons
• Unisons are notes that are the exact same pitch.
• Most notes on the guitar can be played in more than one location.
• The fingerboard diagram below illustrates an additional location (unison) for
all of the open strings except for E1 (there is no unison for E1). By knowing
your notes in more than one location, you can tune your guitar by matching
pitch from string to string.
A1 D1 G2 B2 E3
B2
A1 D1 G2 E3
Directions for Tuning with Unisons

1. Tune your sixth string ^ (E1) to a pitch source (CD, teacher, tuner,
etc...).
2. Now that the sixth string ^ is in tune, play A1 at the fifth fret as a
pitch source to tune the open fifth string % (A1).
3. Once your fifth string % is in tune, play D1 at the fifth fret as a
pitch source for the open fourth string $ (D1).
4. Once your fourth string $ is in tune, play G2 at the fifth fret as a
pitch source for the open third string # (G2).
5. Once your third string # is in tune, play B2 at the fourth fret as a
pitch source for the open second string @ (B2). Note: Be sure that you
play B2 at the fourth fret (not the fifth fret).
6 . Once your second string @ is in tune, play E3 at the fifth fret as a
pitch source for the open first string ! (E3).
76
Flash Cards
Quiz the notes you have learned so far with flash cards.
E1 A1 D1
G2 B2 E3
• Have a partner quiz you with the flashcards.
• You must say the name of the note and play it in all locations
that you have learned so far. (All of these notes should be
played in two locations with the exception of E1).
• If you play and say the correct note, your partner should place
the card on the music stand.
• If you say or play the wrong note the card goes back in the
deck.
• You must continue until the entire deck is on the stand.
• The first time through the deck is untimed.
• The quiz continues by reducing the response time: 5 seconds, 4,

seconds, 3 seconds, 2 seconds, 1 second, and immediate.
77
Open String Exercises
• 1a and 2a are to be played fingerstyle while 1b and 2b are to be played with
a pick.
78
Open String Alternation Exercises
• These exercises should be played twice: once with fingerstyle technique and
once with pick style technique.
79
Pick Style Strumming Exercises
Chord Rhythm Notation

• Once a chord has been established, repetition of the chord is
often notated with altered noteheads.
• This simplifies pitch notation when dealing with multiple notes.
...E F G A B C D E F G A B C D E F G A B...
80
Fingerstyle Exercises
81
Chapter 6 - Units 1 & 2 Review
1. _______________ String ! is the lowest sounding string on the guitar.
2. _______________ String ^ is the lowest sounding string on the guitar.
3. _______________ The 12th fret is higher than the 1st fret.
4. _______________ E1 is played on string !.
5. _______________ All of the open strings can be played in more than one
location with the exception of E1.
6. _______________ An interval is the distance between two notes.
7. _______________ From G2 to B2 is the interval of a 3rd.
8. _______________ Pick style technique is best for playing music with two or
more parts.
9. _______________ Unisons are notes that are the exact same pitch.
10. _______________ An octave is the distance between two notes that share the
same letter name.
11. _______________ String @ sounds higher than string %.
82
Part IIa: Write the name of each note below. The first one is done for you as an
example.
G2
Part IIb: Mark the location of the notes above on the fingerboard diagram below.
Mark two locations for each of these notes with the exception of one of
them. Label the locations with the numbers from above. The first one
is done for you as an example.
83
Unit 3
Notes You Have Learned So Far
E1 A1 D1 G2 B2 E3
A1 D1 G2 B2 E3
B2
A1 D1 G2 E3
84
New Notes E1, F1, & G1
• Although E1 has already been introduced, it is included here to show its
relationship to F1 and G1.
• There is only one location for E1, F1, & G1 on the guitar.
E1
F1
G1
Note: Remember that in Position I, finger 1 will play the first

fret and finger 3 will play the third fret.
85
Flash Cards
E1 F1 G1
A1 D1 G2
B2 E3
that you have learned so far.
deck.

86
Exercises With E1, F1, & G1
For each exercise:
• Clap the rhythm.
• Say the name of the note out loud in rhythm.
• Finger the notes with the left hand while saying the note names out loud in
rhythm.
• Play the notes while saying the names of the notes out loud in rhythm.
• The optional chord accompaniment may be played by the teacher or a
student who already knows the chords.
87
First Solo Pieces
• Lazy Day, Sleepy Sloth’s Sunday Slumber, and Wakin’
Up are all solo pieces. You can play these pieces by yourself
and they sound complete.
• At first glance, they may look difficult, but as you study them
you will see that each piece has repetitive rhythmic and right
hand finger patterns.
• To have a good understanding of the music, play each part (stems

up & stems down) separately.
• It can also be helpful to play these as a duet or two-part

ensemble. Divide the class so that half of the class plays the
stems up while the other half of the class plays the stems down.
• Once you have been introduced to how the pieces sound when the
parts are put together, you will be better prepared to play them
on your own.
• You will probably be surprised at how easy it is to play music

that sounds good with you current musical knowledge.
88
89
Power Chords with E, F, & G as the Root
• A chord is made up of two or more notes that are played at the same time.
• A root is the lowest note of a chord. Chords are named after the root.
• Power chords are chords made of two notes the interval of a 5th apart.
• Power chords are named by the root and the suffix “5” (which stands for
“5th): E5, F5, G5, etc...
• Power chords are used primarily in rock music.
- Root of chord - Open string is root of chord.

1 or 3 - Finger that plays the note. X - Do not play this string.
E5 F5
X X X X X X X X
G5
X X X X
90
Palm Mute
• Palm Mute is a technique often used along with power chords.
• Lay the right side of your right hand across the saddle and strum.
• Your skin acts as a mute on the strings.
• This is a refinement of the side of hand position introduced on page 46.
• The abbreviation for palm mute is P.M.
91
Balance and Dynamics
• Rock Star (p. 93) is a trio. This means that it was written for three people (or
three groups of people) to play together.
• In music, there is a hierarchy (classification of things according to relative

importance) of parts: Melody (the part you can sing) is most important; bass
is second in importance (it is the foundation of the harmony), and
accompanimental parts give harmonic and rhythmic support to the melody
and bass.
• You might think about this in terms of rock and popular music. The lead
singer must be heard over the entire group. The bass is the strongest part
under the melody. Then the rhythm section (guitars, keyboards, & drums) fill
in the “empty space” by supporting the melody and reinforcing the bass.
• Balance is the word used to describe the hierarchy of musical parts. When all
the parts are playing at levels that reveal the musical hierarchy, balance is
achieved.
• Dynamics in music refer to the loudness and softness (or volume level) of
sound. Here are the musical abbreviations, terms and definitions for musical
dynamics:
π
Abbreviation Term Definition
p pianissimo very quiet
P
piano quiet
F
mezzo piano moderately quiet
f
mezzo forte moderately loud
ƒ
forte loud
fortissimo very loud
• Note the use of dynamic markings in Rock Star.
92
93
Chapter 6 - Unit 3 Review
Part I - True or False.
1. _______________ A chord is made up of two or more notes.
2. _______________ With relation to the guitar, P.M. stands for Play Music.
3. _______________ A root is the lowest note of a chord.
4. _______________ Chords are named after strings.
5. _______________ Power chords are made up of the interval of a 5th.
6. _______________ Melody is the least important part of music.
7. _______________ ƒstands for very fast.

8. _______________ pstands for quiet.
9. _______________ Balance, in music, is the ability to play the guitar holding it
behind your back while you stand on one foot.
10. _______________ Dynamics, in music, refers to the personality of the

performer(s).
11. _______________ A trio is a piece of music written in three parts.
12. _______________ The suffix “5” that is used in labeling power chords
indicates the fret in which to play the note “E”.
94
Part IIa: Write the name of each note below. The first one is done for you as an
example.
B2
Part IIb: Mark the location of the notes above on the fingerboard diagram below.
Mark two locations for each of these notes with the exception of three of
95
Unit 4
E1 A1 D1 G2 B2 E3
F1
G1
B2
A1 D1 G2 E3
96
New Notes A1, B1, & C1
• Although A1 has already been introduced, it is included here to show its
relationship to B1 and C1.
• A1, B1, and C1 are located in two places on the guitar.
A1, B1, & C1 in Position I
A1
B1
C1
Note: Remember that in Position I, finger 2 will play the

second fret and finger 3 will play the third fret.
97
Exercises With A1, B1, & C1 in Position I
For each exercise:
rhythm.
98
A1, B1, & C1 in Position V
V
A1
B1
C1
Note: Remember that in Position V, finger 1 will play the fifth

fret, finger 3 will play the seventh fret, and finger 4 will play
the eighth fret.
Helpful Hint: Finding Position V (Fret Markers)
• Most guitars have dots on the side of the fingerboard. These

dots are there to assist the guitarist in finding frets.
• Dots are commonly found at the 5th, 7th, 9th and 12th frets.
Some guitars have more dots and some have fewer.
• Look at your guitar to determine what frets are marked.
• Get familiar with the 5th fret dot and you’ll never have to
count the frets to find Position V.
99
Exercises With A1, B1, & C1 in Position V
For each exercise:
rhythm.
100
Flash Cards
E1 F1 G1
A1 B1 C1
D1 G2 B2
E3

deck.
101
Scales
• A scale is a sequence of notes in ascending or descending order of pitch.
• The exercises to follow make use of the scale from E1 - D1.
102
• Walking the Lines is a duet to be played with your teacher. It exercises
your ability to play the notes in Position I and up the sixth string.
• The top staff is the melody in Position I.
• The middle staff is the melody mostly on string ^. Don’t forget

that you have learned to play D1 on string % at the fifth fret (p. 76). For
this reason, you should play D1 in Position V in measure 6.
103
Three Dances
• These pieces may be played entirely in Position I or in a combination of
Positions I and V.
• See how many different ways you can play these.
104
Power Chords A5, B5, & C5 with Roots on %

