Essential Theory and Technique for Guitar from Udemy

The Essential Theory and Technique for Guitar course is designed for two main types of people; the beginner guitar player who has no guitar or musical experience and those who can play guitar a little bit but are wanting to understand the music theory behind what they are playing and to improve on their technique.

Music Is A Language

Learning music is like learning a language. Music notes are like letters of the alphabet. When you learn how to combine them, you can create chords, which are like words, and with words you can create sentences and tell stories.

There are some great guitar players who don’t necessarily know all of the theory behind what they are playing, but using the above analogy of music as a language, imagine the potential that is being missed out on by not fully understanding what you are playing. If you were taking a trip to France, you could buy a translation book that could tell you how to say certain phrases in French, such as “Where is the bathroom?” or “What time is it?”, but imagine how much more you could communicate if you were able to construct your own sentences and phrases in French? You could say whatever you wanted without limits. Music is similar; by understanding the “why”, and practicing the “how” you reduce the limitations and open up a world of opportunity to express yourself with your instrument.

The course includes a full color PDF E-Book which is over 50 pages and provides further explanation of the material in the videos as well as guitar neck diagrams for your reference.

This course is 2 hours and 20 minutes long and should provide you with weeks worth of material to work on.

The topics you will learn in this course include;

Part 1: Parts of the Guitar

Part 2: The Musical Alphabet

Part 3: Notes on the Neck (Watch for free on this page)

Part 4: Neck Diagrams

Part 5: Holding the Guitar

Part 6: Holding the Pick (Watch for free on this page)

Part 7: Picking the Strings

Part 8: Left Hand Technique (Watch for free on this page)

Part 9: The Chromatic Scale (Watch for free on this page)

Part 10: The Spider Exercise

Part 11: The C-Major Scale

Part 12: What is a “Key?”

Part 13: Standard Notation

Part 14: How Chords Are Made

Part 15: Playing Chords on the Guitar

Part 16: Other Major Scales

Part 17: Other Major Scales on the Guitar

Part 18: The G-Major Chord

Part 19: Conclusion

What's inside

Learning objective

Gain a solid understanding of basic music theory and how it relates to guitar, how to play guitar with proper technique for left and right hands, how to play the major scale, how to create chords and play them on guitar

Syllabus

Essential Theory and Technique for Guitar Overview

Overview

Introduction/ overview of the course

Introduction

Download this corresponding e-book to follow along with the videos. You may find it helpful to print a copy to make notes on

In this section you will learn what the parts of the guitar are called

Parts of the Guitar

You will learn what the "Musical Alphabet" is.

The Musical Alphabet

You will learn how the notes are arranged on the guitar neck

Notes on the Guitar Neck

You will learn how to read guitar neck diagrams

How to Read Guitar Neck Diagrams

You will learn how to properly hold the guitar

Holding the Guitar

You will learn how to properly hold the guitar pick

Holding the Guitar Pick

You will learn proper right hand technique for picking the strings

Picking the Strings

You will learn proper left hand technique

Left Hand Technique

You will learn how to play a Chromatic Scale with proper right and left hand technique

The Chromatic Scale

You will learn the left hand developing "Spider Exercise"

The Spider Exercise

You will learn ho two play the Major Scale and how important it is to understanding music theory

The Major Scale

You will learn What a "Key" is

What is a "Key"?

You will learn what the notes are in "Standard Notation"

Standard Notation

You will learn how notes are combined to make chords

How Chords Are Made

You will learn how to play your first chords on the guitar

Playing Chords On The Guitar

You will learn how to play other Major Scales on the guitar

Other Major Scales

You will learn how to play other Major scales on the guitar

Other Major Scales on the Guitar

You will learn how to play the G Major chord on guitar

The G Major Chord

Conclusion to the course

Conclusion

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Suitable for beginners seeking to develop a foundational understanding of guitar and its theory

Provides a comprehensive overview of basic music theory and its application to guitar playing

Guides learners through proper left and right hand techniques, enabling them to play with precision

Covers essential concepts such as the major scale and standard notation, laying a strong foundation for musical understanding

Incorporates interactive exercises like the "Spider Exercise" to enhance dexterity and technique

Taught by experienced instructor Troy Davidson, a reputable figure in guitar education

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Essential Theory and Technique for Guitar with these activities:

Review Proper Posture and Hand Position

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Proper posture and hand position will make your playing more efficient and enjoyable. A quick review of these fundamentals will ensure you are not building bad habits.

