unit l

month one

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copyright G C Hargreaves 2019
 Introduction
In order for any guitar course to be successful,
you must practise.
practise practise practise practise practise practise

Getting started

machineheads
or
tuning pegs

top nut

frets

neck and fingerboard

position markers

body

rosette

sound hole

pickups

scratch plate

saddle

bridge

tremolo

strap button

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copyright G C Hargreaves 2019
 Headstock

makers logo
machinehead
(whole mechanism)

capstons
tuning pegs

string tree
(string retainer)

truss rod access

top nut
frets

fingerboard

fingering map left hand

top nut x string should

not be played
frets
finger placed
strings between
1
the frets

Left hand
finger number

fret map

E F G A

B C D E

G A B C
D E F G
A B C D E F

E F G A B C

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copyright G C Hargreaves 2019
 Tuning
correctly it will sound wrong. As time goes by you will start to recognize when your guitar is out of tune
yourself.

IMPORTANT NOTES ON TUNING

to become accustomed to the sound of the instrument when it is in tune before you attempt to tune it
yourself.

When tuning your guitar remember to turn the tuning pegs by very small amounts and then re-pluck the

to pluck the string before turning the tuning pegs, so you can hear the effect it is having on the pitch.

Listen for the pitch of the string, not the tone. This can cause confusion because the string you are tuning
and the reference note may sound different, even though they are in tune with one another.

Tuning to reference notes

Using a reference note is the oldest way to tune any musical instrument. You can either use a single note to
tune one string too and then tune the other strings to that string, or you can use a reference note to tune
each string. Some reference note sources are; a tuning folk, Tuning pipes, a piano or keyboard, another in
tune guitar, an electronic tone generator or a guitar tuner. Using reference tuning helps you learn to tune
your guitar by ear.

middle C

E A D G B E

The thinnest string is referred to

sounds higher than the other

strings.

The thickest string is referred to

Hint. To remember the names of the strings you can use one of these silly sayings.
Every Angry Dog Growls and Bites Eventually
Elephants And Dogs God Blesses Everything
Eddy Ate Dynamite Good Bye Eddy
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 tuning the guitar to itself
Sometimes only one or two strings will be out of tune or you may not have access to tuner or a reference note from
which to tune your guitar. In either of these instances you can tune the guitar to itself, using the other strings as a
reference point to tune from. This is the most common method for doing a quick tune of the guitar.

INSTRUCTIONS
1. Until you have more experience of tuning your guitar you will need to use your tuner or a reference note to get a

the human ear is less sensitive at this frequency so we will stick to the top

the strings sound the same.

5. Repeat this pattern using the FIFTH fret for the last two strings.

sound. Eventually you can use this sound as a double check, because if you have made a mistake on any of the
other stings the two notes will not sound good together.

IMPORTANT
Listen for the pitch of the strings and not the tone. The tone of each string will always be a little different.

Even if you normally use an electronic tuner, it is wise to try this method for a while so you can get used to hearing and
comparing the pitch of the strings.

The best way to learn how to tune

There are many free guitar tuners available for desktop computers and mobile devices. It is a good idea to find the
one you like the look of and install it or use a hardware electronic tuner. Both these methods are very accurate.

1. Try tuning your guitar using reference notes first rather than a digital or electronic tuner that tells you what to do.
This will help to train your ears to hear when the guitar is out of tune.

2. Finally check your guitar with a digital tuner that tells you if the note is sharp or flat. The digital tuner is the most
accurate way to tune, but if you only use the digital tuner you will take longer to hear when your guitar is out of tune.

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 Tuners
A guitar tuner is a device to help you tune your guitar. Tuners are available in many forms,
such as tuning pipes, a tuning folk, electronic tuners and software tuners. Electronic and
software tuners come in two main forms, the type that listens to the guitar note and then
indicates whether or not the guitar is in tune, and the type which produces a reference
note for you to tune from. Even if you have an electronic tuner that tells you if the string is
sharp or flat, I would recommend using the old style reference note tuner because helps

to tell when your guitar is out or tune straight away.

How to use the GCH Guitar Academy tuner

Select the tone you prefer or which sound the most like your guitar. Click the tuner on the
string you want to tune and then compare the sound produced by the tuner with the
sound produced by your guitar. Remember that the guitar and tuner can sound different
even though they are in tune with each other. This is because the tone is different, not the
pitch. When tuning your guitar remember to turn your tuning pegs by very small amounts

will break your strings. It can be a good idea to play the string before turning the tuning
pegs so you can hear the effect on the pitch straight away.