A5 B5
X X X X X X X X
2 1
C5
X X X X
105
Movable Power Chords with Roots on ^
• A5, B5, and C5 can also be played with their roots on string ^.
• Notice that all of these chord charts look identical with the exception of the
fret positions.
• This is a movable power chord.
• Since the first finger plays the root of the chord, the chord is named by the
note that the first finger presses.
A5 B5
X X X X X X X X
V 1 VII 1
3 3
C5
X X X X
VIII 1
106
Power Chord Studies
• These studies may be played with roots on % or in a combination of %
and ^.
107
108
109
Part Ia: Write the name of each note below. The first one is done for you as an
example.
B1
Part Ib: Mark the location of the notes above on the fingerboard diagram below.
Mark two locations for each of these notes with the exceptions of three of
VII 1
110
Part II: Label these chords. Write your answers in the box above each diagram.
X X X X X X X X
2 1
X X X X X X X X
VII 1 V 1
3 3
111
Unit 5
E1 A1 D1 G2 B2 E3
F1
B1
G1 C1
B2
V A1 D1 G2 E3
VII B1
C1
112
New Notes D1, E2, & F2
• Although D1 has already been introduced, it is included here to show its
relationship to E2 and F2.
• D1, E2, and F2 can be played in more than one location on the guitar.
D1, E2, & F2 in Position I
D1
E2
F2

second fret and finger 3 will play the third fret.
113
Exercises With D1, E2, & F2 in Position I
For each exercise:
rhythm.
114
D1, E2, & F2 in Position V
V
D1
E2
F2

fret, finger 3 will play the seventh fret, and finger 4 will play
the eighth fret.
115
Exercises With D1, E2, & F2 in Position V
For each exercise:
rhythm.
116
Position V Solos
• These solos are played in Position V.
• When you see an E1, keep your hand in position and release string ^.
117
Flash Cards
E1 F1 G1
A1 B1 C1
D1 E2 F2
G2 B2 E3

deck.
118
Scales
• These exercises make use of the scale from E1 - F2.
• Alternate i and m or and .
119
From Dawn to Dusk
Three Sketches by Kevin Vigil
Performance Notes
• Dawn - Watch the stems up carefully as note patterns change.
• Daytime begins with a pick up note. Refer to pp. 288 - 289 to learn about
pick up notes.
• Dusk has a curved line from measure 16 into measure 17. This is a tie.
Refer to pp. 282 - 283 to learn more about ties.
• Dusk also features pick up notes (pp. 288 - 289).
120
121
Power Chords D5, E5, & F5 with Roots on $

D5 *E5
X X X X X X X X
2 1
*F5
X X X X
*This E5 and F5 are one octave higher than the chords introduced on
page 90. These chords may be used interchangeably with the lower
octave version.
122
Movable Power Chords Root on %
• D5, E5, and F5 can also be played with their roots on string %.
• Notice that all of these chord charts look identical with the exception of the
fret positions.
• This is a movable power chord.
• Since the first finger plays the root of the chord, the chord is named by the
note that the first finger presses.
D5 *E5
X X X X X X X X
V 1 1
VII
3 3
*F5
X X X X
VIII 1
*This E5 and F5 are one octave higher than the chords introduced on
page 90. These chords may be used interchangeably with the lower
octave version.
123
Power Chord Studies
• These studies may be played with roots on $ or in a combination of $
and %.
124
Lead Sheet Format
• Lead sheet format is a simplified means to notate music for a non-specific
group of musicians.
• A lead sheet contains standard notation for the lyrics which can be sung or
played by any instrument.
• Chord symbols are written above the standard notation. These can be
played by any polyphonic instrument; usually guitar or keyboard.
• Bass players can follow the chord symbols and improvise a bass part made
up of notes from the chords.
Repeat Signs
• When there is a repeat sign, go back to a facing repeat sign and play the
music again (repeat it).
• If there is no facing repeat sign, go to the beginning of the piece.
facing repeat sign repeat sign
First and Second Endings

• Sometimes sections of music repeat with a subtle change at the end of the
section. In these cases, first and second endings are often used.
• The repeat signs work as described above, but there are two brackets with
the numbers 1 and 2.
• The first time you play this section of music, play the music notated under
bracket 1.
• On the repeat (the second time through the music), play the music notated
under bracket 2.
125
126
127
example.
G2
Mark two locations for each of these notes with the exceptions of three of
V 1
VII
128
Part II: Label these chords. Write your answers in the box above each diagram.
X X X X X X X X
2 1
X X X X X X X X
VII 1 V 1
3 3
129
Part III - True or False.
1. _______________ Lead sheet format is a simplified means to notate music for

a non specific group of musicians.
2. _______________ Lead sheet format uses chord symbols for the lyrics.
3. _______________ Bass players cannot play from lead sheet format.
4. _______________ When there is a repeat sign, you should ignore it and keep
playing as if it weren’t there.
5. _______________ If there is no facing repeat sign, you should repeat from the
beginning of the piece.
6. _______________ When music repeats but is slightly changed the second time
through, first and second endings are employed.
7. _______________ E5 with the root on string ^ and E5 with the root on string
$ are not interchangeable.
8. _______________ F5 with the root on string ^ and F5 with the root on string
$ are interchangeable.
9. _______________ D1, E2, and F2 can be played in more than one location.
10. _______________ E1, F1, and G1 can be played in more than one location.
11. _______________ It is best to alternate strokes (finger or pick) when playing

scales.
12. _______________ It is not necessary to shift positions when playing open

strings.
130
Unit 6
E1 A1 D1 G2 B2 E3
F1
B1
G1 C1
B2
V A1 D1 G2 E3
VII B1 E2
C1 F2
131
New Notes G2, A2, & B2
• Although G2 and B2 have already been introduced, they are included here to
show their relationship to A2.
• B2 has already been introduced in two locations: open @ (page 73) and on
the 4th fret of # (page 76).
G2, A2, & B2 in Position I
G2
A2
B2

second fret and finger 4 will play the fourth fret.
132
Exercises With G2, A2, & B2 in Position I
For each exercise:
rhythm.
133
G2, A2, & B2 in Position V
G2
A2
B2

fret and finger 3 will play the seventh fret. To play B2, you can
either extend your 4th finger or temporarily shift to Pos. VI.
134
Exercises With G2, A2, & B2 in Position V
For each exercise:
rhythm.
135
Position V Solos
Performance Notes
• Both of these pieces contain dotted quarter notes. Refer to pp. 284 - 285.
• Laid-back Beat - The stems down should be played entirely in fifth position,
while the stems up are played on open strings. Note that this piece makes
use of B2 in two locations at the same time.
136
Flash Cards
E1 F1 G1
A1 B1 C1
D1 E2 F2
G2 A2 B2
E3
• By now, you have probably caught on to quizzing notes with

flashcards. If you haven’t, please refer back to the instructions
found on page 118.
137
Scales
• These exercises make use of the scale from E1 - F2.

