leaning to play the guitar / Lesson Plan

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Objective

By the end of this lesson, the student will be able to play a basic guitar chord progression and understand the fundamentals of reading guitar tablature.

Materials and Prep

  • Guitar
  • Guitar pick
  • Guitar tuner
  • Guitar tablature sheet
  • Notebook and pen/pencil

Prior knowledge of basic music theory (such as understanding notes, rhythm, and time signatures) would be helpful but not necessary.

Activities

  1. Introduction to the guitar

    Start by familiarizing the student with the different parts of the guitar, such as the body, neck, frets, and strings. Explain how to hold the guitar and how to position their fingers on the fretboard.

  2. Tuning the guitar

    Show the student how to use a guitar tuner to tune their instrument. Explain the importance of proper tuning for accurate sound production.

  3. Basic chord progression

    Teach the student a simple chord progression, such as G - C - D. Demonstrate how to position their fingers on the correct frets and strings to play each chord. Practice strumming the chords in rhythm.

  4. Reading guitar tablature

    Introduce the concept of guitar tablature (tabs) as a visual representation of the guitar strings and frets. Show the student how to read tablature notation and guide them through playing a simple melody or riff using tabs.

  5. Creating their own composition

    Encourage the student to experiment with the chords they have learned and create their own chord progression or melody. Provide guidance and feedback as they explore their creativity.

Talking Points

  • "Let's start by getting to know the different parts of the guitar. Can you point out the body, neck, frets, and strings?"
  • "Tuning the guitar is essential for producing the correct pitch. Let's use the tuner to make sure each string is in tune."
  • "To play a G chord, place your fingers on the 3rd fret of the low E string, 2nd fret of the A string, and 3rd fret of the high E string. Strum all the strings together."
  • "Now let's try transitioning to a C chord. Place your fingers on the 1st fret of the B string, 2nd fret of the D string, and 3rd fret of the A string. Strum only the bottom five strings."
  • "To play a D chord, place your fingers on the 2nd fret of the high E string, 3rd fret of the B string, and 2nd fret of the G string. Strum all the strings together."
  • "Guitar tablature is a way to represent music on the guitar. Each number on a line corresponds to a specific fret and string. Let's try playing this tab using the numbers as a guide."
  • "Now it's time to get creative! Experiment with the chords we've learned and see if you can come up with your own chord progression or melody. Don't be afraid to try different combinations!"