AMEB Guitar Exam Booklet

Guitar
Companion Guide
Multiple examples of the ‘unseen tests’ in Rockschool exams for practice and improved exam performance
RSL-422543088927 / 1 / Dave Wooltorton / [email protected]
All accompanying and supporting audio can be downloaded from: www.rslawards.com/downloads
Input the following code when prompted: 4L9H7EFV3Y
For more information, turn to page 4
www.rslawards.com
Acknowledgements
Published by Rockschool Ltd. © 2012

Catalogue Number RSK111201
ISBN: 978-1-910975-78-7
This edition published July 2017 | Errata details can be found at www.rslawards.com
AUDIO
Recorded, mixed and mastered at Langlei Studios by Duncan Jordan
Producer: James Uings
MUSICIANS
Stuart Clayton, Fergus Gerrand, Noam Lederman, Stuart Ryan, Ross Stanley
PUBLISHING
Music engraving and book layout by Simon Troup and Jennie Troup of Digital Music Art
Proof and copy editing by Stephen Lawson, Simon Pitt, James Uings and Chris Bird
Cover design by Philip Millard
Cover photography by Adam Gasson
SYLLABUS
Syllabus director: Jeremy Ward
Instrumental specialists: Stuart Clayton, Noam Lederman and James Uings
SPONSORSHIP

Noam Lederman plays Mapex Drums, PAISTE cymbals and uses Vic Firth Sticks
Rockschool would like to thank the following companies for donating instruments used in the cover artwork
PRINTING
Printed and bound in the United Kingdom by Caligraving Ltd
DISTRIBUTION
Exclusive Distributors: Music Sales Ltd
CONTACTING ROCKSCHOOL
www.rslawards.com
Telephone: +44 (0)845 460 4747
Email: [email protected]
Guitar Companion Guide
2
Table of Contents
Introductions & Information
2 Acknowledgements
3 Table of Contents
4 Welcome to the Rockschool Guitar Companion Guide
5 Guitar Notation Explained
Sight Reading
6 Debut
8 Grade 1
10 Grade 2
12 Grade 3
14 Grade 4
17 Grade 5
Improvisation & Interpretation
20 Grade 1
22 Grade 2
24 Grade 3

26 Grade 4
28 Grade 5
Ear Tests
30 Debut
36 Grade 1
42 Grade 2
48 Grade 3
54 Grade 4
58 Grade 5
62 Grade 6
66 Grade 7
70 Grade 8
Quick Study Pieces
74 Grade 6
80 Grade 7
86 Grade 8
General Musicianship Questions
92 Debut & Grade 1

93 Grades 1 & 2
94 Grades 4 & 5
95 Grades 6 & 7
96 Grade 8
3
Welcome to the Rockschool Guitar Companion Guide
This book is designed to give teachers, learners and candidates multiple examples of the ‘unseen’ tests that are to be found
within each Rockschool grade exam at Debut and Grades 1–8. The Companion Guide contains between three and six
examples of each of the following tests:
■ Sight Reading (Debut–Grade 5)

■ Improvisation & Interpretation (Grades 1–5)*
■ Ear Tests (Debut–Grade 8)*
■ Quick Study Pieces (Grades 6–8)*
■ General Musicianship Questions (Debut–Grade 8)
All of the test examples marked (*) have accompanying audio which can be downloaded from the Rockschool website (see
below). The Quick Study Pieces (QSPs) come in two audio versions: one is a full mix of the QSP and is marked (full) in the
filename, the other is a backing track with the examined instrumental part removed, which is marked (bt) in the filename.
Teachers, learners and candidates should also refer to the Rockschool Syllabus Guide for Guitar where you will find the
technical specifications for each section of the exam syllabus, including those parts of the exam (the performance pieces
and the Technical Exercises) not covered by this Companion Guide. The Guitar Syllabus Guide can be found on our website:
www.rslawards.com. References to the relevant sections of the Syllabus Guide can be found in each section of this book.
The purpose of the Companion Guide is to give candidates practice examples of the kinds of ‘unseen’ tests encountered in the
grade exam.
If you have any queries about the syllabus for Guitar (or any other exam syllabus offered by Rockschool), please do not

hesitate to call us on +44 (0)845 460 4747 or email us at [email protected]
The Rockschool website, www.rslawards.com, has detailed information on all aspects of our examinations, including
examination regulations, detailed marking schemes and marking criteria.
Audio
In addition to this book, we have also provided audio examples where appropriate. The following symbol is used to
indicated which exercises have accompanying audio:
P
These audio examples can be downloaded from RSL directly at www.rslawards.com/downloads
You will need to input this code when prompted: 4L9H7EFV3Y
The audio files are supplied in MP3 format. Once downloaded you will be able to play them on any compatible device.
4
Guitar Notation Explained
4 # ww
D Am F
&4 ˙ Ó ww
Notes:
’ ’ ’ ’
THE MUSICAL STAVE
shows pitches and rhythms
and is divided by lines into
E F
CD
AGB Û Û Û Û
bars. Pitches are named after F E
the first seven letters of the
alphabet. Strings:
E 2 0
TABLATURE graphically B T 3 1
2
represents the guitar
G
D A 2
2
0 2
fingerboard. Each horizontal
line represents a string and
A
E
B 0
each number represents a fret. Fourth string, 2nd fret Open D chord Rhythm notation with Solos and Cont. sim. sections
suggested fingering are shown in slash notation
Definitions For Special Guitar Notation

HAMMER-ON: Pick the lower note, PULL-OFF: Pick the higher note then SLIDE: Pick the first note and slide GLISSANDO: Slide off of a note at the
then sound the higher note by sound the lower note by lifting the to the next. If the line connects (as end of its rhythmic value. The note
œ œ
fretting it without picking. finger without picking. below) the second note is not repicked. that follows is repicked.
& œ & œ & œ œ & œ œ
T 5 7
T 7 5
T 2 4
T 2 4
A A A A
B B B B

STRING BENDS: Pick the first note then VIBRATO: Vibrate the note by bending TRILL: Rapidly alternate between the NATURAL HARMONICS: Lightly touch the
‚
bend (or release the bend) to the pitch and releasing the string smoothly two bracketed notes by hammering string above the indicated fret then
w~~~~~~~~~~~~ Ÿ ~~~~~ ‚ ‚
indicated in brackets. and continuously. on and pulling off. pick to sound a harmonic.
œ œ œ
& & &œ w &
œ
BU BD ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Ÿ ~~~~~ NH
12
T 5 (6) (5) T 8 T ( 5 7) 5
T 12
12
A A A A
B B B B
PINCHED HARMONICS: Bring the PICK-HAND TAP: Strike the indicated FRET-HAND TAP: As pick-hand tap, QUARTER-TONE BEND: Pick the note
#œ
thumb of the picking hand into note with a finger from the picking but use fretting hand. Usually indicated and bend the string up
œ œ
contact with the string immediately hand. Usually followed by a pull-off. followed by a pull-off or hammer-on. by a quarter tone.
— — — #œ
& œ
after the pick. 1/4
& & & œ

PH
1/4
7 2 9 5
T 5
7 5
T T T 5
A A A A 7
B B B B
fi
■ Go back to the sign (%), then play until
D.%. al Coda
PRE-BENDS: Before picking the note, WHAMMY BAR BEND: Use the
fi
the bar marked To Coda then skip to
bend the string from the fret indicated whammy bar to bend notes to the
between the staves, to the equivalent pitches indicated in brackets in the TAB. the section marked Coda.
œ ˙
& œ œ œ
pitch indicated in brackets in the TAB.
&
■ Go back to the beginning of the song and
w/bar D.C. al Fine
.. ..
play until the bar marked Fine (end).
■ Repeat the bars between the repeat signs.

PB 7
BD w/bar
.. ..
■ When a repeated section has different
T ( 9) (7) T 4 (5) (4)
1. 2.
endings, play the first ending only the first
A A time and the second ending only the
B B second time.
5
Sight Reading Debut
Candidates attempting a Debut grade exam are required to take a Sight Reading test. Candidates attempting Grades 1–5
inclusive have a choice of taking either the Sight Reading or the Improvisation & Interpretation test in the exam. Six
examples of the types of Sight Reading tests required in the exam are shown below in grade order. A summary of the
technical specifications of each test offered to candidates in the exam can be found in the Guitar Syllabus Guide in the
summary table on page 32. The Syllabus Guide can be found on the Rockschool website: www.rslawards.com. Please note
that in Grades 4 and 5 each Sight Reading test also includes two bars of improvisation.
You will be asked to prepare a Sight Reading test which is given to you by the examiner. The examiner will allow you 90
seconds to prepare the test and will set the tempo for you on a metronome. You can choose to play with or without the
metronome. TAB fingerings are given along with standard notation in all Sight Reading tests at all grades. The examiner will
offer you the metronome, which can be used during your practice time or as a four-beat indication of the tempo. Choose
which works best for you. It is best to stick with the method you have used while preparing at home for the exam. The
examiner will also offer you the metronome for your performance.
Debut
The following examples are indicative of the types of test you will be given in the Debut exam.
Example 1
q = 70
& 44

˙ ˙ ˙ œ œ œ œ ˙ ˙ ˙
T
A
B 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Example 2
q = 70
& 44
œ œ ˙ ˙ ˙ œ œ ˙ ˙ œ œ
T
A
B 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Example 3
q = 70
& 44
œ œ œ œ œ œ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ œ œ
T
A
6 B 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Sight Reading Debut
Example 4
q = 70
4
&4
œ œ ˙ ˙ ˙ ˙ œ œ ˙ œ œ
T
A
B 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Example 5
q = 70
& 44
˙ ˙ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ ˙ œ œ
T
A
B

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Example 6
q = 70
& 44
œ œ œ œ ˙ œ œ œ œ œ œ ˙ ˙
T
A
B 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
7
Sight Reading Grade 1
Grade 1
The following examples are indicative of the types of test you will be given in the Grade 1 exam.
Example 1
q = 70
4
&4 ˙
˙ ˙ œ œ ˙ œ œ ˙ ˙
T
A 0
B 0 0 2 2 3 3 2 0 0
Example 2
q = 70
& 44

˙ œ œ ˙ œ œ œ œ ˙ ˙ ˙
T
A
B 0 2 0 2 0 2 3 3 3 2 0
Example 3
q = 70
& 44 ˙
œ œ ˙ œ œ ˙ ˙ ˙ œ œ
T
A 0
B 0 2 0 0 2 3 3 3 2 0
8
Example 4
q = 70
4
&4 œ œ ˙ ˙ œ œ ˙
œ œ ˙ ˙
T
A 0 0 2 0
B 0 2 3 3 3 2 0
Example 5
q = 70
& 44 ˙ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ ˙
œ œ ˙