138
Half Steps/Whole Steps
Half Steps
• Half Step - A half step is the closest distance between two notes. On the
guitar, a half step is the distance from one fret to the very next fret on the
same string. It is also the distance from the open string to the first fret on the
same string. (B - C and E - F are half steps).
Half
Steps
Whole Steps
• Whole Steps - A whole step is equal to two half steps. There is a whole step
from one letter of the musical alphabet to the next with the exceptions of B -
C and E - F. (B - C and E - F are half steps).
139
Accidentals
Sharps Flats Naturals
• Accidentals are symbols placed before a note to change its previously

understood pitch by a half step. An accidental applies for the duration of the
measure in which it appears unless canceled by a natural sign. The note
returns to its previously understood pitch in the succeeding measure unless
altered again by another accidental.
• The sharp symbol ( ) raises a note by one half step.
• The flat symbol ( ) lowers a note by one half step.
• The natural symbol ( ) cancels a previous sharp or flat.
Example 1 - Sharps
Example 2 - Flats
140
141
Introduction to Key Signatures
• Key signatures provide another method for applying accidentals.
• A key signature is written in the form of sharps or flats on the left side of
a staff.
• These sharps and flats indicate which notes will be altered in order to
produce the pitches of a particular key. (See Chapter 8)
• The accidentals that appear in the key signature apply to all octaves of the
altered note.
142
• The study below is presented two times. In the first example, the sharps
are placed directly in front of the notes they alter. The second example
demonstrates how the same result is achieved with the use of a key
signature.
143
Accidentals
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Where is Bf?
Bf1
Bf2
A: One fret lower than B.

V
Bf1 Bf3
VII
Bf2
Q: Is there such a thing as Bs, Cf, Es, or Ff?
A: Yes.
Q: Are Fs and Gf the same note?
A: Yes, they have the same pitch. Depending on the key signature, either
might be used. Two notes with the same pitch but different names are
called enharmonic equivalents.
144
Part Ia: Write the names of each note below. The first one is done for you as an
example.
A2
Mark all locations that have been introduced up to this point. Label the
locations with the numbers from above. The first one is done for you
as an example.
VII 1
145
Part II - True or False.
1. _______________ A sharp ( s) raises a note by a half step.
2. _______________ A whole step is the closest distance between two notes.
3. _______________ A half step is from one fret to the next on the same string.
4. _______________ A half step is the closest distance between two notes.
5. _______________ This symbol - f - is a natural sign.
6. _______________ The natural sign (n) returns a note to its unaltered state.
7. _______________ F s2 and G f2 are enharmonic equivalents.
8. _______________ A flat sign ( f ) lowers a note by a whole step.
9. _______________ Key signatures are written on the left side of the staff.
10. _______________ The accidentals that appear in the key signature apply to all
octaves of the altered note.
11. _______________ Sharps ( s), flats ( f), and naturals ( n) are called intentionals.
12. _______________ There is no such note as Bs .
13. _______________ An accidental applies for the duration of the measure in

which it appears unless canceled by a natural sign.
146
Unit 7
E1 A1 D1 G2 B2 E3
F1
B1 E2 A2
G1 C1 F2
B2
V A1 D1 G2 E3
VII B1 E2 A2
C1 F2
B2
147
New Notes B2, C2, & D2
• Although B2 has already been introduced, it is included here to show its
relationship to C2 and D2.
B2, C2, & D2 in Position I
B2
C2
D2

first fret and finger 3 will play the third fret.
148
Exercises With B2, C2, & D2 in Position I
For each exercise:
rhythm.
149
B2, C2, & D2 in Position IV
IV
B2
C2
D2
• Note: Since B2 is located on the fourth fret on string #,

it is common to play in Position IV on the third string. For
that reason, B2, C2, & D2 are presented here in Position
IV.
• Remember that in Position IV, finger 1 will play the fourth

fret and finger 2 will play the fifth fret and finger 4 will
play the seventh fret.
150
Exercises With B2, C2, & D2 in Position IV
For each exercise:
rhythm.
151
Position IV - VI Solos
Performance Notes
• Both of these pieces make use of pedal tones. Pedal tones are repeated
notes around which other parts move.
• Rose Pedals makes use of Positions IV - VI. The stems down (bass-note
pedals) should be played on open strings.
152
Flash Cards
E1 F1 G1
A1 B1 C1
D1 E2 F2
G2 A2 B2
C2 D2 E3
• By now, you have probably caught on to quizzing notes with

flashcards. If you haven’t, please refer back to the instructions
found on page 118.
153
Scales
• These exercises make use of the scale from E1 - D2.

154
Two Folks Songs from the British Isles
• These folk songs are notated in lead sheet format (see. p. 125).
• Both can be comfortably played in Positions I or IV.
• Both can also be performed as two-part solo pieces by playing the root of
each chord along with the melody.
• The root is the is the letter name of the chord. Some of these chords have the
suffix “m” which stands for minor. This is not the root.
155
Pavan I
• This is an abbreviated arrangement of a solo piece by the Spanish vihuela
composer Luis Milan (1500 - 1561).
• The vihuela was a Spanish instrument that is considered an ancestor of the
modern guitar.
• A Pavan is a court dance from the 16th and 17th centuries.
156
157
example.
A2
as an example.
VII 1
158
Part II: Multiple choice. Circle the correct answer.
1. Pedal tones are repeated ____________ around which other parts move.
a. chords
b. accents
c. notes
d. repeats
2. Luis Milan composed music for the _____________________.
a. lute
b. vihuela
c. banjo
d. violin
3. A pavan is a type of ____________________.
a. dance
b. instrument
c. note
d. chord
4. The ________________ is considered an ancestor of the modern guitar.
a. flute
b. bassoon
c. trumpet
d. vihuela
5. Luis Milan was ____________________________.
a. Italian
b. Spanish
c. French
d. German.
159
Unit 8
E1 A1 D1 G2 B2 E3
F1 C2
B1 E2 A2
G1 C1 F2 D2
B2
V A1 D1 G2 C2 E3
VII B1 E2 A2 D2
C1 F2
B2
160
New Notes E3, F3, & G3
• Although E3 has already been introduced, it is included here to show its
relationship to F3 and G3.
E3, F3, & G3 in Position I
E3
F3
G3

first fret and finger 3 will play the third fret.
161
Exercises With E3, F3, & G3 in Position I
For each exercise:
rhythm.
162
E3, F3, and G3 in Position V
V
E3
F3
G3

fret and finger 2 will play the sixth fret, and finger 4 will play
the 8th fret.
163
Exercises With E3, F3, & G3 in Position V
For each exercise:
rhythm.
164
Position V Solos
Bars
• A bar is a left-hand fingering technique in which one finger presses more
than one string.
• Bars are most commonly played with the first finger.
• The standard notation for a bar is the letter “C” followed by the Roman
numeral indicating the fret which is to be barred.
• Bars can be full, half, or partial.
• A full-bar requires that all six strings are covered by one finger.
• A half-bar is a partial bar in which only strings !, @, and # are covered.
It is notated with “1/2 CV”.
• A partial-bar only requires that a few strings are covered by one finger. In
this text, partial-bars are indicated by listing the strings that need coverage
followed by the letter “C” and then by the Roman numeral indicating the
fret location of the bar.
165
Guide Fingers and Anchors
• A guide finger is a finger that stays on the same string, but moves to a
different fret.
• Guide fingers are notated with a “-” before the finger number.
• An anchor is a finger that can stay on the same note for an extended
period of time while other fingers move to their notes.
• Anchors are also notated with a “-” before the finger number.
4 is a guide finger
3 is an anchor
166
Flash Cards
E1 F1 G1
A1 B1 C1
D1 E2 F2
G2 A2 B2
C2 D2 E3
F3 G3
167
Scales
• These exercises make use of the scale from E1 - G3.

168
Greensleeves
Performance Notes
Greensleeves is an English ballad written in the late 16th century by an
anonymous composer. Legend has it that King Henry VIII wrote the song
about Anne Boleyn, but scholars have found this to be unlikely. There are
many versions of Greensleeves and many publishers sought credit for its
existence. The version that became the traditional ballad was published in
1584 by Richard Jones in a collection entitled A Handeful of Pleasant
Delites. In this collection, Greensleeves is titled, “A New Courtly Sonet of
the Lady Greensleeves.”
Greensleeves has many verses. It is the story of a man who spends his
wealth to win the love of the Lady Greensleeves. The refrain and a few
verses are included here to illustrate the language and mood of this ballad.
Refrain: Verse:
Greensleeves was all my joy Thou couldst desire no earthly thing,
Greensleeves was my delight But still thou hadst it readily;
Greensleeves was my heart of gold Thy musicke still to play and sing
And who but my Ladie Greensleeves. And yet thou wouldst not love me.