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Stand or sit up straight.
Hold the guitar in a comfortable position.
Place your left hand on the neck with your thumb behind the neck.
Place your right hand on the strings with your thumb resting on the pickup.

Daily Guitar Finger Stretches

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Daily finger stretching can drastically enhance flexibility and hand dexterity, which is critical for playing guitar.

Browse courses on Guitar Technique

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Use a resistance band to stretch your fingers open and closed.
Practice scales and finger exercises.
Use a finger strengthener.
Alternate picking.

Read Guitar Player Magazine

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Guitar Player magazine provides a wealth of information on guitar techniques, gear, and interviews, which are valuable for expanding your knowledge and staying informed.

View The Inconvenient Lonnie Johnson: Blues, Race,... on Amazon

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Subscribe to the magazine or purchase individual issues.
Read articles that interest you.
Apply the techniques and tips you learn to your own guitar playing.

Five other activities

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Join a Guitar Club or Online Forum

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Joining a community will allow you to connect with other guitarists, ask questions, and receive feedback, which can enhance your learning and motivation.

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Search for local guitar clubs or online forums.
Introduce yourself and ask questions.
Participate in discussions and share your own knowledge.

Build Guitar Chord Diagrams from Scratch

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Creating chord diagrams will drastically improve your visual spatial understanding of how chords on the guitar are constructed and relate to each other.

Browse courses on Chords

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Select a popular beginner chord to start with (i.e. G Major or C Major).
Draw a blank guitar neck template on paper and mark the root note of your selected chord on the appropriate fret and string.
Add the next two notes of the chord to the next two available spaces on the neck template, creating a triad shape.
Label the notes and chord name on your diagram.
Repeat for many different chords.

Learn Power Chords

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Power chords are an essential part of rock and metal music. Following online tutorials to practice power chords will expand your guitar technique and allow for easier playing of many songs.

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Find online tutorials from reputable sources.
Follow along with the lessons and practice the techniques.
Apply power chords to songs you are learning.
Experiment with different voicings and variations of power chords.

Transcribe a Simple Song

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Transcribing melodies, chords, and rhythms from songs will simultaneously strengthen your theoretical understanding and your practical ear training skills.

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Choose a simple song that you enjoy and is not too complex.
Listen to the song carefully and try to identify the melody, chords, and rhythm.
Write down the notes, chords, and rhythm using musical notation or tablature.
Check your transcription by playing it back and comparing it to the original song.
Repeat the process with other songs to improve your skills.

Compose a Short Guitar Piece

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Composing a piece will force you to engage with the material and combine the techniques and knowledge you have learned to create something unique.

Browse courses on Songwriting

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Brainstorm ideas for your piece.
Choose a key and write a chord progression.
Compose a melody that fits the chords.
Arrange the piece for guitar.
Record and share your composition.

Career center

Learners who complete Essential Theory and Technique for Guitar will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Guitarist

Guitarists are musicians who specialize in playing the guitar. A course like Essential Theory and Technique for Guitar is highly relevant to Guitarists, as it delves into the intricate details of guitar playing, including music theory and technique. The emphasis on proper technique for both left and right hands is essential for Guitarists seeking to improve their playing abilities.

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Music Instructor

Music Instructors teach lessons on various musical instruments, including guitar. This course can help Music Instructors hone their own guitar skills, which can in turn enhance their teaching abilities. The course dives into music theory and technique, both important pillars of musicianship that transfer into the classroom. The emphasis on teaching proper left and right hand techniques is also relevant to a Music Instructor, as it allows them to pass on this knowledge to their students.