T
A 0 2 0 2 0 0 0
B 0 2 3 3 3 0
Example 6
q = 70
4
&4 œ œ œ œ ˙ œ œ
œ œ œ œ ˙ ˙
T
A 0 2 0
B 0 2 0 2 3 3 3 3 2 0 Guitar Companion Guide
9
Grade 2
Example 1
q = 70
#4
& 4 Œ Œ
œ œ œ œ œ œ œ ˙ œ œ ˙ ˙
T
A 0 0
B 3
0 2 2 3 3 3 2 0
3
Example 2
q = 70
& 44 œ Œ
œ œ œ ˙ œ œ œ œ Œ ˙ œ

œ ˙
T 0 2 0 0
A 0 0 2 3 3 2 0
B 3 3
Example 3
q = 70
#4 Œ Œ Œ Œ
& 4 œ œ œ œ
œ œ œ œ œ œ ˙ œ œ
T
A 0 0 0
B 3
0 2 3 2 3 3 2 0
3
10
Example 4
q = 70
4
&4
˙ œ œ œ œ Œ œ œ Œ œ œ œ ˙ ˙ ˙
T 0 2 0 0
A 0 2 3 3 3 3 2
B 3 3
Example 5
q = 70
#4
& 4 Œ Œ
œ œ ˙ œ œ œ œ œ ˙ œ œ œ ˙

T
A 0 0 0
B 3
0 2 2 3 2 3 3 2
3
Example 6
q = 70
4 Œ Œ
&4 œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ ˙ œ œ œ œ œ ˙
T
A 0 2 0 2 0 2 3 2 0 0 0
B 3 3 3 3 3 Guitar Companion Guide
11
Grade 3
Example 1
q = 80
#4 Œ
& 4 Œ ˙
˙ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ ˙ ˙
T
A 0 2 0
B 3
2 3 2 3 3 3 2
3
Example 2
q = 80
& 44 Œ œ œ Œ œ œ œ

œ œ œ œ œ ˙ œ œ ˙
T
A 2 3 2 3 2 0
B 0 2 0 2 3 3 3 0
Example 3
q = 80
#4 Œ Œ Œ
& 4 œ œ œ œ œ œ œ
œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ
T
A 0 2 2 0 4 4 2 0
B 3 3
0 0 2 3 3 2
3
12
Example 4
q = 80
4 Œ Œ œ Œ
&4 œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ
œ œ œ œ ˙
T 2 0
A 0 0 2 3 2 3 2
B 0 0 2 3 3 3 0
Example 5
q = 80
#4 Œ Œ
& 4 œ œ œ œ œ œ
œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ

T
A 0 4 2 0 0
B 3
0 2 0 2 3 3 3 3 2 3 2 0
3
Example 6
q = 80
& 44 œ œ œ Œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ Œ
œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ
˙
T 2 0
A 0 2 2 2 3 2 2 3 3 2 0 2 0
B 0 2 3 3 0 Guitar Companion Guide
13
Grade 4
The following examples are indicative of the types of test you will be given in the Grade 4 exam. Please note that in Grade 4
the Sight Reading tests contain a small amount of improvisation and interpretation. This consists of a two-bar section to be
found at the end of each test.
Example 1
q = 85 Rock
F#m
## 4 ‰ j
Œ Œ Œ
D A G A D Bm D
& 4 œ œ œ œ ˙ œ œ œ
œ œ œ ˙
T
A 0 0 0 2 4 4 2 0
B 4 0 2 4
F#m
## D A
Œ
G A D Bm D
& œ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’
œ œ œ œ œ œ œ ˙ Develop melody

T
A 0 0
B 4 2 0
3
0 2 4
Example 2
3
j
q = 85 Blues q q = q q
4
D7 G7 D7 A7 D7
&b4 œ Œ
œ œ œ œ œ Œ œ œ œ Œ œ œ œ œ œ ˙
T 0 0 0 2 0 2 2
A 0 0 2 3 3 0 3
B 3
&b œ œ œ Œ
D7 G7 D7 A7 D7
œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’
Develop melody
T
A 0 2 3 0 0 3 2 3 2 0
B 3
14
Example 3
q = 85 Rock
4 œ œ œ œ
Am C G F Am G Em Am
&4 œ œ œ œ Œ œ œ œ Œ œ Œ œ œ œ Œ œ Œ
T 2 2 0 2
1 0
2
0
2
0 1
2
0
2 0 2
A
B
œ œ œ œ œ œ ’ ’ ’ ’
Am C Dm G Am G Em Am
&œ œ œ œ Œ Œ ’ ’ ’ ’
Develop melody
T 2 2 0 2
1 3 1 3 3 0
A
B

Example 4
q = 85 Rock
#4
G Em C D G Em D G
& 4 œ œ œ Œ œ œ œ œ œ Œ œ œ œ
œ œ œ œ ˙ œ œ
T 0 0 0 0 0 2
0
0
0
2 0
A 4 2 2 4 4 4 4
B
#
Œ
G D C D G C D G
& œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’
Develop melody
T 0 0 2 0
A 4 4 2 4 4 2
B
15
Example 5
3
j
œ œ œ
& b 44
œ ‰ œ œ œ Œ œ œ œ
Dm Gm Am Dm
Œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ Œ
J
1
T 3 1 3 3 3 3
2 3 0 3 0 2 3
1
2
3 1 3
A
B
œ œ œ œ œ Œ
& b œ ‰ Jœ œ
œ œ
Dm Gm Am Dm
’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’
Develop melody
1 0 1
T 3 1 3 3 3 3
2
A
B

Example 6
q = 85 Rock
#4 œ œ œ
& 4 œ œ œ œ œ œ Œ Œ Œ
G D C Am D G
œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ
0
T 0 0 2 2
3 3
A 4 2 0 2 0 4 0 4 2 0 2 4 4
B
#
œ œ œ ‰ œ œ œ Œ
G D C Am D G
& œ œ œ œ œ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’
Develop melody
T 0 0
A 4 2 2 0 0 4 4 4 2
B
16
Grade 5
The following examples are indicative of the types of test you will be given in the Grade 5 exam. Please note that in Grade 5
the Sight Reading tests contain a small amount of improvisation and interpretation. This consists of a two-bar section to be
found at the end of each test.
Example 1
q = 90 Rock
#4 j
‰ œj œ œ œ
7 B m7
& 4 œ ‰ œ œ œ œ œ œ Œ
G Am C G
˙ œ œ ˙ œ
T 2 4 2 4 5 4
A 5 5 4 2 4 2 4 5 5 5
B
# j
7 B m7
‰ œ œ œ œ œ œ
G Am C G
& œ œ œ œ œ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’
Develop melody

T 2 4 2 2
A 5 5 4 2 2 4 5
B
Example 2
3
j
b4 œ œ Œ œ œ œ
& b 4 œ œ œ œ œ. œ œ œ œ œ. œ
Gm Cm Gm
œ. œ. œ œ ˙
T 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 3
1 4 1 1
3 2 0 0
A 3 0 3 3 3
B
bb œ œ Œ œ œ œ œ Œ
Gm Cm Gm
& œ. œ. œ. ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’
Develop melody
T 0 0 0 3 0 0
A 3 3 3
B
17
Example 3
q = 90 Funk
#
& 44 œ œ œ œ œ ‰ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ ‰ Œ
Em A m7 E m7 B m7 E m7
œ œ œ œ œ Œ œ œ Œ
œ J
T 0
0
2 0 0 2
0
2 0
0
2
0 3 1 0
2
0
A 2 4 2
B
#
E m7 A m7 E m7 B m7 E m7
& Œ œ œ œ œ œ Œ œ œ Œ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’
œ
Develop melody
T 0
2 0 2 2 0 2
A 2
B

Example 4
q = 90 Rock
Bb
4 ˙ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ
F C F Dm C F
&b4 œ Œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ Œ œ œ œ
1 0
T 2 0 0 2 3
1 1
3
1 3 3 1
3 2 2
A 3 3 3
B
Bb
œ œ œ œ ˙
F C F Dm C F
&b œ œ Œ œ œ œ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’
Develop melody
T 2 0 2 3 2 3 2
1
A 2 3
B
18
Example 5
q = 90 Funk
b4 œ œ ‰ œ œ œ œ œ Œ œ œ œ œ
&b 4
F7 D m7 G m7
œ œ œ œ
Gm
J œ œ œ œ œ œ œ ˙
T 3 1 3 1
3 0 2 0 0 3
3
3 0 3
1
A 3 1 3 3 1 3 0 3
B
bb Gœm œ œ œ œ œ œ
7 F 7 D m7 G m7
& œ œ œ œ œ œ œ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’
Develop melody
T 3 3 1
3
3 1
3 0
A 3 1 3 3 1 3
B

Example 6
3
j
#4 œ œ œ œ Œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ
A m7
œ
Em Em Am Em
& 4 œ œ œ œ œ Œ œ œ œ œ
0 0 0 0
T 3 1 3 3 1 1
0 0 2
0
2 0
0 3
A 2 2 0
B
# Eœm œ œ œ Œ œ œ Aœm œ œ œ Em Am Em
& œ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’
Develop melody
0 0 0
T 3 1 3 3 1 3 1
0
A
B
19
Improvisation & Interpretation Grade 1
Candidates attempting Grades 1–5 inclusive have a choice of taking either the Sight Reading or the Improvisation &
Interpretation test in the exam. Six examples of the types of Improvisation & Interpretation tests required in the exam are
shown below in grade order. A summary of the technical specifications of each test offered to candidates in the exam can be
found in the Guitar Syllabus Guide in the summary table on page 32. The Syllabus Guide can be found on the Rockschool
website: www.rslawards.com. Please note that in Grades 4 and 5 each Improvisation & Interpretation test also includes two
bars of sight reading at the beginning of each eight-bar test.
You will be asked to prepare an Improvisation & Interpretation test which is given to you by the examiner.
Grade 1
You will be asked to play an improvised line to a backing track of four bars in the key of C major or A minor. You may
choose to play either rhythmic chords (first audio track) or a melodic lead line (second audio track). You have 30 seconds
to prepare then you will be allowed to practise during the first playing of the backing track before playing it to the examiner
on the second playing of the backing track. This test is continuous with a one-bar count-in at the beginning and after the
practice session.
Example 1 P
q = 80 Rock
4 ¿ ¿ ¿ ¿
.
&4 . ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ..
C Em G C