Tone selection String buttons

Click on the tone selection Click on a string to
button to change the sound. hear it played
Select the sound you find
the easiest to tune from. Standard windows top bar

Mute Volume Control

Silences the tuner Use the slider to
alter the volume
Virtual LEDs
Indicates which string is playing

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 using a pick (plectrum)

everyone has their own preferred method. There is however a

feel you need to copy this method exactly it is just a starting point.

1. Bend your fingers into a fist.

2. Lift the thumb but leave the fingers bent.

fig 1
3. Place the plectrum on the first knuckle of your index finger so
that it points towards the guitar.

4. Hold the plectrum in place with your thumb and adjust it.

When playing single notes or strings with a pick the motion should
come from the wrist, the whole arm should not move up and
down. When strumming the motion comes more from the elbow.

For stability and to aid with locating the strings without needing to
look down, some players either rest the hand or arm on the guitar.
Another approach is to rest your fingers on the guitar scratchplate,
screws, or on a pickup if you have an electric guitar.
fig 2

IMPORTANT
time you practise. If the pick position changes every time you play it
will take you a lot longer to get used to it and play to the standard you
want to reach.

fig 3

Which plectrum to use.

Plectrums come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, but they are usually marked with the
thickness in milimeters, which is helpful. Remember though that the thickness is just a
guide as plectrums will play differently depending on what material they are made of.
At this stage of your learning it is probably a good idea to buy several to find out which
one is best for you.

1mm is a common thickness of plectrum. It is a good all round plectrum.

Plectrums over 1mm will not bend very much, if at all. They produce a more bassy tone
and they can be more difficult for strumming.

Plectrums under 0.7mm can bend a lot. They produce a brighter tone and are ideal for
fig 4
they can sound clicky.

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copyright G C Hargreaves 2019
 tunes
Introduction
Below is a BAR. A bar is a representation of time used in music, so all music is made up of
bars. To start with, the bars we are using contain 4 beats (this is 4/4 time). It is important
that the length of time for each bar remains the same and therefore I recommend
downloading a metronome for your computer or mobile device. Practice playing the
chords as accurately as possible on the first beat of the bar.
1 2 3 4
beats
G
bar

Try the following; G G G G

Remember that their is no break between th bars, every beat should remain the same
length, and therefore the beats should sound constant.

Sometimes you will find that their is more than one chord in a bar, in this instance play the
second chord on the correct beat, for example the THIRD beat of the bar. As you get
better and start to play more advanced pieces, you will find any number of chords in a
bar.
1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4
For example
D7 A7 A7

The arrangement
Every tune has an arrangement. An arrangement is the order in which a tune is played.
For example, verse, chorus, verse, chorus. By listing arrangements the tunes are kept
smaller, neater and easier to follow. You will also gain a better understanding of music for
when you eventually want to write your own. Music can be made up of any number of
sections in any order, here are some of the section names.

Intro (introduction), verse, chorus, bridge, transition, solo, coda (end).

Using the backing tracks

When using the backing tracks, remember to follow the beat of the drum rather than the

trouble keeping up, but with practise you will soon find that speed becomes less of an
issue.

Here are some rules to help you play along with the backings.

1. Their are always two bars before the music starts.

2. Follow the beats and not the tune.

4. Just strum the chord once, we will add rhythms later.

5. If you have trouble changing between two chords, practise the change.

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copyright G C Hargreaves 2019
 using the metronome
A metronome is a device that produces a beat with a constant tempo. The tempo of the
metronome can be adjusted to the speed you want. The speed of beats is measured in
BPM or Beats Per Minute, so for example 60 BPM is 1 beat per second. It is not essential
for you to practice with a metronome, but it is a good idea to practice with one
sometimes. If you practice with a metronome it will help you achieve and maintain a
constant tempo. This will help make playing with a backing tape or other players less of
a challenge.
Metronomes come in numerous forms such as clockwork, electronic or computer and
mobile device apps but they all do the same basic job, producing a regular beat.
To start the metronome
Clicking on a number starts the beat playing.
The numbers are BPM or Beats Per Minute.
The larger numbers are faster tempos, and
the smaller numbers are slower beats. Standard windows top bar

Virtual LED
to show when the
metronome is
active.

Start/stop button
Click this button to
start and stop the
beat once a tempo
has been selected.