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Musician

Musicians perform music for audiences, often playing a specific instrument or singing. This course can help Musicians improve their guitar skills, particularly those interested in playing guitar professionally. The combination of music theory and technique is especially valuable to Musicians, as they need a deep understanding of music to succeed.

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Music Arranger

Music Arrangers adapt and modify musical pieces for different instruments and ensembles. A course like Essential Theory and Technique for Guitar can be beneficial to Music Arrangers who need a solid understanding of music theory and guitar techniques. The knowledge of scales, chords, and harmonies is essential for creating effective arrangements that incorporate guitar.

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Music Professor

Music Professors teach music theory, history, and performance at colleges and universities. This course may be helpful to Music Professors who want to improve their guitar skills and knowledge of music theory. The focus on proper technique and music theory can enhance their teaching abilities, especially for students interested in learning guitar.

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Music Teacher

Music Teachers provide instruction in music theory, history, and performance. This course may be helpful to Music Teachers who want to improve their guitar skills and knowledge of music theory. The focus on proper technique and music theory can enhance their teaching abilities, especially for students interested in learning guitar.

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Songwriter

Songwriters create and compose musical pieces. This course may be helpful to Songwriters looking to improve their guitar skills and enhance their songwriting abilities. The focus on music theory, including scales and chords, is particularly relevant to Songwriters as they need a strong grasp of musical concepts to write effective songs.

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Instrument Builder

Instrument Builders construct and repair musical instruments, including guitars. This course may be helpful for Instrument Builders who specialize in guitar making. The emphasis on the parts of the guitar and proper technique can provide a deeper understanding of guitar construction and design principles.

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Music Producer

Music Producers oversee the recording, mixing, and mastering of music. This course may be helpful to Music Producers interested in expanding their knowledge of guitar techniques and music theory. Understanding the intricacies of guitar playing can enhance their ability to produce and collaborate with guitarists effectively.

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Music Therapist

Music Therapists use music to promote mental and physical well-being. While not directly related to the field of Music Therapy, this course may be useful to Music Therapists seeking to incorporate guitar into their therapeutic practices. The understanding of music theory and technique can enhance their ability to use guitar effectively in therapeutic contexts.

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Music Director

Music Directors lead and conduct musical ensembles, such as orchestras, bands, and choirs. While not directly related to the role of a Music Director, this course may be helpful for those seeking a broader understanding of music theory and guitar techniques. The knowledge of scales, chords, and harmonies can enhance their ability to work with musicians and interpret musical pieces.

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Music Journalist

Music Journalists write and report on music-related topics for newspapers, magazines, and websites. While not directly related to the field of Music Journalism, this course may be helpful for Music Journalists who want to improve their understanding of music theory and guitar techniques. This knowledge can enhance their ability to analyze and critique musical performances and trends.

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Music Promoter

Music Promoters organize and promote concerts and other musical events. This course is not directly related to Music Promotion, but it may be helpful for Music Promoters who want to expand their understanding of music theory and guitar techniques. This knowledge can enhance their ability to communicate with musicians and understand the technical aspects of musical performances.

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Audio Engineer

Audio Engineers design, build, and maintain audio equipment and systems. A course like Essential Theory and Technique for Guitar is not directly related to Audio Engineering, but it may be helpful for Audio Engineers who need a basic understanding of guitar principles and techniques. This knowledge can be beneficial when working with guitarists in recording studios or live performances.

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Music Librarian

Music Librarians organize and manage music collections in libraries, archives, and other institutions. A course like Essential Theory and Technique for Guitar is not directly related to Music Librarianship, but it may be beneficial for Music Librarians who need a basic understanding of music theory and guitar techniques. This knowledge can be helpful when cataloging and organizing guitar-related materials.

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