Example 2 P
q = 70 Rock
4 ¿ ¿ ¿ ¿
.
&4 . ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ..
Am Em Dm Am
Example 3 P
q = 75 Rock
¿ ¿ ¿ ¿
4 .
&4 . ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ..
C Am Em C
20
Example 4 P
q = 80 Rock
¿ ¿ ¿ ¿
4
& 4 .. ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ..
Am Dm Em Am
Example 5 P
q = 80 Rock
¿ ¿ ¿ ¿
4 .
&4 . ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ..
C Dm Am C

Example 6 P
q = 80 Rock
4 ¿ ¿ ¿ ¿
.
&4 . ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ..
Am G Em Am
21
Grade 2
You will be asked to play an improvised line to a backing track of four bars in the key of G major or E minor. You may
practice session.
Example 1 P
q = 80 Rock
#4 . ¿ ¿ ¿ ¿
& 4 . ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ..
G Em D G

Example 2
q = 80 Rock
#4 . ¿ ¿ ¿ ¿
& 4 . ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ..
Em D G Em
Example 3 P
q = 85 Rock
#4 . ¿ ¿ ¿ ¿
’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ..
A m7
& 4 .
G D G
22
Example 4 P
q = 90 Rock
#4 . ¿ ¿ ¿ ¿
’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ..
E m7 C maj 7
& 4 .
G Em
Example 5 P
q = 80 Rock
#4 . ¿ ¿ ¿ ¿
& 4 . ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ..
G Em C G

Example 6 P
q = 90 Rock
#4 . ¿ ¿ ¿ ¿
’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ..
E m7 A m7 E m7
& 4 .
D
23
Grade 3
You will be asked to play an improvised line to a backing track of four bars in the key of G major or A minor. You may
practice session.
Example 1 P
3
j
¿ ¿ ¿ ¿
& 44 .. ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ..
Am Dm G Em Am

Example 2
q = 80 Rock
#4 . ¿ ¿ ¿ ¿
& 4 . ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ..
G Bm D C G
Example 3 P
q = 85 Rock
¿ ¿ ¿ ¿
4 .
&4 . ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ..
Am F G Am Em Am
24
Example 4 P
3
j
#4 . ¿ ¿ ¿ ¿
& 4 . ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ..
G C G D C G
Example 5 P
q = 85 Rock
¿ ¿ ¿ ¿
4 .
&4 . ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ..
Am C Dm F G Am

Example 6 P
3
j
#4 . ¿ ¿ ¿ ¿
’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ..
C7 D7
& 4 .
G G D G
25
Grade 4
In Grade 4, the Improvisation & Interpretation test contains a small amount of sight reading. This consists of a two-bar
section of rhythm notation at the beginning of the test. You will be asked to play the chords in the rhythms indicated and
complete the test using an improvised line made up of chords and lead lines where indicated. This is played to a backing
track of no more than eight bars. The test will be given in one of the four following keys: D major or G major, or D minor
or A minor. You have 30 seconds to prepare then you will be allowed to practise during the first playing of the backing track
before playing it to the examiner on the second playing of the backing track. This test is continuous with a one-bar count-in
at the beginning and after the practice session.
Example 1 P
3
j
¿ ¿ ¿ ¿
Chords in rhythm shown Improvise rhythmic chords
& 44 .. Û Û Û Û Û Û Û Û Û Û
A m7 Dm A m7 Em
’’’’ ’’’’
Improvise melody
’ ’ ’ ’ ..
A m7 Dm Em A m7
&’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’

Example 2 P
q = 90 Rock
# ¿ ¿ ¿ ¿
& # 44 .. Û Û Û Û Û Û Û Û Û Û Û Û ’’’’ ’’’’

D G Bm G A
##
Improvise melody
’ ’ ’ ’ ..
Bm Em A7 D
& ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’
Example 3 P
3
j
#4 . ¿ ¿ ¿ ¿
Û Û Û Œ Û Û Û Û Û Û Û
G7 C7 D7
& 4 . ’’’’ ’’’’

#
Improvise melody
’ ’ ’ ’ ..
C7 G7 D7 G7
& ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’
26
Example 4 P
q = 95 Funk
¿ ¿ ¿ ¿
4
& b 4 .. Û Û Û Œ Û Û Œ Û Û Û
D m7 C7 G m7 D m7 G7 A7
’’’’ ’’’’
Bb
Improvise melody
&b ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ..
D m7 G m7 C D m7
’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’
Example 5 P
q = 100 Rock
## 4 . ¿ ¿ ¿ ¿ F#m
Û Û Û Û ‰ Û Û Û ‰ Û Û
A7
& 4 .
D Em
’’’’ ’’’’
J J

##
Improvise melody
’ ’ ’ ’ ..
D G Bm A7 G A7 D
& ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’
Example 6 P
q = 100 Funk
¿ ¿ ¿ ¿
4
& 4 .. Û ‰ Û ‰ ‰ Û Œ Û Û Œ Û Œ
A m7 D m7 E m7 A m7 F G
’’’’ ’’’’
J
Improvise melody
’ ’ ’ ’ ..
D m7 C G7 E m7 D m7 A m7
&’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’
27
Grade 5
In Grade 5, the Improvisation & Interpretation test contains a small amount of sight reading. This consists of a two-bar
section of rhythm notation at the beginning of the test. You will be asked to play the chords in the rhythms indicated and
complete the test using an improvised line made up of chords and lead lines where indicated. This is played to a backing
track of no more than eight bars. The test will be given in one of the four following keys: A major or G major, or E minor or
G minor. You have 30 seconds to prepare then you will be allowed to practise during the first playing of the backing track
before playing it to the examiner on the second playing of the backing track. This test is continuous with a one-bar count-in
at the beginning and after the practice session.
Example 1 P
q = 90 Rock
### 4 . ¿ ¿ ¿ ¿ F # m7
ÛÛÛÛÛ ÛÛ Û Û Û Û Û Û
B m7 E7
& 4 .
A
’’’’ ’’’’
### F # m7
Improvise melody
’ ’ ’ ’ ..
A D E7 A
& ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’

Example 2 P
3
j
### 4 . ¿ ¿ ¿ ¿
ÛÛÛÛÛÛÛ ÛÛÛÛÛ ÛÛ ’’’’ ’’’’

A7 D7 A7 E7
& 4 .
###
Improvise melody
’ ’ ’ ’ ..
A7 D7 E7 D7 A7
& ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’
Example 3 P
q = 95 Funk
b 4 .. ¿ ¿ ¿ ¿ Bb
b ÛÛŒ ÛÛ‰Û ÛÛŒ ÛÛÛ

G m7 C m7 D m7 G m7 F7
& 4 ’’’’ ’’’’
Bb
Improvise melody
b
&b ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ..
G m7 C m7 D m7 F7 G m7
’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’
28
Example 4 P
q = 100 Rock
#4 . ¿ ¿ ¿ ¿
& 4 . ÛÛÛÛ‰ÛÛÛ ÛÛÛÛÛ‰Û‰ ’’’’ ’’’’

Em D C D Em G A
#
Improvise melody
’ ’ ’ ’ ..
Em D C B7 G A Em
& ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’
Example 5 P
3
j
¿ ¿ ¿ ¿
4 . Œ Û Œ Û‰ ÛÛ‰ ÛÛ Œ
A m7 D m7 A m7 E7
&4 . ’’’’ ’’’’

J

Improvise melody
’ ’ ’ ’ ..
A m7 D m7 A m7 E7 A m7
&’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’
Example 6 P
q = 100 Funk
#4 ¿ ¿ ¿ ¿
& 4 .. Û‰‰ÛÛÛŒ ÛÛ‰ÛÛÛÛ‰ ’’’’ ’’’’

E m7 A m7 B m7
#
Improvise melody
’ ’ ’ ’ ..
E m7 A m7 B m7 D7 A m7 E m7
& ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’
29
Ear Tests Debut
You will be given two ear tests in the grade exam. The tests are played back from digital audio files and use real instrument
sounds. Each test is played to you by the examiner twice and you will play back to each test (as required) either to a drum
backing (Debut–Grade 5) or to a bass and drum backing (Grades 6–8). A summary of the technical specifications of each
test offered to candidates in the exam can be found in the Guitar Syllabus Guide in the summary tables on pages 36–37.
Debut Test 1: Melodic Recall

The examiner will play you two half notes one after the other. You will tell the examiner whether the second note played
is higher or lower in pitch than the first note. You will hear the test twice. Each time the test is played it is preceded by a
one-bar vocal count-in.
Example 1 P
q = 85
& 44 .. ˙ ˙ ..
. .
. .
T 2
A 2
B

Example 2 P
# 4 .
q = 85
& 4 .˙ ..
˙
. .
. .
T 0
A
B 2
Example 3 P
## 4 .
q = 85
& 4 .˙ ˙ ..
. .
. .
T 2
A 0
B
30
Ear Tests Debut
Example 4 P
q = 85
4
& 4 .. ˙ ˙ ..
. .
. .
T 0
A
B 3
Example 5 P
b
q = 85
& b 44 .. ˙ ˙
..
. .
. .
T

0
A 0
B
Example 6 P
## 4 .
q = 85
& 4 .˙ ..
˙
. .
. .
T
A 0
B 2 Guitar Companion Guide
31
Ear Tests Debut
Debut Test 2: Rhythmic Recall

The examiner will play you a two-bar rhythm played to a drum backing on the lowest-sounding E string. You will hear
the test twice. You will be asked to play the rhythm back. You will then be asked to identify the rhythm from two printed
examples shown to you. Each time the test is played it is preceded by a one-bar count-in. There will be a short gap for you to
practise. Next you will hear a vocal count-in and you will then play the rhythm to the drum backing.
Example 1 P
q = 80
4
A
& 4 .. Œ Œ ..
œ œ œ œ œ œ œ
. .
. .
T
A
B 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
q = 80
& 44 ..
B
Œ Œ ..