Volume Control
Use the slider to
alter the volume
Time signatures
open = open time, no bars or accent notes

4/4 = common time, 4 beats per bar. The accent is every one of four beats
1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4

3/4 = 3 beats per bar. The accent is on every one of three beats
1 2 3 1 2 3

6/8 = 6 beats per bar. The accent is on every one of six beats
1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 6

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 Lesson One
open chords

A Am Am7 A7 A7
X X 1 X 1 X X
1 2 3 2 3 2 1 2 1

B7 C C7 D Dm
X 1 X 1 X 1 XX XX 1

2 3 4 2 2 1 2 2

3 3 4 3 3

D7 Dm7 E Em E7
XX 1 XX 1 1 1

2 3 2 2 3 1 2 2

Em7 F Fm G G7
XX 1 XX 1 1

1 2 1 2

3 3 2 3 3

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copyright G C Hargreaves 2019
 exercises
Play the following open chord exercises.
Then repeat them until the chords sound clean and the changes sound smooth.

Exercise 1
C Am G7
X 1 X 1 1

2 2 3 2

3 3

C - - - Am - - - C - - - Am - - - C - - - G7 - - - C - - - Am - - -

Exercise 2
D G A Em
XX X
1 2 1 1 2 3 1 2

3 2 3

D - - - G - - - D - - - A - - - D - - - G - - - D - - - Em - - -

Exercise 3
Dm G7 C Am
X X 1 1 X 1
X 1

2 2 2 2 3

3 3 3

Dm - - - G7 - - - C - - - Am - - - Dm - - - G7 - - - C - - - C - - -

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copyright G C Hargreaves 2019
 month one
Week One
tune
These tunes are in 3/4 time, which basically means that their are THREE beats per bar.
Because the tunes are in 3/4 time you will notice that the usual score boxes now have a
purple box every three beats instead of every four beats.

beats 1 2 3 1 2 3
bar

Try this tune with the metronome

set on 3/4. You can set the metro-
nome to play a 3/4 beat by click-
ing the 3/4 button at the bottom.

3/4 select button

Amazing Grace

G G C G

G G D7 D7

G G7 C G

G D7 G G

chords
G C D7 G7
X 1 XX 1 1

1 2 2 3 2

2 3 3 3

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 tune
Down in the valley (American folk song)

C C C C

G7 G7 G7 G7

G7 G7 G7 G7

C C C C

C C C C

G7 G7 G7 G7

G7 G7 G7 G7

C C C

chords
C G7
X 1 1

2 2

3 3

IMPORTANT HINT

Chord push-ups

the two chords over and over again. This will speed up the learning process and your
chord changes should improve more quickly.

For example. If you find the change between D and G difficult, then practise.
D, G, D, G, D, G, D, G, D, G, D, G, D, G, D, G
over and over for several minutes.
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copyright G C Hargreaves 2019
 month one
Week Two
tune
Now, lets try and put together some of what you have learned to play our first piece of
music with an arrangement. These tunes are in 4/4 time, so their are FOUR beats per bar.

1. Play the chords a few times until you are happy with the changes.
2. Try playing with the metronome in 4/4 time, using a slow setting (between 40 & 80)
3. Try playing with the backing tracks

This tune is in 4/4 time and the bars are counted 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 etc.
The red numbers bellow are the beats and the black letters are the chord names

One chord should be played every four beats on the first beat of the bar. In other words
a chord should be played at the beginning of each bar. You can practice this tune with
the metronome to help you build up the speed of your chord changes. But to start with,
it is a good idea just to practice the chord changes.

1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4
G - - - | G - - - | G - - - | D - - -|

1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4
G - - - | C - - - | D - - - | G - - -|

How tunes will look in the future.

G G G D

G C D G

chords
G D C
XX X 1

1 1 2 2

2 3 3 3

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 tune
HEY JUDE - The Beatles

verse

D A A D

G D A D

chorus
D7 G Em A7 D

D7 G Em A7 D

1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4
D7 A7 A7

coda
D C G D repeat and fade

arrangement verse - verse - chorus - verse - coda

chords

D A G D7
XX X XX 1

1 2 1 2 3 1 2 3

3 2 3

Em A7 C
X X 1

1 2 1 3 2

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copyright G C Hargreaves 2019
Scales are the DNA of music and everything you do when you play your guitar either
directly involves the use of scales or has been derived from a scale. Therefore it is
important to give them the attention they deserve and practise them until you can play
them reasonably well. In the future, the way you play your scales will have an influence
how well you can play or write solos and lead guitar.
scale map
Scales are played as single notes in succession,
however all the notes will be put together on a

readable and the pattern clearer. 1 1

A sca l e ma p l ook s a l ot l i k e a chor d ma p ,

however bewar e to look for any fr et number 2 2
fret 3
indicators as it is a common occurrence for scales
to be played further up the neck. For example the
3

4 4 4
fret 5
one by one as shown below. Once you can play
the scale, pr actise it, memor ize it and tr y to
increase speed, accuracy and flow.