Verse: Verse:
And who did pay for all this geare, Well I will pray to God on high,
That thou didst spend when pleased thee, That thou my constancy mayst see,
Even I that am rejected here And that yet once before I die
And thou disdainst to love me. Thou wilt vouchsafe to love me.
Fingering Notes
• Measures 1 - 17: Notes played on thicker strings in higher positions
have a different sound from notes played on thinner strings in lower
positions. Both sounds are good, but you may prefer one over the other.
Try playing measures 1 - 17 in first and fourth positions and see which you
like better.
• Two notes like E3 and G3 (see measure 18) cannot be played at the same
time on the same string. They must be played on different strings in order
to be played at the same time.
• You have been introduced to notes in positions I, IV, and V. Some of the
suggested fingerings in this piece are in positions II and III as well. This is to
make it easier to play some of the note combinations.
169
170
Score and Parts
• The previous ensemble pieces in this text have been presented in score form.
• A musical score diplays all parts of the music on groups on staves called
systems. Each staff in a system represents one part.
This is an example of score form from measures 1 - 8

of Sunday in Mexico by C.E. Pomeroy.
• It is common for musicians to perform from sheet music that only contains
their specific part.
This example is measures 1 - 6 of the Guitar 1 part

from Sunday in Mexico by C.E. Pomeroy.
Sunday in Mexico
Performance Notes: 172
Score: pp. 173 - 178
Part I: pp. 179 - 180
Part II: pp. 181 - 182
Part III: pp. 183 - 184
Part IV: pp. 185 - 186
171
Performance Notes
for Sunday in Mexico
• Glissando (Gliss.) is a sliding effect. On the guitar, a glissando is performed
by sliding a finger from one fret to another fret on the same string.
• Guitars 3 and 4 both have glissandi at measures 46 and 54.
1. Play B1 on the 5th string with the 2nd finger and hold for its full
value (3 beats).
2. Slide the 2nd finger up to E2 on the 7th fret (%). While you are
sliding your finger along the 5th string, the notes between B1 and
E2 should sound.
3. E2 should be plucked on beat 1. A glissando does not change the

rhythmic value of notes.
-2
2
%
Term and Symbol Review
Largo - very slow

Allegro - fast
ritardando (rit.) - gradually getting slower
rallentando (rall.) - gradually getting slower
fermata () - hold the specified note/chord indefinitely
accent (>) - emphasize by playing strongly or loudly.
172
173
174
175
176
177
178
179
180
181
182
183
184
185
186
example.
E2
as an example.
VII 1
187
1. A ____________________ is a left-hand fingering technique in which one

finger presses more than one string.
a. bar
b. free stroke
c. rest stroke
d. slur
2. A(n) _______________ is a finger that can stay on the same note for an
extended period of time while other fingers move to their notes.
a. bar
b. hammer-on
c. anchor
d. stubborn
3. A(n) ___________________ is a finger that stays on the same string, but

moves to a different fret.
a. bar
b. guide finger
c. anchor
d. arpeggio
4. Greensleeves was composed during the _________ century.
a. 21st
b. 3rd
c. 20th
d. 16th
5. A set of staves in a musical score is called a __________________.
a. part
b. system
c. score
d. measure
188
Unit 9
E1 A1 D1 G2 B2 E3
F1 C2 F3
B1 E2 A2
G1 C1 F2 D2 G3
B2
V A1 D1 G2 C2 E3
F3
VII B1 E2 A2 D2
C1 F2 G3
B2
189
New Notes A3, B3, & C3
• Although A3, B3, & C3 can be played in more than one location on the
guitar, they are only introduced here in Position V.
A3, B3, and C3 in Position V
V
A3
B3
C3

fret and finger 3 will play the seventh fret, and finger 4 will
play the 8th fret.
190
Exercises With A3, B3, & C3 in Position V
For each exercise:
rhythm.
191
Position IV/V Solo
192
References for Position V
• When learning notes on the fingerboard, it can be useful to know a few
reference points.
• Tuning - On page 76, you learned a tuning method which compares notes
played at the fifth and fourth frets to the open strings.
• From this tuning method, you can observe that the unisons (same pitch) of
the open strings are also located at the fifth or fourth frets of the next string
(numerically).
• Most open string pitches can also be played at the fifth fret of the next string
with the exception of “E1” (only one location) and “B2”, which is played
on the fourth fret of #.
• Remember that string ! is tuned two octaves higher than string ^. That
means that string ! at the 5th fret is “A3”.
A1 D1 G2 B2
Reference 1 - Tuning
A1 D1 G2 B2 E3
B2
V A1 D1 G2 E3 A3
193
Reference 2 - Octaves
7th & 8th Frets
• The octaves above the open strings are located on the 7th fret of adjacent
strings with the exception of “G3”; which is located on the 8th fret of string
@.
• Remember that string ^ is tuned two octaves below string !. That means
that the string ^ at the 7th fret is “B1”.
• Another observation of this reference is that the ^%$ and # strings spell the
word “BEAD”.
Reference 2
E1 A1 D1 G2 B2
VII B1 E2 A2 D2 B3
G3
194
Flash Cards
E1 F1 G1
A1 B1 C1
D1 E2 F2
G2
195
A2 B2 C2
D2 E3 F3
G3 A3 B3
C3
196
Scales
• These exercises make use of the scale from E1 - G3.

197
Performance Notes for
Romance
• A romance
- is a musical form originating in the 19th century;
- is a short lyrical piece for solo instrument with accompaniment;
- can be played on the guitar as a solo piece because the guitar is a
polyphonic instrument.
• There are two basic parts in this romance: melody and accompaniment.
- The melody is written with the stems up.
- The accompaniment is written with the stems down.
• The accompaniment consists of two parts: the bass notes and a short
arpeggiated (broken chord) pattern.
- The bass notes are the low notes written with rhythmic values of h.
and q.
- The arpeggiated notes are written with rhythmic values of 
O - Circled notes are the melody.
N - Notes inside squares are bass notes.
Notes that are not highlighted are the arpeggiated pattern.
O O O O
N N
• General Right Hand Position should be used throughout.
• Several left hand fingerings have been provided to prevent confusion.
• Pay close attention to the left hand fingering at measures 8 and 9. Note that
A3 is played on !, B2 is played open on @, and C2 is played on #. This
fingering allows for the notes to ring against each other. It also allows for the
general right hand pattern to continue without interruption.
198
199
example.
E2
Part Ib: Mark the location of the notes above

on the fingerboard diagram. Mark all locations
that have been introduced up to this point.
Label the locations with the numbers from 1
above. The first one is done for you as an
example.
VII 1
200
1. A romance is ____________________ .
a. a true love
b. major orchestral work
c. short lyrical piece for soloist with accompaniment
d. a type of chord
2. A romance can be played on the guitar because the guitar is a(n)

_____________.
a. polyphonic instrument
b. monophonic instrument
c. attractive instrument
d. string instrument
3. The musical form of the romance originated in the ______________.
a. 21st century
b. 5th century B.C.E.
c. 19th century
d. 16th century
4. The seventh/eighth fret reference reveals a(n) _____________ relationship

between adjacent strings.
a. octave
b. romantic
c. unison
d. intense
5. The fifth/fourth fret tuning method is a great reference for ______________.
a. octaves
b. power chords
c. scales
d. unisons
201
• The authors of this text recommend covering Chapters 1 - 4 before
beginning this chapter.
Chapter 7
Chord Playing
Unit 1: Introduction to Chord Playing
Unit 2: Movable Chord Forms
Unit 3: Capos
Unit 4: Commom Chords Dictionary
202
Unit 1: Introduction to Playing Chords
• A chord is made up of two or more notes that are played at the same time.
• Chords are often used to accompany songs.
• While the melody is usually the main feature of a song, chords provide
harmonic and rhythmic support.
• When using chords to accompany songs, the individual guitarist is free to
create their own strumming or picking pattern as long as it fits the time
signature.
• Chord accompanying can be as simple as strumming or plucking the chord
once per measure or as intricate as the guitarist feels is suitable.
Sample Strum Patterns

Each measure is a different pattern.
203
Sample Fingerstyle Patterns
p = root, i = #, m = @, a = !
204
Chord Charts
Chord Symbol
pronounced “A minor”
Root of Chord
(letter name of the chord)
Am
Open String
Do not play this string X
1
Left Hand Fingerings
2 3
R 5 R 3 5
Triad or seventh chord

labeling. For more on
this, see Chapter 8.
Chord Symbols
Chord Name Pronunciation Root
G G major G
Bm B minor B
E7 E flat 7 or E flat dominant 7 E
Fm7 F sharp minor 7 F
205
E Am
X
1 1
2 3 2 3
R 5 R 3 5 R R 5 R 3 5
Chord Changing Exercises