. .
. .
T
A
B 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Example 2 P
q = 80
& 44 ..
A
Œ Œ ..
. .
. .
T
A
B 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
q = 80
& 44 ..
B
Œ ..
. .
. .
T
A
B 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
32
Ear Tests Debut
Example 3 P
q = 80
4
A
& 4 .. Œ Œ ..
œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ
. .
. .
T
A
B 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
q = 80
& 44 ..
B
Œ ..
. .
. .
T
A
B 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Example 4 P
q = 80
& 44 ..
A
Œ Œ Œ ..
œ œ œ œ œ œ
. .
. .
T
A
B 0 0 0 0 0 0
q = 80
& 44 ..
B
Œ Œ ..
. .
. .
T
A
B 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
33
Ear Tests Debut
Example 5 P
q = 80
4
A
& 4 .. Œ Œ ..
. .
. .
T
A
B 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
q = 80
& 44 ..
B
Œ Œ Œ ..
. .
. .
T
A
B 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Example 6 P
q = 80
& 44 ..
A
Œ Œ Œ ..
. .
. .
T
A
B 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
q = 80
& 44 ..
B
Œ ..
. .
. .
T
A
B 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
34
Ear Tests Debut
35
Guitar Companion Guide RSL-422543088927 / 1 / Dave Wooltorton / [email protected]
Ear Tests Grade 1
Grade 1 Test 1: Melodic Recall

The examiner will play you three notes in sequence. You will identify whether the notes are higher or lower (up or down) in
sequence. You will hear the test twice. Each time the test is played it is preceded by a one-bar vocal count-in.
Candidate may answer either: “higher/lower” or “up/down”.
Example 1 P
˙
q = 85
4 ˙
& 4 .. w ..
. 3
.
. .
T 2
3
A
B
Example 2 P

q = 85
& b 44 .. w ˙
..
˙
. .
. .
T
A 0 3
B 0
Example 3 P
# 4 .
q = 85
& 4 . w ..
˙ ˙
. .
. .
T 0
A 0
B 3
36
Ear Tests Grade 1
Example 4 P
q = 85
4
& 4 .. w ˙ ..
˙
. .
. .
T 2 0
A
B 3
Example 5 P
# 4 .
q = 85
& 4 .w ˙ ˙ ..
. .
. .
T

2
A 2 4
B
Example 6 P
## 4 .
q = 85
& 4 .w ..
˙ ˙
. .
. .
T
A 0 0
B 0
37
Ear Tests Grade 1
Grade 1 Test 2: Rhythmic Recall

Example 1 P
q = 90
4
A
& 4 .. Œ ..
. .
. .
T
A
B 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
q = 90
& 44 ..
B
Œ Œ ..

. .
. .
T
A
B 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Example 2 P
q = 90
& 44 ..
A
Œ Œ ..
. .
. .
T
A
B 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
q = 90
& 44 ..
B
Œ ..
. .
. .
T
A
B 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
38
Ear Tests Grade 1
Example 3 P
q = 90
4
A
& 4 .. Œ ..
. .
. .
T
A
B 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
q = 90
& 44 ..
B
Œ Œ ..
. .
. .
T
A
B 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Example 4 P
q = 90
& 44 ..
A
Œ ..
. .
. .
T
A
B 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
q = 90
& 44 ..
B
Œ Œ ..
. .
. .
T
A
B 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
39
Ear Tests Grade 1
Example 5 P
q = 90
4
A
& 4 .. Œ Œ ..
. .
. .
T
A
B 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
q = 90
& 44 ..
B
Œ Œ ..
. .
. .
T
A
B 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Example 6 P
q = 90
& 44 ..
A
Œ Œ ..
. .
. .
T
A
B 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
q = 90
& 44 ..
B
Œ Œ ..
. .
. .
T
A
B 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
40
Ear Tests Grade 1
41
Ear Tests Grade 2

The examiner will play you a two-bar melody with a drum backing using the C minor pentatonic scale. The first note of the
melody will be the root note and the first interval will be ascending. You will play the melody back on your instrument. You
will hear the test twice. Each time the test is played it is preceded by a one-bar count-in. There will be a short gap for you to
practise. Next you will hear a vocal count-in and you will then play the melody to the drum backing.
Example 1 P
b
q = 85
& b b 44 .. ˙ œ œ ˙ ˙
..
. .
. .
T
A 3
B 3 6 6 3
Example 2 P

b
q = 85
& b b 44 .. ˙ œ œ œ
..
œ ˙
. .
. .
T
A 3
B 3 6 3 6 3
Example 3 P
b
q = 85
& b b 44 .. œ œ œ œ ˙ œ
..
œ
. .
. .
T
A 3 3
B 3 6 6 6 3
42
Ear Tests Grade 2
Example 4 P
b 4
q = 85
& b b 4 .. œ œ œ œ œ œ ˙
..
. .
. .
T
A 3 3 5
B 3 6 6 3
Example 5 P
b
q = 85
& b b 44 .. œ œ œ œ œ ˙
..
œ
. .
. .
T

A 3 5 3
B 3 6 3 6
Example 6 P
b
q = 85
& b b 44 .. œ œ œ œ ˙ ..
˙
. .
. .
T
A 3 5 3 5
B 3 6
43
Ear Tests Grade 2

Example 1 P
q = 90
4
A
& 4 .. Œ Œ ..
. .
. .
T
A
B 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
q = 90
& 44 ..
B
Œ Œ ..

. .
. .
T
A
B 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Example 2 P
q = 90
4
A
& 4 .. Œ Œ Œ ..
. .
. .
T
A
B 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
q = 90
& 44 ..
B
Œ ..
. .
. .
T
A
B 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
44
Ear Tests Grade 2
Example 3 P
q = 90
4
A
& 4 .. Œ ..
œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ
. .
. .
T
A
B 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
q = 90
& 44 ..
B
Œ Œ ..
. .
. .
T
A
B 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Example 4
q = 90
& 44 ..
A
Œ ..
. .
. .
T
A
B 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
q = 90
& 44 ..
B
Œ ..
. .
. .
T
A
B 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
45
Ear Tests Grade 2
Example 5 P
q = 90
4
A
& 4 .. Œ ..
. .
. .
T
A
B 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
q = 90
& 44 ..
B
Œ ..
. .
. .
T
A
B 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Example 6 P
q = 90
& 44 ..
A
Œ ..
. .
. .
T
A
B 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
q = 90
& 44 ..
B
Œ Œ Œ ..
. .
. .
T
A
B 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
46
Ear Tests Grade 2
47
Ear Tests Grade 3

The examiner will play you a two-bar melody with a drum backing using the G minor pentatonic scale. The first note of the
melody will be the root note and the first interval will be ascending. You will play the melody back on your instrument. You
will hear the test twice. Each time the test is played it is preceded by a one-bar count-in. There will be a short gap for you
to practise after you have heard the test for the second time. Next you will hear a vocal count-in and you will then play the
melody to the drum backing.
Example 1 P
b 4
q = 85
& b 4 .. œ œ œ
Œ
˙
..
˙ œ
. .
. .
T
A
B 3 6
3 5 3 3

Example 2
b
q = 85
& b 44 .. Œ
œ œ
..
œ œ œ œ ˙
. .
. .
T
A
B 3 6
5 3 5
6 3
Example 3 P
b
q = 85
& b 44 .. œ œ œ œ œ
Œ ..
œ ˙
. .
. .
T
A
B 3
5 3 5 3 5
6
48
Ear Tests Grade 3
Example 4 P
b 4
q = 85
& b 4 .. Œ
œ œ œ œ œ
..
œ œ ˙
. .
. .
T
A 3
B 3 6
3 5 5 3
3
Example 5 P
b
q = 85
& b 44 .. Œ
œ œ œ ˙ ..
œ œ œ œ
. .
. .
T

A 3 5 5
B 3
3
6
3 5
Example 6 P
b
q = 85
& b 44 .. œ œ œ œ Œ ˙ ..
œ œ œ œ
. .
. .
T
A 3 5 5
B 3 6
3 5 3 5
49
Ear Tests Grade 3

Example 1 P
q = 90
4
A
& 4 .. Œ ‰ j Œ ..
. .
. .
T
A
B 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
q = 90
& 44 ..
B
‰ ..

. .
. .
T
A
B 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Example 2 P
q = 90
& 44 ..
A
Œ ‰ j ..
. .
. .
T
A
B 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
q = 90
& 44 ..
B
‰ Œ ..
. .
. .
T
A
B 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
50
Ear Tests Grade 3
Example 3 P
q = 90
4
A
& 4 .. ‰ j ‰ j Œ ..
. .
. .
T
A
B 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
q = 90
& 44 ..
B
‰ j Œ Œ ‰ j ..
. .
. .
T
A
B 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Example 4 P
q = 90
& 44 ..
A
Œ ‰ j Œ ..
. .
. .
T
A
B 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
q = 90
& 44 ..
B
‰ j Œ ..
. .
. .
T
A
B 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
51
Ear Tests Grade 3
Example 5 P
q = 90
4
A
& 4 .. ‰ j ‰ j Œ ..
. .
. .
T
A
B 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
q = 90
& 44 ..
B
‰ j ‰ j ..
. .
. .
T
A
B 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Example 6 P
q = 90
& 44 .. ‰
A
j ‰ j Œ ‰ j ..
. .
. .
T
A
B 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
q = 90
& 44 ..
B
‰ j ‰ j ‰ j ..
. .
. .
T
A
B 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
52
Ear Tests Grade 3
53
Ear Tests Grade 4

The examiner will play you a two-bar melody with a drum backing using either the C major pentatonic or B minor
pentatonic scales. The first note of the melody will be the root note and the first interval will be descending. You will play
the melody back on your instrument. You will hear the test twice.
Each time the test is played the sequence is: count-in, root note, count-in, melody. There will be a short gap for you to
practise after you have heard the test for the second time. You will hear the count-in and root note for the third time
followed by a vocal count-in and you will then play the melody to the drum backing.
Example 1 P
¿ ¿ ¿ ¿
q = 90
& 44 .. w œ œ œ œ
œ œ œ œ
˙ ..
. .
. .
T 5 5 5
A 7 5 5 7
B 7 5 7

Example 2 P
## 4 . w ¿ ¿ ¿ ¿
q = 90
& 4 . œ œ œ Œ œ œ œ œ ˙ ..
œ
. .
. .
T
A 9 9 7 7
B 9 9
10
9
10 7
Example 3 P
¿ ¿ ¿ ¿
q = 90
& 44 .. w œ œ œ œ Œ
œ œ œ œ Œ œ ..
. .
. .
T 5 5 5
A 5 7 5 5 7 5
B 7
54
Ear Tests Grade 4
Example 4 P
## 4 . w ¿ ¿ ¿ ¿
q = 90
& 4 . œ œ œ ‰ j ˙ ..
œ œ œ œ œ
. .
. .
T
A 9 9 7 9
B 9
10 7 10
7 9
Example 5 P
## 4 . w ¿ ¿ ¿ ¿
q = 90
& 4 . œ œ œ œ Œ ..
œ œ œ œ œ œ
. .
. .
T

A 9 9 7
B 9 9 7
10 7
7
10 7
Example 6 P
¿ ¿ ¿ ¿
q = 90
& 44 .. w œ
œ œ œ œ
‰ j
œ œ
Œ ..
œ ˙
. .
. .
T 5 5
A 5
B 7 7 5
8
5 7
8 Guitar Companion Guide
55
Ear Tests Grade 4
Grade 4 Test 2: Harmonic Recall