1st note 2nd note 3rd note 4th note

2 2
fret 3

4
fret 5

5th note 6th note 7th note 8th note

fret 3
3

4 4
fret 5

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copyright G C Hargreaves 2019
 IMPORTANT HINT
Chord fingering variations
Sometimes it is acceptable or even prudent to change the fingering for a particular
chord. This can be for a number of reasons including the build or structure of the players
hand or simply being better prepared for the next chord in a sequence.

For example

involve covering 2 strings with one finger.

A A A
X X X
1 2 3 1 2 1 2

This style of play, where you cover 2 strings with one finger can be used with other chords

E E Am Am
1 1 X 1 X 1

2 3 2 2 3 2

Em Em Em

1 2 1 2

The

G G

1 2

2 3 3 4

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copyright G C Hargreaves 2019
 month one
Week Three
tune
This first month needs to be spent mastering open chords.
1. Play the chords a few times until you are happy with the changes.
2. Play with the metronome in 4/4 time, using a slow setting (between 60 & 100)
3. Try playing with the backing tracks

Live Forever - Oasis

verse
G D Am7 C D

G D Am7 C D

chorus
Em D Am7 C D

Em D Am7 Am7

Am7

coda
Em D Am7 C D

Em D Am7 Am

repeat and fade this line

Am7 Am Am7 Am

solo
arrangement verse - chorus - verse - chorus - verse - chorus - verse - coda

chords
G D Am7 C Em
XX X 1 X 1

1 1 2 2 2 1 2

2 3 3 3

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copyright G C Hargreaves 2019
This time playing the scale should take less explanation,

scale in the last lesson. Play the scale both ways this
time, from the bottom to the top and then from the top
to the bottom.

keep practising both scales until you can play them 1 1

smoothly, uniformly and accurately. fret 3

IMPORTANT 2
It is ver y impor tant to use the correct fingers when
learning and practising all scales. 3 3 3
Practising scales regularly and correctly will help your
finger accuracy, strength and dexterity. Many of the 4 4
best guitarists use scales as a way of warming up before
practising as they keep the fingers subtle.

IMPORTANT HINT

The position of the thumb is very important, so take careful note of it.

Correctt
The thumb is in the center of the neck
and the fingers are putting pressure
on only the string required. Tr y to
keep the fingers on there tips.

Wrong
The thumb is around the neck and the
fingers are laying against strings which
are not intended to be played. The
finger s should not touch the
surrounding strings

Note. In both cases you can see how the fingers naturally sit in a position above the
correct frets. This is why you should use the correct fingers.

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copyright G C Hargreaves 2019
 month one
Week Four
tune
Candle in the wind - Elton John
verse
G G C D7

G C G C C

G G C C

G C G C C

chorus
D D G C

G G D D

C C Em Em

D C C C

instrumental
G G D D7

G D C G

coda
Em D C c

Arrangement
verse - chorus - verse - chorus - instrumental - verse - chorus - coda

chords
G C D7 D Em
X 1 XX 1 XX
1 2 2 3 1 2 1 2

2 3 3 3

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copyright G C Hargreaves 2019
 pentatonic scale

I am going to repeat much of what was said in the pentatonic

l esson for the p r ev i ous sca l es b eca use i t i s so
important you learn the scales. Play the scale both
ways again, forwards from the bottom to the top and
then backwards from the top to the bottom.

Memorize this scale and then you should know three 1 1 1 1 1 1

scales which you can revise using the revision section fret 3
below. Keep practising al the scales until you can
play them smoothly, uniformly and accurately.

Remember it is ver y impor tant to use the correct 3 3 3

fingers when learning and practising both scales.
4 4 4
Practising scales regularly and correctly will help your
finger accuracy, strength and dexterity.

Scale revision

really important to you, unless you want to become a serious or professional guitarist.

Play these scales until you can remember them and play them smoothly.

important to memorize them, however the scales will only be used in relation to theory, or

regularly.

pentatonic

1 1

2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
fret 3 fret 3
3 2

4 4 4 3 3 3 3 3 3

4 4 4 4 4

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copyright G C Hargreaves 2019
 26
copyright G C Hargreaves 2019