• Once a chord is introduced, keep playing that chord until the next chord.
206
Moonlight
• The melody should be played by the teacher on guitar or another instrument
while the student(s) play the chords.
207
C
X
R 3 5 R 3
208
Lighthouse
209
G Em
2 2 3
3 4
R 3 5 R 3 R R 5 R 3 5 R
210
The Battle of Aughrim
211
D A A7
X X X X
1 2 2 3 4 2 4
R 5 R 3 R 5 R 3 5 R 5 7 3 5
212
This Land is Your Land
213
Down in the Valley
214
Worried Man Blues
215
Dm
F Dm
X X X X
1 1 1
2 2
3 3
R 3 5 R R 5 R 3
216
Wayfaring Stranger
217
E7 B7
X
1 1
2 2 3 4
R 5 7 3 5 R R 3 7 R 5
218
12-Bar Blues in E
Suggested Strum Pattern:
219
Blues Boogie in E
220
Las Mañanitas
221
G7 C7 D7
X X X
1 1 1
2 2 2 3
3 3 4
R 3 5 R 3 7 R 3 7 R 3 R 5 7 3
222
12-Bar Blues in G
223
Aura Lee
224
Unit 2: Movable Chord Forms
• Movable chord forms are those in which a left hand fingering can be placed
at any position on the fingerboard and maintain a specific chordal quality
(major, minor, dominant 7, minor 7, etc...).
• 6th string forms are movable chord forms in which the root (letter name) of
the chord is played on the sixth string ^.
• 5th string forms are movable chord forms in which the root (letter name) of
the chord is played on the sixth string %.
^ and % Root Reference Chart

E A
G C
V A D
VII B E
C F
D G
XII E A
225
Major Chord
6th String Form
1 1 1
3 4
R 5 R 3 5 R
Exercises: Movable Major Chords with Root on ^
226
Major Chord
5th String Form
X
1 1
3 3 3
R 5 R 3 5
Exercises: Movable Major Chords with Root on %
227
Combining Movable Major Chords
Roots on ^ & %
228
Minor Chord Minor Chord
6th String Form 5th String Form
X
1 1 1 1 1 1
3 4 3 4
R 5 R 3 5 R R 5 R 3 5
Exercises: Movable Minor and Major Chords

with Roots on ^ & %
229
230
Dominant 7 Chord
6th String Form
1 1 1 1
R 5 7 3 5 R
Movable Dominant 7 Chords with Root ^

With Other Movable Chords
231
Dominant 7
5th String Form
X X
3 4
R 3 7 R
Movable Dominant 7 Chords with Root %

232
Another Dominant 7 Chord
5th String Form
X
1 1 1
3 4
R 5 7 3 5
Movable Dominant 7 Chords with Root %

233
Blues in C
Blues in A
234
Combining Open String Chords
with Movable Chords
• The next two pieces (Auld Lang Syne and Greensleeves) combine open
string chord forms (learned from pp. 206 - 224) with movable chord forms.
• Fingerboard diagrams are provided to suggest what chord form to use, but
movable chord forms may be substituted for open string forms.
Auld Lang Syne
235
Greensleeves
236
237
Unit 3: Capos
• A capo is a type of clamp that can be
fastened across the strings on the neck
of the guitar in order to raise the
tuning.
• Guitarists often use capos to change

the key of a song so that it better suits
their vocal range or the vocal range of
the singer they are accompanying.
• The capo is placed behind the desired fret and the guitarist plays as usual, but
as if the capo were the nut. The capo raises the pitch of all the strings by one
half step for each fret above the nut.
• If the capo is placed at the first fret, a C major chord would become a C
major chord. The C major chord would become a D major chord if the capo
were placed at the second fret.
Capo placed at the 2nd fret.
The C Major Chord

becomes a D Major Chord.
238
Unit 4: Common Chords Dictionary
A Am
X X
2 3 4 2 3
R 5 R 3 5 R 5 R 3 5
A7 Am7
X X
2 4 2
R 5 7 3 5 R 5 7 3 5
239
AMaj7 B7
X X
1 1
2 3 2 3 4
R 5 7 3 5 R 3 7 R 5
C C7
X X
1 1
2 2
3 3 4
R 3 5 R 3 R 3 7 R 3
240
CMaj7 D
X X X
2 1 2
3 3
R 3 5 7 3 R 5 R 3
Dm D7
X X X X
1 1
2 2 3
R 5 R 3 R 5 7 3
241
Dm7 DMaj7
X X X X
1 1
2 2 3 4
R 5 7 3 R 5 7 3
E Em
2 3 2 3
R 5 R 3 5 R R 5 R 3 5 R
242
E7 Em7
2 2
R 5 7 3 5 R R 5 7 3 5 R
F Fm
X X X X
1 1 1 1 1
3 3
R 3 5 R R 3 5 R
243
FMaj7 G
X X
2 2
3 3 4
R 3 5 7 R 3 5 R 3 R
GMaj7
G7
X X
1
1
2
2
3
3
4
R 3 5 R 3 7
R 3 5 7
244
Movable Chords - Sixth String Forms
Major Chord Minor Chord

1 1 1 1 1 1 1
3 4 3 4
R 5 R 3 5 R R 5 R 3 5 R
Dominant 7 Chord Minor 7 Chord
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
3 3
R 5 7 3 5 R R 5 7 3 5 R
Major 7 Chord Diminished 7 Chord

X X X
1 1 1
3 4 2 3
R 7 3 5 R 5 7 3
245
One More Sixth String Form
Augmented Chord
6th String Form
X
1 1
R 3 5 R 3
246
Movable Chords - Fifth String Forms
X 5th String Form X 5th String Form
1 1 1 1
3 3 3 3 4
R 5 R 3 5 R 5 R 3 5

X 5th String Form X 5th String Form
1 1 1 1 1 1
3 4 3
R 5 7 3 5 R 5 7 3 5
Dominant 7 Diminished 7 Chord

X X X X
1 1
2 2
3 4 4 3
R 3 7 R R 5 7 3
247
Two More Fifth String Forms
Major 7 Chord Augmented Chord

X X X X
1 1 1 1
2 2
3 4 3
R 5 7 3 5 R 3 5 R
248
Movable Chords - Fourth String Forms
X X X X
1 1 1 1 1
3 3
R 3 5 R R 3 5 R
X X X X
1 1
2 2 3
3 4 4
R 5 7 3 R 5 7 3
Major 7 Chord Diminished 7 Chord
X X X X
1 1 2
3 4
3 3 3
R 5 7 3 R 5 7 3
249
One More Fourth String Form
Augmented Chord
4th String Form
X X
2 3
R 3 5 R
250
Chapter 8
Music Fundamentals
Unit 1: Scales & Key Signatures
Major Scales
Minor Scales
Relative Keys
FAQ: How do I know if a piece is in a Major
or minor key?
Scale Studies: C/am, G/em, D/bm, A/f m,
E/c m, F/dm, & B /gm
Unit 2: Chord Construction
Triads
Seventh Chords
251
Unit 1: Scales & Key Signatures
Major Scales
• Scales define the notes that are used in a particular key.
• Each note of a major scale is either a Whole-step (W) or Half-step (H) from
the next note.
• The formula for a major scale in ascending order is: W-W-H-W-W-W-H.
252
253
Key Signatures
• Scales and key signatures are directly related.
• Scales identify the notes for each key.
• Since the C major scale has no sharps or flats, the key signature for C major
has “no sharps or flats”.
• Since the G major scale has one sharp (F#), the key signature for G major is
F#.
• Since the F major scale has one flat (B), the key signature for F major is B.
Sharp Key Signatures

• The sharp key signatures are those which use sharps (#) to identify the notes
of a key.
Flat Key Signatures

• The flat key signatures are those which use flats () to identify the notes of a
key.
254
Observations
1. As the scales were presented the number of accidentals increased by one in
each succeeding scale.
2. As accidentals were added, the previous accidentals remained.
3. In the scales that use sharps, the new sharp was always added to the 7th note
of the scale.
4. In the scales that use flats, the new flat was always added to the 4th note of
the scale.
5. Each new sharp scale started on the 5th note of the previous scale.
6. Each new flat scale started on the 4th note of the previous scale.
These observations are presented visually with
The Circle of Fifths.