The examiner will play you a tonic chord followed by a two-bar chord sequence in the key of C major played to a bass and
drum backing. The sequence will be drawn from the I, IV and V chords and may occur in any combination. You will be
asked to play the chord sequence to the drum backing in the rhythm shown in the examples below. This rhythm will be
used in all examples of this test given in the exam. You will then be asked to identify the sequence you have played to the
examiner. You will hear the test twice.
Each time the test is played the sequence is: count-in, tonic, count-in, chords. There will be a short gap for you to practise
after you have heard the test for the second time. You will hear the count-in and tonic for the third time followed by a vocal
count-in then you will play the chords to the drum backing. You should then identify the chords.
Example 1 P
¿ ¿ ¿ ¿
q = 80
& 44 .. | Û Û Û Û Û Û Û Û Û Û ..
C F G

Example 2 P
¿ ¿ ¿ ¿
q = 80
4
& 4 .. | Û Û Û Û Û Û Û Û Û Û ..
C G C
Example 3 P
¿ ¿ ¿ ¿
q = 80
& 44 .. | Û Û Û Û Û Û Û Û Û Û ..
C C G
56
Ear Tests Grade 4
Example 4 P
¿ ¿ ¿ ¿
q = 80
4
& 4 .. | Û Û Û Û Û Û Û Û Û Û ..
C F C
Example 5 P
¿ ¿ ¿ ¿
q = 80
& 44 .. | Û Û Û Û Û Û Û Û Û Û ..
C G F

Example 6 P
¿ ¿ ¿ ¿
q = 80
& 44 .. | Û Û Û Û Û Û Û Û Û Û ..
C C F
57
Ear Tests Grade 5

The examiner will play you a two-bar melody with a drum backing using either the D major pentatonic or A minor
pentatonic scale. The first note of the melody will be the root note and the first interval will be descending. You will play the
melody back on your instrument. You will hear the test twice.
followed by a vocal count-in and you will then play the melody to the drum backing.
Example 1 P
## 4 . w ¿ ¿ ¿ ¿ j
q = 90
œ œ œ ‰ œ œ œ œ ‰ œj ..
& 4 . ˙
. .
. .
T 7 7
A 9 7 9 7 7
B 9 7
10

Example 2 P
¿ ¿ ¿ ¿
q = 90
& 44 .. w œ œ œ Œ ‰ j
œ œ œ œ
Œ ..
œ
. .
. .
T
A 7 7 5
B 7 5
8
5 7
5
Example 3 P
## 4 . w ¿ ¿ ¿ ¿
q = 90
œ œ Œ œ œ œ Œ œ ..
& 4 . œ œ œ œ
. .
. .
T 7 7 7 7
A 9 7 7 9 9
B 9 9
58
Ear Tests Grade 5
Example 4 P
¿ ¿ ¿ ¿
q = 90
4
& 4 .. w œ Œ ‰ œj œ œ Œ œ ..
œ œ œ
. .
. .
T
A 7 7 5 7 5 7
B 7 5 7
Example 5 P
## 4 . w ¿ ¿ ¿ ¿
q = 90
& 4 . œ œ ‰ œ ‰ œ Œ œ œ œ Œ ..
J J œ
. .
. .
T

7 7 7 7
A 7 9 7
B 9
10
Example 6 P
¿ ¿ ¿ ¿
q = 90
4
& 4 .. w œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ
Œ
œ œ
..
. .
. .
T 5
A 7 7 5 5 7 5
B 7 5
8
5
8 5 Guitar Companion Guide
59
Ear Tests Grade 5

The examiner will play you a tonic chord followed by a four-bar chord sequence in the key of G major played to a drum
backing. The sequence will be drawn from the I, IV, V and vi chords and may occur in any combination. You will be asked
to play the chord sequence to the drum backing in the rhythm shown in the examples below. This rhythm will be used in all
examples of this test given in the exam. You will then be asked to identify the sequence you have played to the examiner. You
will hear the test twice.
count-in then you will play the chords to the drum backing. You should then name the chord sequence, including chord
types (i.e. major or minor).
Example 1 P
# 4 .G ¿ ¿¿ ¿
q = 80
& 4 .| Û ÛÛÛ Û Û ÛÛÛ Û Û ÛÛÛ Û Û Û Û Û Û ..

G D C G

Example 2 P
# 4 .G ¿ ¿¿ ¿
q = 80

D Em D G
Example 3 P
# 4 .G ¿ ¿¿ ¿
q = 80

G D Em G
60
Ear Tests Grade 5
Example 4 P
# 4 .G ¿ ¿¿ ¿
q = 80

C D Em G
Example 5 P
# 4 .G ¿ ¿¿ ¿
q = 80

Em D C G

Example 6 P
# 4 .G ¿ ¿¿ ¿
q = 80

D C D Em
61
Ear Tests Grade 6

The examiner will play you a two-bar melody with a bass and drum backing using either the D major pentatonic, D minor
pentatonic or G natural minor scale. The first note of the melody will be either the root note or fifth and the first interval
will be either ascending or descending. You will play the melody back on your instrument. You will hear the test twice.
followed by a vocal count-in and you will then play the melody to the bass and drum backing.
Example 1 P
## 4 . w ¿ ¿ ¿ ¿ œ œ œ œ œ
q = 90
& 4 . œ ‰ J œ œ ˙ ..
. .
. .
T 7 7
10 7
9 7
7
9 7
A 9
B

Example 2 P
¿ ¿ ¿ ¿
q = 90
& b 44 .. w œ œ œ œ œ Œ œœ‰ Œ œ œ œ œ ..
. .
. .
T
A 7 5 7 7 5 7 5
B 5 8 5 8 5
Example 3 P
b ¿ ¿ ¿ ¿
q = 90
& b 44 .. ‰
œœ œ
j‰ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ ..
w œ
. .
. .
T
A 3 5 3 5 3 5
B 3 3
5 5 6 6 5
62
Ear Tests Grade 6
Example 4 P
¿ ¿ ¿ ¿
q = 90
4
& b 4 .. w œ œ œ œ œ ‰ œj œ œ œ œ ‰ Œ œ œ ..
J
. .
. .
T 5 7 7 5 5 7 5 7
A 7 5 7 7
B 5
Example 5 P
## 4 . ¿ ¿ ¿ ¿
q = 90
& 4 .w ‰ Jœ ‰ œ œ œ œ œJ ‰ œ œ œJ ‰ ..
œ œœœ J
. .
. .
T

7 4 4 7 7 4 7
A 4 7 7
B 5 5 7
Example 6 P
¿ ¿ ¿ ¿
b 4 œ œ ‰ œ œ ‰ œ œ œ œ œ œ ‰ œ œ ‰ ‰ œj œ
q = 90
& b 4 .. w ..
. .
. .
T 3 3
3 3 2 3 2 3 3 2
A 5 5 5 5 5
B Guitar Companion Guide
63
Ear Tests Grade 6

The examiner will play you a tonic chord followed by a four-bar chord sequence in the key of D major played to a bass and
drum backing. The sequence will use the I, ii, iii, IV, V and vi chords and will incorporate a dominant 7 (V7) chord. You will
be asked to play the chord sequence to the bass and drum backing in the rhythm shown in the examples below. This rhythm
will be used in all examples of this test given in the exam. You will then be asked to identify the sequence you have played to
the examiner, including any chord extensions. You will hear the test twice.
after you have heard the test for the second time. You will hear the count-in and tonic for the third time followed by a
vocal count-in and you will then play the chords to the bass and drum backing. You should then name the chord sequence,
including the chord type and any extensions.
Example 1 P
## 4 . D ¿¿¿¿
q = 90
& 4 .| Û Û Û Û Û Û Û Û Û Û Û Û Û Û Û Û Û Û Û Û Û Û Û Û Û Û Û Û ..
D A A7 G

Example 2 P
## 4 . D ¿¿¿¿
q = 90
D G A A7
Example 3 P
## 4 . D ¿¿¿¿
q = 90
A G A7 D
64
Ear Tests Grade 6
Example 4 P
## 4 . D ¿¿¿¿
q = 90
A7 Em A G
Example 5 P
## 4 . D ¿¿¿¿
q = 90
Bm A D A7

Example 6 P
## 4 . D ¿¿¿¿ F#m
q = 90
Em A A7
65
Ear Tests Grade 7

The examiner will play you a two-bar melody with a bass and drum backing using either the A major pentatonic, C minor
pentatonic or A natural minor scale. The first note of the melody will be either the root note or fifth and the first interval
will be either ascending or descending. You will play the melody back on your instrument. You will hear the test twice.
Example 1 P
### 4 . ¿ ¿ ¿ ¿ œ œ œ
q = 90
& 4 .w œ œ œ œ ‰ œ œ œ œ œ œ ..
. .
. .
T 9 6 9 6 9 6 9
7
9 9
A 7 7 7 9
B

Example 2 P
b ¿ ¿ ¿ ¿
q = 90
& b b 44 .. w œ œ œ œ ‰ œœœ œœ‰ Œ œ œ œ œ ..
. .
. .
T
A 5 3 3 5 3 5 3
B 3 6 3 3 6 6 3
Example 3 P
¿ ¿ ¿ ¿
q = 90
& 44 .. ‰ œj ‰ œj œ œ œœœ ‰ œj œ ..
w œ œ œ œ
. .
. .
T
A 5 5 7 7 5 5 7
B 5 5 7 8
8 7
8
66
Ear Tests Grade 7
Example 4 P
b 4 ¿ ¿ ¿ ¿
q = 90
j œ
& b 4 .. œ œ ‰ œ œ ‰ œ œ œ ‰ œœ œ Œ ..
w œ
. .
. .
T 5 3 3 5
4
5 3 5
A 5 5
B 3 3 6
Example 5 P
### 4 . ¿ ¿ ¿ ¿ œ œ ‰ œ ‰ œ ‰ œ œj ‰ œ œ œ œ œ ‰ œ ..
q = 90
& 4 .w J J œ J
. .
. .
T

7 7
9 9 6 6 9 6
A 7 9 7 7 9
B 9
Example 6 P
¿ ¿ ¿ ¿
œ œ œ œ œ ‰ œj ‰ œ œ œ ..
q = 90
4 œœœ œœœ œ
& 4 .. w
. .
. .
T 5
7 5 7 5 4 4 5 7 5 4
A 7 7 7 5 7
B 8
67
Ear Tests Grade 7