C
C 5ths
F G
C
F G
4ths
B B D D
A
E
A
E
255
The Order of Sharps and Flats
• It is standard for sharps to appear in this order:
F# C# G# D# A# E# B#
(Fried Chicken Gets Digested After Entering Bodies)
• It is standard for flats to appear in this order:
B E A D G C F
(Boys Eat All Donuts Glazed Chocolate Frosted)
• Notice that the sharps and flats appear in reverse order:
F# C# G# D# A# E# B#
B E A D G C F
• When writing a sharp key signature, go through the order of the sharps until
you reach the note that is a half step below the name of the Major key. For
example,to produce the key signature for A Major, you would go through
the order of the sharps until you reach G#. The key signature for A Major is
F, C, G. The last sharp is G#
which is a half step
below A.
• When writing a flat key signature, go through the order of the flats until you
pass the name of the key by one flat. For example, the key signature for D
Major is: B E A D G.
The second to last flat
is D.
256
Minor Scales/Relative Keys
• Every key signature represents two keys: Major and
minor.
• Two keys that share the same key signature are called
relative keys.
• Minor scales begin on the 6th note of a major scale and

follow the same key signature.
O O
• Major scales begin on the 3rd note of a minor scale and

follow the same key signature.
O
O
• Two keys that share the same tonic are called parallel
keys. (The tonic is the first note of a scale).
O O
257
Relative Major and Minor Keys
Sharp Key Signatures
258
Relative Major and Minor Keys
Flat Key Signatures
259
Frequently Asked Question:
How do I know if a piece is in a Major or minor key?
• Pieces often begin and/or end with the tonic note or chord of the key.
• The 7th note of the minor scale is often raised by a half step in minor keys.
• Sometimes the key is mentioned in the title.
• The two pieces that follow share the same key signature. The first is in C
Major and the second is in A minor.
Begins with C
O
O
Ends with C
O
260
Begins with A
O O
7th note of A minor raised by a half step.
O
7th note of A minor raised by a half step.
Ends with A
261
C Major Scale Studies
A Minor Scale Studies
262
G Major Scale Studies
E Minor Scale Studies
263
D Major Scale Studies
B Minor Scale Studies
264
A Major Scale Studies
F Minor Scale Studies
265
E Major Scale Studies
C Minor Scale Studies
266
F Major Scale Studies
D Minor Scale Studies
267
B Major Scale Studies
G Minor Scale Studies
268
Chapter 8: Unit 1 Review
Part I
• Add accidentals or key signatures as needed to make each of these scales
Major.
• Write the name of the relative key in the box to the right of each scale.
• The first one is done as an example.
C Major Scale:
(C Major has no sharps or flats/ the relative minor is the 6th note of a major scale).
a minor
G Major Scale:
D Major Scale:
A Major Scale:
E Major Scale:
F Major Scale:
269
Part II
• Use accidentals, as needed, to notate the requested key signatures.
1. F Major 2. E minor
3. A minor 4. G Major
5. A Major 6. D minor
Part III
• Identify these key signatures as both Major and minor.
1. _____ Major _____ minor 2. _____ Major _____ minor
3. _____ Major _____ minor 4. _____ Major _____ minor
270
Unit 2: Chord Construction
Note: This unit explains the fundamental construction of chords. Chord
playing is introduced and practiced in Chapter 8.
Definitions
• Chord: A combination of two or more notes.
• Triad: A chord that consists of three notes arranged as

superimposed 3rds. When triads are built on each step or degree of
a scale, four chord qualities result: Major, minor, diminished, &
Augmented.
Triads: Root, 3rd, & 5th

• Triads are made up of three notes: Root, 3rd, and 5th. The root is the letter
name of the chord.
5th
3rd
Root
Triads: A Stack of 3rds

• A triad may be viewed as a stack of 3rds. The interval between the root
and the 3rd is a 3rd. The interval between the 3rd and the 5th is a 3rd. The
interval from the root to the 5th is a 5th.
>
> 3rd
3rd
271
Constructing Triads from Scales
• Triads can be constructed on each note of a scale.
Triad constructed on the tonic (1st note) of a scale:
O O O
Triad
5th
3rd
Root
Triad constructed on the super-tonic (2nd note) of a scale:
O O O
Triad
5th
3rd
Root
272
Triads from the C Major Scale
I ii iii IV V vi viiº I
To S M S S L To
ni To upe ed D u
Do M ub To ead ni
c nic r ian omb m
in
ed ne ing c
t in an ian
an t t
t
Chord Symbols
C Dm Em F G Am Bdim C
• Chords symbols represent two characteristics of a chord:

1) the root of the triad and
2) the quality of the chord (Major, Minor, Augmented, or Diminished).
• Major = Root: C, F, and G are the major chords from the example above.
• Minor = Root + “m”: Dm, Em, and Am are the minor chords from the
example above.
• Diminished = Root + “dim”: Bdim is the only diminished chord from the
example above.
• Augmented = Root + “aug”. No Augmented chords are present in the
example above.
Roman Numerals
I ii iii IV V vi viiº I
• It is a common practice to label chords with Roman Numerals.

• These numbers represent two characteristics of a chord:
1) The scale degree on which the triad is built
2) The quality of the chord.
• Major chords are labeled with upper-case numerals.
• Minor chords are labeled with lower-case numerals.
• Diminished chords are labeled with lower-case numerals with the suffix
“º”.
• Augmented chords are labeled with upper-case numerals with the suffix
“+”.
273
Scale Degree Names
To S M S S L To
ni To upe ed D o ub
Do M ub To ead ni
c nic r ian m ed ne ing c
t m in ian
in an t
an t
t
• Notes and chords of the scale are often referred to by number, but also by
name.
• Most important are the tonic and dominant.
• Each step or degree of the scale is named for its proximity to the tonic (1st)
and dominant (5th) notes of the scale.
• While this terminology may seem overwhelming at first, it is useful for future
discussion of music fundamentals; most immediately with the introduction of
Dominant 7 chords (page 279).
In all Major Keys:
I, IV, & V (Primary Chords) = Major
ii, iii, & vi (Secondary Chords) = Minor
viiº (Secondary) = Diminished
Primary & Secondary Chords

• I, IV, & V are referred to as primary chords, because these chords are the
ones that are used most often in common chord progressions.
• ii, iii, vi, & viiº are referred to as secondary chords as they are used less
often than the primary chords.
274
Primary Chords in Major Keys
Commonly Used in Guitar Music
Major Key Tonic Sub-dominant Dominant
I IV V
C C F G
G G C D
D D G A
A A D E
E E A B
F F B C
B B E F
Primary Chords in Minor Keys

Commonly Used in Guitar Music
Minor Key Tonic Sub-dominant Dominant
i iv V
A Am Dm E
E Em Am B
D Dm Gm A
275
Frequently Asked Question:
If a chord is made up of only three notes, why is it that chord
charts often indicate to strum more than three strings?
• When the triad is applied to the guitar, it is common to double and
sometimes triple the Root, 3rd or 5th.
• This allows for a fuller sound than simply strumming three strings.
• Study the chord charts below. Note that the Root, 3rd, and 5th are
indicated below the chart.
C F
X X X
1 1 1
2 2
3 3
R 3 5 R 3 R 3 5 R
G Em
2 2 3
3 4
R 3 5 R 3 R R 5 R 3 5 R
276
Seventh Chords
• It is common to add the interval of a 7th to triads for added

harmonic interest.
• A seventh chord consists of a triad plus a 7th above the root of

the chord. When seventh chords are constructed on each step or
degree of a scale, four chord qualities result: Major 7, Minor 7,
Dominant 7, and Half-diminished 7.
Seventh Chords: Root, 3rd, 5th, & 7th

• Seventh chords are made up of four notes arranged as superimposed 3rds:
Root, 3rd, 5th, & 7th.
7th
5th
3rd
Root
Seventh Chords: Triad + 7th
[ } Triad
7th
277
Constructing Seventh Chords from Scales
• Seventh chords can be constructed on each note of a scale.
Seventh chord constructed on the tonic of a scale:
O O O
O
Seventh Chord
7th
5th
3rd
Root
Seventh chord constructed on the super-tonic of a scale:
O O O
O
Seventh Chord
7th
5th
3rd
Root
278
Seventh Chords from the C Major Scale
I7 ii7 iii7 IV7 V7 vi 7 viiø7 I7
Chord Symbols
CMaj7 Dm7 Em7 FMaj7 G7 Am7 Bø7 CMaj7
Major 7 = Root + “Maj7”

Minor 7 = Root + “m7”
Dominant 7 = Root + “7”
Half Diminished 7 = Root + “ø7”
In all Major Keys:
I7 & IV7 = Major 7
V7 = Dominant 7
ii7, iii7, & vi7 = Minor 7
viiø7 = Half-diminished 7
279
The Sound of Sevenths
Play each chord and listen to the difference that the 7th makes.
Am Am7
X X
1 1
2 3 2
R 5 R 3 5 R 5 7 3 5
A
X
2 3 4
R 5 R 3 5
AMaj7 A7
X X
2 3 2 4
R 5 7 3 5 R 5 7 3 5
280
Chapter 9
Further Rhythmic
Instruction
Unit 1: Ties
Unit 2: Dotted Quarter Notes
Unit 3: Pick-Up Notes
Unit 4: Sixteenth Notes
Unit 5: New Time Signature
Helpful Hints: Rhythmic Words
281
Unit 1: Ties
• A tie is a symbol used to lengthen the duration of a note. A tie is notated
with a curved line that connects two notes of the same pitch. The first note is
plucked and it continues to sustain through the duration of the second note.
The second note is not plucked.
Example 1: Two whole notes tied together sustain for a total of 8 beats.
Example 2: A half note tied to an eighth note sustains for a total of 2-1/2
beats.
282
283
Unit 2: Dotted Quarter Notes
.
• A dot adds half of a note’s value to itself. We have used it frequently
throughout this text with dotted half notes (.)
• A dotted quarter note is equal to a quarter note plus an eighth note.
. =  + 
• A dotted quarter note is also the same as a quarter note tied to an eighth
note.
• It is common for dotted quarter notes to be followed by eighth notes. For

that reason, it is good to develop a feeling for the dotted quarter - eight
rhythm.
.
284
285
Chapter 9: Review 1
1.   ___ . 6.  ___ .
2. . ___   7. . ___  
3. . ___   8. .  ___ 
4. . ___ . 9.  ___ w
5. . ___ . 10.   ___ 
Part II: Label the downbeats and upbeats.
286
Part IV: Draw bar lines to indicate measures. Be sure to look at the time signatures.
287
Unit 3: Pick-Up Notes
• Pick-Up Notes (also called anacrusis) are unaccented notes at the beginning
of a phrase of music.
• Previously, you learned that the first beat of each measure is accented.
• If a composer wishes to write music that doesn’t start with an accent, then
he/she will start on a beat other than beat 1
• The measure at the beginning of the piece will appear to be an incomplete
measure.
• The measure is traditionally completed in the last measure of the piece.
O O
288
289
Chapter 9: Review 2
Directions: Label the beats and upbeats.
290
Unit 4: Sixteenth Notes/Rests
• As you learned with eighth notes, a beat can be divided into two parts: a
downbeat and an upbeat.
• Down beats and up beats can also be divided to create sixteenth notes. This
may be demonstrated with the following exercise:
1. Tap your foot while you clap and count eighth notes.
2. Clap two times on the downbeat and two times on the up beat. There should
now be four evenly spaced claps per beat.
3. As you clap, add the syllable "e" after each downbeat and the syllable "a"
after each up beat.
4. You should now be clapping and counting 1 e + a 2 e + a 3 e + a 4 e + a
Congratulations!!! You are now clapping and counting sixteenth notes.
Sixteenth Notes
• Sixteenth notes look like eighth notes with two flags.
• When more than one sixteenth note appears in succession, the flags may be
replaced by double beams that connect one sixteenth to another.
X
double beams
x
2 flags
;
;


;
2 flags
;
double beams
Sixteenth Rests
• Sixteenth rests have the same value as sixteenth notes, but are silent.

291
292
Chapter 9: Review 3
1.  ___ . 6.  ___ 

2. . ___    7.  ___ 
3.  ___  8. . ___ 
4. . ___    9.  ___ w
5.  ___ . 10.   ___ 

Part II: Label the beats and upbeats.
293
Part IV: Draw bar lines to indicate measures. Be sure to look at the time signatures.
294
Unit 5: New Time Signature
3
`
∑ ∑
• The time signatures 4 and are mathematically the same. They can both be
∑
divided into six eighth notes, however they have very different impacts on
rhythm.
43 eighth notes ∑ ∑ ∑
∑ ∑ ∑
4
• In are grouped (beamed) into three quarter note beats.
∑ ∑ ∑ ∑
4
∑ ∑ ∑
8
• In eighth notes are grouped (beamed) into two dotted-quarter note beats.
∑ ∑ ∑ ∑
8
∑ ∑ ∑
12
• The first note of a beamed group receives emphasis.
∑ ∑ ∑ ∑
12
∑ ∑ ∑
16
• can be counted two different ways. You can either count each eighth note
∑ 20 beats 1 and 4∑or you can count the larger
∑ ∑
16
with accents on pulse of the dotted-
∑
quarter notes with subdivisions. ∑ ∑
∑ ∑ ∑ ∑
20
OR
∑ ∑ ∑
24
∑ ∑ ∑ ∑
24
∑ ∑ ∑
28
295
∑ ∑ ∑ ∑
28
296
Chapter 9: Unit 4 Review
Part I: Label the beats. You may label with “1 2 3 4 5 6” or with “1 + a 2 + a”.
297
Part II: Each of these measures is incomplete. Complete the measures using only
Part III: Draw bar lines to indicate measures.
298
Helpful Hints: Rhythmic Words
• Words can be notated with various combinations of rhythmic values.
• As in music, words have stressed (accented) and unstressed (weak) syllables.
• Knowing a few rhythmic words can be very helpful in learning rhythms in
the pieces that you play.
299
Glossary of Terms
Appendix 1
Accelerando A change of tempo meaning to gradually get faster.
Accent Emphasis given to a note or beat resulting in an increase of volume.
Accidental A symbol placed to the left of a notehead that alters the pitch by a half
step.
Accompaniment The background part(s) to a melody, usually played as chords.
Action. Distance from the string to the fretboard.
Adagio A tempo indication meaning slow.
Allegretto A tempo indication meaning on the fast side, but not too fast.
Allegro A tempo indication meaning fast and cheerful.
Anacrusis An incomplete measure consisting of one or more notes at the beginning
of a piece or section of music; also called pick-up notes.
Anchor A finger that can stay on the same note for an extended period of time
while other fingers move to their notes.
Andante A tempo indication meaning on the slow side, but not too slow.
Andantino A tempo indication meaning somewhat faster than andante.
Anular The third finger of the right hand used in playing fingerstyle.
Augmented A type of chord indicated by a capital letter (root) followed by a “+”.
Ballad A folk song with narrative lyrics.
Bar Left-hand fingering technique in which one finger presses more than one string.
Bar line A vertical line used to separate one measure from another.
Bass The lowest sounding notes in a musical composition.
Bass clef A sign placed at the beginning of a staff to indicate a pitch range to be
read by lower pitched instruments.
Beat A steady recurring pulse.
Beam A line connecting two eighth-note stems.
Chord Two or more notes played at the same time or played in quick succession
with each note continuing to sustain.
300
Chord diagram A grid representing a four-fret portion of the fretboard representing
what chord is to be played, the root, which left-hand fingers are to be used, what
frets to place them on, which strings are played open, and which strings are silent.
Chord root The letter name of the chord and the pitch that the chord is named
after.
Circle of Fifths A visual presentation of all major keys set a fifth or fourth apart
from one another.
Clef A sign placed at the beginning of a staff to indicate the pitch range of a
particular staff.
Common time Written as a 'C', meaning 4/4 time.
Cuatro The fourth finger of the right hand used in playing fingerstyle. This finger is
rarely used.
Diminished A type of chord indicated by a capital letter (root) followed by an “O”.
Dominant The name of the fifth note in a major or minor scale. Also, the name of
a seventh chord created from this note.
Down strum A pick or finger sweeping across the strings in a downward motion.
Downbeat The pulse or beat.
Downstroke A pick striking a string in a downward motion.
Duet A musical piece written for two players. May also refer to two musicians
playing together.
Dynamics A variety of symbols used to indicate gradual and immediate changes in
volume.
End bar line Two vertical lines, with the second being thicker, used to designate the
end of a piece of music.
Enharmonic equivalents Two notes that have the same pitch but a different name
(F and G).
Fermata A symbol meaning to hold the specified note/chord indefinitely.
Fingerboard The neck of the guitar. Also called a fretboard.
Fingerstyle A method of playing the strings with the right hand fingers.
Flat Symbol placed before a pitch to lower it by one half step.
Floating position The right arm/hand does not make contact with the strings; only
the pick makes contact. Primarily used in chord strumming.
Folk song Music belonging to the people of a particular region or country.
301
Forte A dynamic indication meaning loud; strong.
Fortissimo A dynamic indication meaning very loud; very strong.
Free stroke A method of plucking a string with a fingertip, without making contact
with adjacent strings.
Fret A metal wire running across the fingerboard used to separate half steps on
each string.
Fret markers Dots or other markings on the fingerboard or side of the neck used to
identify certain frets (usually the third, fifth, seventh, tenth, twelfth, etc.).
Fretboard The neck of the guitar. Also called a fretboard.
Full-bar All six strings are covered by the first finger.
Gliss. Abbreviation for glissando.
Glissando A sliding effect whereby a left-hand finger slides from one fret to another
on the same string.
Grave A tempo indication meaning very slow.
Guide finger A finger that stays on the same string but moves to a different fret.
Half-bar Strings one, two, and three are covered by one finger.
Half step The distance between one note and a second note located one fret higher
or lower on the fingerboard.
Indice The first finger of the right hand used in playing fingerstyle.
Interval The distance between two notes.
Key signature The sharps or flats placed after a clef indicating the collection of notes
(key) used in the piece of music.
Larghetto A tempo indication meaning somewhat faster than largo.
Largo A tempo indication meaning very slow and wide or spacious.
Lead sheet An abbreviated notation style that includes a melody with chord
symbols.
Ledger line A short staff line or lines placed above or below the staff to extend its
range beyond the five lines.
Lento A tempo indication meaning very slow.
Major A type of chord indicated by a capital letter (root).
Major scale A pattern of whole steps and half steps: W-W-H-W-W-W-H, and
starting and ending on the same pitch.
302
Measure The space between two bar lines used to include the number of beats
indicated by the time signature.
Measure repeat sign A symbol directing the musician to repeat the preceding
measure.
Medio The second finger of the right hand used in playing fingerstyle.
Melody An organized collection of notes that may be sung or played on an
instrument and is considered to be the focal point of the piece. A singable tune.
Metronome A device used to establish a tempo.
Mezzo forte A dynamic indication meaning medium loud; medium strong.
Mezzo piano A dynamic indication meaning medium soft.
Minor A type of chord indicated by a capital letter (root) and a lower-case “m”.
Minor scale Starts on the 6th note of a major scale and shares the same key
signature.
Moderato A tempo indication meaning moderate tempo.
Musical alphabet A, B, C, D, E, F, G
Musical staff Five horizontal lines used to indicate how high or low a pitch is.
Natural A symbol placed to the left of a note canceling a sharp or a flat that is
otherwise indicated.
Notehead. A solid or hollow oval shape used to indicate rhythmic duration (quarter
notes, half notes, whole notes, etc.).
Octave The distance between two notes that share the same letter name and that are
eight letter names apart.
Open string A string played without the left hand pressing on a fret.
P.M. Abbreviation for palm mute.
Palm mute Playing with the right side of the right hand as it rests across the saddle.
Parallel A major and a minor key that share the same starting note.
Partial-bar Two or three strings covered by one finger.
Pavan A court dance from the 16th and 17th centuries.
Pedal tones Repeated notes around which other parts move.
Pianissimo A dynamic indication meaning very soft.
Piano A dynamic indication meaning soft.
Pick A piece of shaped plastic held in the right hand and used to strike a string or
strings.
303
Pick up note(s) An incomplete measure consisting of one or more notes at the
beginning of a piece or section of music. Also called anacrusis.
Pickstyle A method of playing the strings with a pick held in the right hand.
Pitch The highness or lowness of a musical sound.
Piú allegro A change of tempo meaning faster.
Piú lento A change of tempo meaning slower.
Pluck To produce a sound on a string using a right hand fingertip.
Polyphonic Many sounds. The guitar is capable of producing multiple parts
simultaneously.
Position A four finger to four fret relationship which is named after the fret that the
first finger occupies.
Power chord A chord made of two notes the interval of a 5th apart. They are
named by the root and the suffix 5 (E5, F5, G5, etc.).
Prestissimo A tempo indication meaning very fast.
Presto A tempo indication meaning quick and fast.
Pulgar The thumb of the right hand used in playing fingerstyle.
Pulse A steady recurring beat.
Rall. Abbreviation for rallentando.
Rallentando A change of tempo meaning to gradually get slower.
Relative keys A major and minor key that share the same key signature.
Repeat sign A double bar line with two dots that tells the performer to
replay a passage of music.
Rest A silent note value.
Rest stroke A method of plucking a string with a fingertip, which makes contact
with the adjacent string upon completion of the stroke.
Rit. The abbreviation for Ritardando.
Ritardando A change of tempo meaning to gradually get slower.
Rhythmic notation. Represents the organization of time into regular beats or
pulses.
Romance A musical form originating in the 19th century.
Root The pitch that a chord is named after.
Rubato A short change of tempo meaning to steal time and to give it back.
Saddle A thin piece of plastic, bone or other material that sits on the bridge.
304
Scale A pattern of notes organized alphabetically, starting and ending on the same
note.
Score Displays all parts of the music on groups of staves.
Sharp Symbol placed before a pitch to raise it by one half step.
Simili Meaning similar, or to play as written before.
Soundboard. The top or face of the guitar; the part that vibrates when a string is
plucked.
Stem Vertical line that connects to a notehead.
Stressed Emphasized; accented.
Strum Playing multiple strings at the same time using a downward and/or upward
sweeping motion with a pick or fingers.
Sustain Continue to sound.
System Groups of staves within a score.
Tempo The speed and character of the music that is indicated either by a numeric
or descriptive marking.
Tie A symbol used to lengthen duration of a note.
Time signature An accent system. The top number represents the number of beats
in a measure and the bottom number identifies the type of rhythmic value
counted as a beat.
Treble clef A sign placed at the beginning of a staff to indicate a pitch range to be
read by higher pitched instruments.
Triad A chord that consists of three notes arranged as superimposed 3rds.
Trio A musical piece written for three players. May also refer to three musicians
playing together.
Tuning Adjusting the strings to match the appropriate pitches.
Unison Same pitch.
Unstressed Not emphasized or accented.
Upbeat Halfway between two beats.
Upstroke A pick striking a string in an upward motion.
Vihuela A Spanish musical instrument that is considered an ancestor of the guitar.
Vivace A tempo indication meaning lively.
Whole step The distance between one note and a second note located two frets
higher or lower on the fingerboard.
305
Flash Cards
Appendix 2
• Remove the pages in this section.
• Cut along the red lines.
• Use cards as needed to quiz notes as you