The examiner will play you a tonic chord followed by a four-bar chord sequence in the key of A major played to a bass and
drum backing. The sequence will use the I, ii, iii, IV, V and vi chords. The ii, iii and vi chords can be either minor or minor 7
chords. You will be asked to play the chord sequence to the bass and drum backing in the rhythm shown in the examples
below. This rhythm will be used in all examples of this test given in the exam. You will then be asked to identify the sequence
you have played to the examiner, including any chord extensions. You will hear the test twice.
after you have heard the test for the second time. You will hear the count-in and tonic for the third time followed by a
vocal count-in and you will then play the chords to the bass and drum backing. You should then name the chord sequence,
including the chord type and any extensions.
Example 1 P
### 4 . A ¿¿¿¿ F#m
q = 90
A B m7 E

Example 2 P
### 4 . A ¿¿¿¿ C # m7
q = 90
D Bm A
Example 3 P
### 4 . A ¿¿¿¿ F # m7
q = 90
A Bm D
68
Ear Tests Grade 7
Example 4 P
### 4 . A ¿¿¿¿ C#m
q = 90
D B m7 E
Example 5 P
### 4 . A ¿¿¿¿ F # m7
q = 90
Bm E A

Example 6 P
### 4 . A ¿¿¿¿ C#m
q = 90
E D B m7
69
Ear Tests Grade 8

The examiner will play you a two-bar melody with a bass and drum backing using either the E major pentatonic,
F minor pentatonic or B natural minor scale. The first note of the melody will be either the root note, third or fifth and the
first interval will be either ascending or descending. You will play the melody back on your instrument. You will hear the
test twice.
Example 1 P
#### 4 . ¿ ¿ ¿ ¿ œ œ œ œ œœœ
œ œ œ œœ‰ œ œ œ
q = 90
& 4 .w ‰ J ..
. .
. .
T 9 9 11
9
11 9 9
A 9 11 11 9 11 11 11 11
B 12

Example 2 P
b ¿ ¿ ¿ ¿ j œœœ
q = 90
& b b b 44 .. w œ œ ‰ œ ‰ ‰ œœœ œ œ œ œ ..
. 1
.
. .
T 1 1
4 1 4 1
1
1
3 1
A 3 3 3
B
Example 3 P
# ¿ ¿ ¿ ¿
q = 90
& # 44 ..
j‰ œ œ œ œ ‰ j‰ œœœ ..
œ œ œ
w œœœ œœ
. .
. .
T
A 9 7 9 7 7 9
B 7 7 9 10 9 10
7 9 9 10
70
Ear Tests Grade 8
Example 4 P
bb 4 ¿ ¿ ¿ ¿
q = 90
& b b 4 .. ‰ ‰ œ
œ œ Œ
œ œ
..
w œ œ œœœ œ œ œ œ
. .
. .
T
A 1 3 3 1 3
B 1 4 1 1 4
1 3 3 3 3
Example 5 P
#### 4 . ¿ ¿ ¿ ¿
q = 90
& 4 .w œ œ œ œœœœŒ œœœœœ œ œ œ œ ..
. .
. .
T

9 9 9 9
A 11 9 9 11 9 11 11 9 9 11
B 12
11 12
Example 6 P
## 4 . w ¿ ¿ ¿ ¿
œ œ œ ≈ œ œ œ ≈ œ œ ‰ œ œ œ œ ‰ œ œ œ œ ‰ œ ..
q = 90
& 4 . J J
. .
. .
T 7 6 7 6 6
7
9 7 6 7 6
A 9 9 9 7 9 9 9
B Guitar Companion Guide
71
Ear Tests Grade 8

The examiner will play you a tonic chord followed by a four-bar chord sequence in the key of E major played to a bass and
drum backing. The sequence will use the I, ii, iii, IV, V and vi chords. The I and IV chords can be either major or major 7
chords. You will be asked to play the chord sequence to the bass and drum backing in the rhythm shown in the examples
below. This rhythm will be used in all examples of this test given in the exam. You will then be asked to identify the sequence
you have played to the examiner, including any chord extensions. You will hear the test twice.
count-in and you will then play the chords to the bass and drum backing. You should then name the chords, including
any extensions.
Example 1 P
#### 4 . E ¿¿¿¿ C#m
q = 90
4 .| Û Û Û Û Û Û Û Û Û Û Û Û Û Û Û Û Û Û Û Û Û Û Û Û Û Û Û Û ..
E E maj 7 B
&

Example 2 P
#### 4 . E ¿¿¿¿
q = 90
E A A maj 7 E
&
Example 3 P
#### 4 . E ¿¿¿¿ C#m
q = 90
A B E maj 7
&
72
Ear Tests Grade 8
Example 4 P
#### 4 . E ¿¿¿¿
q = 90
A B A maj 7 B
&
Example 5 P
#### 4 . E ¿¿¿¿ F#m G#m
q = 90
A maj 7 E
&

Example 6 P
#### 4 . E ¿¿¿¿ C#m
q = 90
E maj 7 A B
&
73
Quick Study Pieces Grade 6
At Grades 6, 7 and 8 you will be asked to prepare and play a short Quick Study Piece (QSP). The QSP is given to candidates
during the examination. While preparing for the Technical Exercise section of the exam you will have to select a Stylistic
Study from the following three groups: rock/metal, funk or blues/jazz/latin. The choice you make in this section will
determine the style of the QSP you are given in the exam. You will be shown the music and played the track with the notated
parts played. Any bars that require improvisation will not be demonstrated. You will then have three minutes to study the
test. The backing track will be played twice more. You are allowed to practise during the first run through of the backing
track, with the notated parts now absent, before playing it to the examiner on the second playing of the backing track. The
QSP is in the form of a lead sheet and it is up to you to create your own interpretation of the music in the parts marked for
improvisation.
The full technical specifications of the QSPs offered to candidates in the exam can be found in the Guitar Syllabus Guide in
the summary table on page 35.
Grade 6 Example 1 P
q = 110 Rock
#4 N.C.
& 4 œ œ
œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ
œ

T
A 2 0 0 2 2 0 0 2
B 2 2 0
3
0 2
0
2
# E5 E5 G5 D5
& œ œ ‰ j ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’
œ œ. œ.
Improvise melody
T 0
A 2 0 2 2
B
# E5 G5 D5 E5
& ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’
T
A
B
# D5
œ œ œ œ
N.C.
& ’ ’ ’ ’ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ.
T 2 0 2 0
A 2 0 0 2 0 2 2
B 2
74
Grade 6 Example 2 P
Metal
##
q = 95
& # 44
N.C.
‰ ‰ œ œ ‰ œ ‰
œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ
PM PM PM
T
A
B 0 2 0 2 2 5 0 2
4
2 2 0 0 2 0 2 2 5
### F#5 E5
& œ œ œ œ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’
œ œ ‰ œ Improvise melody
PM

T
A 4 2
B 0 2 0
4 2
### D5 E5 A5 B5
& ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’
T
A
B
### C#5 N.C.
& ’ ’ ’ ’ œ œ œ œ
œ œ ‰ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ
PM
T
A 4 2
B 0 2 0 2 2 5
4 2
5 0 2
75
Grade 6 Example 3 P
q = 110 Funk
b4
&b 4 ‰ ‰ ‰ ‰
G m7 C m7
‰ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ
T
A
B 3 1 3 1 1 3 1 3
1 1
3
3 3 1 3
1 3
1
b j ‰ Œ # œœœ œœ œœ
D7 G m7 C m7
&b œ œœ œœ ‰ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’
œ œ œ œ
Improvise melody

5 5 5
T 7
5
7
5
7
5
A 7 7 7
B 3 5 5 5
bb G m
7 F7 G m7 C m7
& ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’
T
A
B
bb ‰ ‰
D7 G m7
& ’ ’ ’ ’ ‰
œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ.
T
A
B 3 1 3 1 1 3 1 3
3 1 1
3
76
Grade 6 Example 4 P
q = 95 Funk
F # m7 F # m7
j j
B m7 G7 A7 B m7
# œœ œœ œœ œœ œœ œœ œœ œœ œœ ˙˙ # œœ œœ œœ œœ œœ
& # 44 œœ œœ œœ œœ œœ ‰ Œ
œ n œœœ œœ
œ
œœ
œ
œœ
œ
˙˙
˙ # œœœ œœ œœ œœ œœ ‰ Œ
œ
œ. œ. œ. œ. œ. œ. œ. œ. œ. ˙ . œ. œ. œ. œ.
2 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 5 2 2 2 2 2
T 3
2
3
2
3
2
3
2
2
2
3
4
3
4
3
4
3
4
5
6
3
2
3
2
3
2
3
2
2
2
A 4 4 4 4 2 3 3 3 3 5 4 4 4 4 2
B 2 2 2 2 4
2
5
3
5
3
5
3
5
3
7
5
2 2 2 2 4
2
## N.C.
Œ
B m7 A7
& ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’
œ œ œ œ œ
Improvise melody

T
A 0
B 3
0 2 2
F # m7
## E m7 G
& ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’
T
A
B
F # m7
j
A7 B m7 N.C.
# œœ œœ œœ œœ œœ ‰ Œ
& # ’ ’ ’ ’ œœ œœ œ œœ œœ Œ
œ. œ. œœ. œ. œœ œ œ
œ œ œ
.
2 2 2 2 2
T 3
2
3
2
3
2
3
2
2
2
A 4 4 4 4 2 2 0
B 2 2 2 2 4
2 3
2 2
77
Grade 6 Example 5 P
j 3
q = 115 Jazz q q =q q
F # m7 F # m7
##
& # 44
A maj 7 B m7 E7 A maj 7
œ ‰ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ ˙ œ ‰ œ œ œ œ œ
œ œ
T 2 1 2 1
A 2 2 4 2 4 2 2 2 4 2
B 0 0
F # m7
###
B m7 E7 A maj 7 B m7 E7
& œ œ œ œ œ œ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’
œ
Improvise melody

T 3 2
4 2 4
A
B
# # # A maj F # m7 F # m7
7 B m7 E7
& ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’
T
A
B
b
G # m7 5
###
A maj 7 B m7 E7 A maj 7
& ’ ’ ’ ’ ‰ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ
œ œ œ
T 2 1
3 2
4 2 2
A 2 2 4 2
B 0
78
Grade 6 Example 6 P
3
j
Blues q q = q q
# ## 4
q = 115
& # 4
E7 A7 B7 A7 E7 A7
œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ ‰ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ
œ œ œ œ
T
A 2 2
B 0 0 4
2 0 0 4 2 2 2 0 0
4 2 0 0 4
2 0 0 4
#### B7 E7
& ‰ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’
œ œ œ ˙
Improvise melody

T
A
B 2 2 2
#### A7 B7
& ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’
T
A
B
#### A7 E7 A7 B E7
& ’ ’ ’ ’
œ œ œ ˙
T
A 2
B 0 0 4
2 0 0 4 2 2
4 0
79
Grade 7 Example 1 P
q = 105 Rock
#
& # 44 ‰ œ œ Œ ‰ œ œ œ
N.C.
œ œ œ œ œ œœœ œœœ œœœ œ œ œ œ