learn them.
306
307
F1
• String ^, Fret 1
E1
• String ^, Open
308
A1
• String %, Open
G1
309
C1
• String %, Fret 3
B1
• String ^, Fret 8 • String ^, Fret 7
310
E2
• String $, Fret 2
D1
• String $, Open
• String %, Fret 7 • String %, Fret 5
311
•
G2
String #, Open
F2
• String $, Fret 5 • String $, Fret 3
312
•
B2
String @, Open
•
A2
String #, Fret 2
• String #, Fret 4
313
D2
• String $, Open •
C2
String @, Fret 1
• String %, Fret 5 • String #, Fret 5
• String ^, Fret 10 • String $, Fret 10
314
•
F3
String !, Fret 1 •
E3
String !, Open
• String @, Fret 5
• String @, Fret 6
315
A3
• String !, Fret 5 •
G3
String !, Fret 3
• String @, Fret 10 • String @, Fret 8
• String #, Fret 14 • String #, Fret 12
316
C3
• String !, Fret 8
B3
• String @, Fret 13 • String @, Fret 12
• String #, Fret 17 • String #, Fret 16
317
E4 D3
• String !, Fret 12 • String @, Fret 15
• String @, Fret 17 • String #, Fret 19
318

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Guitar Method I

by Kevin Vigil, DMA

• Pitch Notation begins in Chapter 5.

• Chord Playing is introduced in Chapter 7.

• Scales, Key Signatures and Chord Construction are covered in Chapter 8.

Chapter 2: Intro to Rhythmic Notation 22

Chapter 3: Fingerstyle & Pickstyle 40

Chapter 4: The Left Hand 50

Chapter 6: Note Introduction 70

Chapter 7: Chord Playing 202

Chapter 8: Music Fundimentals 251

Chapter 9: Further Rhythmic Instruction 281

Appendix 1: Glossary of Terms 300

Appendix 2: Flash Cards 306

Unit 2: Guitar Care

Unit 3: Parts of the Guitar

Unit 4: Guitar Position

TOO LARGE Perfect!

Shapes and Sizes

Unit 3: Parts of the Guitar

• Technical Facilitation/Stability - The guitar should be positioned so that

• Comfort/Relaxation - Comfort is perhaps best described as not being

• Relax your shoulders and raise

• Swing your right arm from the

• Bring the guitar to you.

Steel String Guitar. Left leg Classical Guitar elevated by a

Electric Guitar brought to Classical/Electric Hybrid brought

1. _______________ Small people should play large guitars.

2. _______________ Nylon stringed guitars are commonly known as classical

4. _______________ The sound of an electric guitar primarily comes from the

7. _______________ Wood expands when it is humid (wet).

9. _______________ It is important to hold the guitar in a position that promotes

10. _______________You should not change your body to accommodate the

Unit 1: Sounded Rhythmic Values

Unit 3: Eighth Notes/Rests (   &  )

Rhythmic Value Symbol Duration

Quarter Note q = 1 beat

Half Note h = 2 beats

Dotted Half Note* h. = 3 beats

Whole Note w = 4 beats

Anatomy of Note Symbols

Stems are attached to the noteheads of half notes and smaller. If a

Rhythmic Value Symbol Duration

Quarter Rest = 1 beat

Half Rest = 2 beats

Dotted Half Rest* = 3 beats

Whole Rest = 4 beats

Half and Whole Rests

Half Rest Whole Rest

Play Your Rests!

Also referred to as common time and represented by c ∑

1. _______________ A rest is a silent note value.

2. _______________ An end bar usually appears at the beginning of a piece.

3. _______________ Time signatures are an accent system.

4. _______________ From one bar line to the next is called a beat.

5. _______________ The first beat of each measure is accented.

6. _______________ For every sounded rhythmic value there is an equivalent

7. _______________ All noteheads are hollow.

8. _______________ Stems may be drawn upward or downward from a

3. w _  8.  _ w