T 4 4 4
A 4 2 0 2 4 2 4 4
B 2
2 5
2 5 2 0 2 2
2 5
2
G A Bm E5 F#5
## œœ œœ œœ œœ
& Œ œœ œœ Œ œœ œœ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’
œœ œœ
œœ
œ
œ Improvise melody

3 3 5 5
T 3
4
3
4
5
6
5
6
A 5 5 7 7
B 5
3
5
3
7
5
7
5
## Bm G A G
& ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’
T
A
B
## A N.C.
‰ œ œ Œ
& ’ ’ ’ ’
œ œ œ œ œ œœœ œœœ œœœ
T 4
A 4 2 0 2
B 2
2 5
2 5 2 0 2 2 0 2
80
Grade 7 Example 2 P
q = 90 Metal
G5 F#5 F#5 G5 F#5
#
& 44 œœ œœ ‰ # œ ‰ n œ
N.C. B5 C 5 N.C. N.C. B5 C5 F5 N.C. B5 C 5 N.C.
œœ œœ œ #œ œœ œœ œ #œ
œ œœ œ œœœ œ œ œœ œ nœ œ œœ œ œœœ œ
PM PM PM PM PM
T
A 4 5 4 5 4 5
B 0 0 0
2 3
0
5
0 0 3
4
2 0 0 0
2 3 4
2
3
1 0 0 0
2 3
0
5
0 0 3
4
2
# N.C. E5 C5 B5 G5
& ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’
œ œ œ œ nœ
œ œ Improvise melody

T
A
B 0 3
2 3
3 2 1
# E5 C5 G5 A5 B5 G5
& ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’
T
A
B
F#5 N.C. F # 5
# A5 N.C. B5 C 5 N.C. G5 N.C. G5 E5
‰
& ’ ’ ’ ’ œœ œœ œ #œ #œ ‰ œœ ‰ œ
œ œœ œ œœœ œ œ œ œ œ
PM PM PM PM
T
A 4 5
B 0 0 0
2 3
0 0 0
5
3
4
2 0
4
2 0
5
3
2
0
81
Grade 7 Example 3 P
q = 95 Funk
F # m7
j
B m7 A7 E m7 B m7 A7
œœ œœ œœ œœ œœ œœ œœ œœ œœ œœ œœ œ œ
# œœ ‰ œœ œœ œœ ‰ œœœ
& # 44
œœ œœ œœ œœ ‰ œœ œœ ‰ Œ Œ œœ œœ œœ
œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ. œ œ œ œ œ œœ œœ œœ
œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ
J J
7 7 7 7 7 5 7 7 7 7 7 5 5 5
T 7
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
5
6
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
5
6
5
6
5
6
A 7 7 7 7 7 5 4 7 7 7 7 7 5 5 5
B 9
7
9
7
9
7
9
7
9
7
7
5
7 5
7
5 7 9
7
9
7
9
7
9
7
9
7
7
5
7
5
7
5
## Em F#m œœ œœ œœ
‰ œœœ œœ œœ
7 7 B m7 E m7 A7
& œœ œ œ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’
œ œ œ
Improvise melody

9 9 9
T 10
9
10
9
10
9
A 11 11 11
B 7 5
7
5 7 9 9 9
## B m7 A7 D maj 7 E m7 B m7
& ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’
T
A
B
F # m7 B b 7 B m7
œœ œœj
E m7 B m7 A7
## œœ œœ œœ œœ œœ œœ bœ # n œœœ ‰ Œ
œœ œœ œœ œœ ‰ œœ œœ ‰ Œ œœ œœ ‰ n b œœœ
& ’ ’ ’ ’ œœ œœ œœ œœ œœ œ œ œ n b œœ # nn œœœ
J œ œ œ J
7 7 7 7 7 5 5 5 6 7
T 7
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
5
6
5
6
5
6
6
7
7
7
A 7 7 7 7 7 5 5 5 6 7
B 9
7
9
7
9
7
9
7
9
7
7
5
7
5
7
5
8
6
9
7
82
Grade 7 Example 4 P
q = 100 Funk
#
& 44 ‰ œ œ ‰ nœ œ ‰ ‰ ‰ Œ ‰ œ œ ‰ bœ œ ‰ œ œ ‰
N.C.
œœ
œœ œ œ ‰ œ œœ œœ
T 3 3
A 5 5 3 3 5 5 5 5
B 3 3
5 5 3 3 3 5 5
3 3
#
nœ œ ‰ œ bœ bœ ‰ Œ
G7 C9
& ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’
Improvise melody

T
A 3
B 5 3 1 1
# G7 C9 D9 G7 C9
& ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’
T
A
B
# ‰ œ œ ‰ bœ œ ‰ œ œ ‰ nœ œ œ œ bœ j ‰ Œ
D9 N.C.
& ’ ’ ’ ’
œœ œ
T 3 3
A 5 5 5 5 3
B 3 3
5 3 3 1
3
83
Grade 7 Example 5 P
q = 105 Latin
A m7 E7 A m7 N.C. A m7 E7 A m7
œœ œœ œ œ œœ œ œ
& 44 œœ œœ ‰ # œœœ œœœ ‰ n œœœ œœœ ‰ ‰ œœ ‰ # œœœ œœœ ‰ n œœœ œœœ
œ œ œ œ. œ œ œœœ œ œ œ œ. œ œ
œ œ. œ œ. œ œ œ œ œ. œ œ.
5 5 5 5 5 5 5
T 5
5
5
5
5
7
5
7
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
7
5
7
5
5
5
5
A 5 5 6 6 5 5 5 6 6 5 5
B 7
5
7
5
7 7 7
5
7
5 5 7 8
5 8 7 5
8
7
5
7 7 7
5
7
5
& ‰ œ #œ œ œ œ œ
N.C. A m7 E7
’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’
œ
Improvise melody

T
A 7 6
B 7 8 7 5
8
b
D m7 B m7 5 D m7
& ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’
T
A
B
E7 A m7 E7 A m7 N.C.
œœ œœ œ œ
& ’ ’ ’ ’ œœ œœ ‰ # œœœ œœœ ‰ n œœœ œœœ ‰ œ #œ
œ
œ
œ
œ. œ œ. œ œ
œ œ. œ œ œ
#œ œ
5 5 5 5
T 5
5
5
5
5
7
5
7
5
5
5
5
A 5 5 6 6 5 5 7 6
B 7
5
7
5
7 7 7
5
7
5
7 8 7
4 5
84
Grade 7 Example 6 P
3
j
#4
D7 C7 G7
œ œ œ œ bœ nœ œ œ œ bœ œ
3
œ œ œ
3
& 4 œ œ œ nœ œ
3
œ œ œ bœ œ
œ œ
T 7 7 5 5 5 5 5 3 3 3
A 6 7 4 5 5 3
B 5 5 3 3
3 3
5 4 3
# G7 D7 G7 C7
& ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’
œ bœ œ bœ n˙
Improvise melody

T
A
B 3 6
3 4 5
# G7 C7 D7 G7
& ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’
T
A
B
#
C7 D7 G7
œ œ œ œ bœ nœ œ
3
& ’ ’ ’ ’
3
œ œ œ œ nœ œ
œ bœ œ #œ œ
T 7 7 5 5 5
A 6 7
B 5 5
3 6
3 4 5 4 3
6 3
85
Grade 8 Example 1 P
q = 85 Metal
& 44 œ œ œ œ œ œ œ ‰ œj œ œ œ œ œ
N.C.
œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ
T 0 2 2 0 0 0 2
A 0 2 2 2 0 0 2
B 0
3
0 3 3 0 0
3
0 3
Œ
A5 D5
& œ. œ œ œ œ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’
Improvise melody

T 2 2 0 2
A
B
A5 G5 D5 A5
&’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’
T
A
B
Œ
E5 D5
œ œ œ
N.C.
&’ ’ ’ ’ œ œ
œ œ œ œ œ œ. œ œ œ œ
T 0 2
A 0 2
B 0
3
0 3 0 0
3
0
86
Grade 8 Example 2 P
q = 115 Metal
& 44 ≈‰ j‰ r≈ ‰ ≈‰ j ‰ ‰ ≈‰ j‰ r≈ ‰
N.C. G5 N.C.
œ
œœœ œ #œ œ nœ œœœ œ œ œ œœœ œ #œ œ nœ
PM PM
T
A
B 1 1 0 0 2 2 1 1 1 0 0 0
5
3 1 1 0 0 2 2 1
F#5 G5 F#5 F5 E5 E5 F5
& œ œ œ œ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’
# # œ œ œ n n œ œœ. œ
œ. Improvise melody

T
A
B 4
2
5
3
4
2
3
1
2
0
2
0
E5 C5 B5 F5
&’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’
T
A
B
F#5 F#5
≈‰ j ‰ r≈ ‰
B5 N.C. G5 F5 E5
&’ ’ ’ ’ œ
œœœ œ #œ œ nœ # # œœ œ œœ n n œœ œœ. œœ
.
PM
T
A
B 1 1 0 0 2 2 1
4
2
5
3
4
2
3
1
2
0
2
0
87
Grade 8 Example 3 P
Funk
##4
q = 100
& # 4 j ‰ ‰ œj # œ œ Œ j j j ‰ ‰ œj # œ œ Œ
œœœœ‰ œ œ ‰ Œ
N.C.
œ œ
T
A 2 1 2 4 4 4 4 2 4 2 1 2
B 2 2
### j œj ‰ Œ
F # m7 F # m7
‰
B9 B9
& œ œ œ œ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’
Improvise melody

T 2
A 2 4 2 4
B
### F#m B9 C7 B9 F # m7 B9
& ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’
T
A
B
### F # m7
j ‰ ‰ œj # œ œ Œ œ œ n œ ‰ œj j ‰ Œ
B9 N.C.
& ’ ’ ’ ’
œ œ
T
A 2 1 2 2
B 2
4 3 2
2
88
Grade 8 Example 4 P
q = 100 Funk
& 44 œ ‰ œ. ‰ ‰ œ œ Œ ‰ ‰ ‰ ‰ ‰ ‰ œœŒ
N.C.
. œ œ œ. œ œ œ œ œ œ.
T
A 3 5 5 3 2 2 3 5 5
B 5 3 5 2 2 5
&‰ ‰ ‰
D m9 G7
’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’
œ œ œ. œ œ b œ œ
Improvise melody

T
A 3
B 3 5 2 2 1 1
D m9 A m7 G7 A m7
&’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’
T
A
B
‰ ‰ œ œ Œ ‰ ‰
G7 N.C.
&’ ’ ’ ’ œ. ‰ œ. œ œ œ. œ œ œ œ œ.
T
A 3 5 5 3
B 5 3 5 3 3 5 5 5
89
Grade 8 Example 5 P
3
j
Blues q q = q q
##
q = 120
& # # 44
E7 3 A7 E7
œ œ œ nœ nœ œ œ œ #œ œ nœ œ
œ nœ #œ œ œ œ œ œ œ nœ #œ œ œ
T
A
B 0 3 4
2 4 2
4 3 0
0 0 3 0 0 0 4 0
0 0 3 4
0 0 3 0
B7 E7 A7 E7
# # # # œœ œœ œ ˙˙
& œ œ ‰ œœ ˙ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’
œœ œœ œœ ˙˙
Improvise melody

2 2 2
T 0
2
0
2
0
2
A 1 1 1
B 2 2 2
#### A7 E7 B7
& ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’
T
A
B
#### A7 E7
œœ œœ ‰ œœ ˙˙
& ’ ’ ’ ’ œœ œœ œ ˙˙
3
œ œ œ n
œ n œ œ œœ œ œœ ˙
œ nœ #œ œ œ ˙
0 0 0
T 0
1
0
1
0
1
A 0 0 0
B 0 3 4
2 4 2
4 3 0
2
0
2
0
2
0
90
Grade 8 Example 6 P
3
j
q = 120 Jazz q q = q q
b b 4 Cm œ œ œ œ œ œ œ
7 F9 C m7
& 4 œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ ˙ œ œ œ œ œ œ
3
T 2 5 3 2 5 3 2
A 3 5 3 5 3 3
B 3 5 6 3 5 6
b œ œ œ œ œ
F9 3 C m7 F9
&b ˙ œ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’
3 Improvise melody

T 4 3
5 3 2
A 5
B
bb
C m7 F9 G9
& ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’
T
A
B
bb œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ
F9 C m7 F9 C m7
& ’ ’ ’ ’ œ œ œ ˙
œ œ
3
T 5 3 2
4 3
5 3 5
A 3
B 3 5 6
91
General Musicianship Questions Debut & Grade 1
Each Rockschool grade exam ends with five questions asked by the examiner. The examiner will ask you these questions
using a piece played by you as a starting point. Four of the questions will be about general music knowledge and the fifth will
be about your instrument.
Here are some sample questions that are typically asked by Rockschool’s examiners grade by grade, along with sample
answers typically given by candidates.
Debut
The theory questions here refer to the performance piece ‘Another Dime’ on page 5 of the Guitar Debut candidate book.
Q. What are the five lines the notes are written on called?
A. The stave.
Q. Point to the treble clef for me.

A. The student identifies the treble clef at the start of the line.
Q. Point to a note that is a quarter note (crotchet).

A. The student points to the first note in bar 2.
Q. What is this note called? [Pointing to the half note in bar 8.]
A. A half note (minim).

Q. Where is the nut on your guitar?
A. The student identifies the nut.
Grade 1
The theory questions here refer to the performance piece ‘Just Don’t Know’, which can be found on page 13 of the Guitar
Grade 1 candidate book.
Q. Point to the time signature for me.

A. The student identifies the 4/4 at the start of the piece.
Q. What type of notes are the first two notes in bar 2?

A. Eighth notes (quavers).
Q. Point to a whole note in line two.

A. The student identifies the notes in bar 4.
Q. What is the difference between a major and minor chord?

A. Major is happy and minor is sad.
Q. Name the open strings of your guitar.

A. E, A, D, G, B and E.
92
General Musicianship Questions Grades 2 & 3
Grade 2
The theory questions here refer to the performance piece ‘Ska’d For Life’ on page 9 of the Guitar Grade 2 candidate book.
Q. What does 4/4 mean?

A. There are four quarter notes (crotchets) in a bar
Q. What is the pitch name of the first note in bar 3?

A. D.
Q. How long is the rest at the end of bar 4?

A. An eighth note (quaver).
Q. How is a minor chord constructed?

A. Root, minor third, perfect fifth.
Q. Where are the volume and tone controls on your guitar?

A. The student identifies the controls.
Grade 3
The theory questions here refer to the performance piece ‘Indecisive’ on page 13 of the Guitar Grade 3 candidate book.

Q. What is the value of the last rest in bar 8?
A. A half note (minim).
Q. What is the pitch name of the first two notes in bar 10?
A. G.
Q. What type of notes are these?

A. Eighth notes.
Q. How do you construct a major chord?

A. Root, major third, perfect fifth.
Q. Show me the volume and gain controls on the amp.

A. The student identifies the controls on the amp.
93
Grade 4
The theory questions here refer to the performance piece ‘Base Jumper’ on page 5 of the Guitar Grade 4 candidate book.
Q. Show me the key signature and tell me what it is.

A. The student identifies the sharp and names it as F #.
Q. What are the thick lines and dots at either end of the first line?
A: Repeat marks, which mean you play the line twice.
Q. How do you construct a dominant 7?

A. Root, major third, perfect fifth and flattened seventh.
Q. What scale could you use in the solo on page two?

A. The G major pentatonic scale for the first half and E minor pentatonic for the second half. The scales have
the same notes.
Q. Describe to me the settings you chose for this piece.

A. I went for a high-gain distortion and boosted the bass and treble.
Grade 5

The theory questions here refer to the performance piece ‘Geek’ on page 5 of the Guitar Grade 5 candidate book.
Q. What does the direction next to the bpm mean?

A. That the eighth notes should be swung.
Q. What type of notes are used in bar 3?

A. Triplet eighth notes.
Q. What does the sign before the note in bar 12 mean?

A. It should be played as C #.
Q. How is a minor 7 chord constructed?

A. Root, minor third, perfect fifth and minor seventh.
Q. What sort of sound did you use for this piece?

A. I used a modern high-gain distortion with the gain set relatively high.
94
Grade 6
The theory questions here refer to the performance piece ‘That Sounds Like Noise’ on page 15 of the Guitar Grade 6
candidate book.
Q. What does D.S. al Coda mean?

A. You go back to the sign and play until the coda sign then play the coda.
Q. What does PH mean in bar 1?

A. Pinched harmonic.
Q. What is the pitch name of the first note?

A. F # .
Q. What scale could you use for the solo?

A. The F # blues scale works well but you can also use the F # natural minor scale.
Q. What could you do to vary the sound during the piece?

A. You could add delay for the melody and lead sections.
Grade 7

The theory questions here refer to the performance piece ‘The Pants Era’ on page 5 of the Guitar Grade 7 candidate book.
Q. What do NH and the diamond shapes round the TAB mean?

A. Natural harmonics. You should place your finger slightly in front of the fret.
Q. What does 11/16 mean?

A. There are 11 16th notes in a bar.
Q. What is the pitch name of the first note of bar 25?

A. E natural.
Q. What scale would you use for the solo other than the minor pentatonic or blues scales?
A. You could use the natural minor with a flattened fifth.
Q. What two key elements make up a typical metal rhythm guitar tone?
A. A modern high-gain distortion and a scooped sound.
95
General Musicianship Questions Grade 8
Grade 8
The theory questions here refer to the performance piece ‘Mind The Gaps’ on page 11 of the Guitar Grade 8 candidate book.
Q. What are the crossed note chords?

A. Muted chords to achieve a stylistic rhythm.
Q. What does F mean at the start of the piece?

A. Moderately loud.
Q. What does the sign above the note in bar 14 mean?

A. To be played with vibrato.
Q. What two scale choices did you make for the solo?
A. G natural minor for the first half and E b lydian for the second half.
Q. What variations of tone can you use for this piece?

A. It can be played clean (or with slight distortion) and then with distortion for the solo.

96

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Guitar

RSL-422543088927 / 1 / Dave Wooltorton / [email protected]

All accompanying and supporting audio can be downloaded from: www.rslawards.com/downloads

Input the following code when prompted: 4L9H7EFV3Y

For more information, turn to page 4

Published by Rockschool Ltd. © 2012

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Introductions & Information

Improvisation & Interpretation

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Quick Study Pieces

General Musicianship Questions

92 Debut & Grade 1

■ Sight Reading (Debut–Grade 5)

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You will need to input this code when prompted: 4L9H7EFV3Y

Definitions For Special Guitar Notation

& œ & œ & œ œ & œ œ

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& & & œ

■ Repeat the bars between the repeat signs.

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Guitar Companion Guide

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RSL-422543088927 / 1 / Dave Wooltorton / [email protected]

RSL-422543088927 / 1 / Dave Wooltorton / [email protected]

RSL-422543088927 / 1 / Dave Wooltorton / [email protected]

RSL-422543088927 / 1 / Dave Wooltorton / [email protected]

RSL-422543088927 / 1 / Dave Wooltorton / [email protected]

RSL-422543088927 / 1 / Dave Wooltorton / [email protected]

RSL-422543088927 / 1 / Dave Wooltorton / [email protected]

RSL-422543088927 / 1 / Dave Wooltorton / [email protected]

RSL-422543088927 / 1 / Dave Wooltorton / [email protected]

RSL-422543088927 / 1 / Dave Wooltorton / [email protected]

RSL-422543088927 / 1 / Dave Wooltorton / [email protected]

RSL-422543088927 / 1 / Dave Wooltorton / [email protected]

RSL-422543088927 / 1 / Dave Wooltorton / [email protected]

Guitar Companion Guide

RSL-422543088927 / 1 / Dave Wooltorton / [email protected]

RSL-422543088927 / 1 / Dave Wooltorton / [email protected]

Guitar Companion Guide

RSL-422543088927 / 1 / Dave Wooltorton / [email protected]

RSL-422543088927 / 1 / Dave Wooltorton / [email protected]

Guitar Companion Guide

RSL-422543088927 / 1 / Dave Wooltorton / [email protected]

& # 44 .. Û Û Û Û Û Û Û Û Û Û Û Û ’’’’ ’’’’

& 4 . ’’’’ ’’’’

RSL-422543088927 / 1 / Dave Wooltorton / [email protected]

RSL-422543088927 / 1 / Dave Wooltorton / [email protected]

ÛÛÛÛÛÛÛ ÛÛÛÛÛ ÛÛ ’’’’ ’’’’

b ÛÛŒ ÛÛ‰Û ÛÛŒ ÛÛÛ

& 4 ’’’’ ’’’’

& 4 . ÛÛÛÛ‰ÛÛÛ ÛÛÛÛÛ‰Û‰ ’’’’ ’’’’

&4 . ’’’’ ’’’’

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& 4 .. Û‰‰ÛÛÛŒ ÛÛ‰ÛÛÛÛ‰ ’’’’ ’’’’

Debut Test 1: Melodic Recall

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