This course builds on the concepts covered in Basic Guitar or Guitar 1. Further development of chords, strumming techniques, note playing and guitar-related theory will be covered in order to have you playing your favourite songs. This is not a beginner's course. Use a steel or a nylon string acoustic guitar - the choice is yours. BYO Guitar.

Course Description

This is the perfect follow-on course for students who have completed WEA’s Guitar 1 course or an equivalent beginner-level guitar class or already have a foundational understanding of open chords and basic strumming. 

This course expands on your skills by introducing barre chords, power chords, and multiple strumming patterns, while continuing to build strength, dexterity, and confidence in both hands. 

You’ll also explore the C major scale in more depth and begin to understand how music theory connects to the fretboard. 

Whether you’re keen to play like Green Day or groove with Cream, this course will give you the tools to take your playing to the next level.

Each session includes demonstrations, guided practice, and individual support from the tutor. 

You'll refine your open chords and learn how to convert familiar chord shapes into movable barre chord forms. 

A variety of rhythm exercises and strumming patterns will be explored, along with an introduction to power chords for a more rock-oriented sound. 

Music theory is woven throughout, helping you link scales, chord shapes, and the fretboard. 

Practical exercises and song excerpts ensure that everything you learn is directly applied to real music, keeping the experience engaging and motivating.

Course Structure

The course starts by revisiting open chords and introducing the concept of turning those shapes into barre chords.

You’ll practise both major and minor shapes and learn how to move them across the fretboard. 

You'll be introduced to power chords and their use in rock music, and practise multiple strumming patterns for different feels and genres. 

Lessons include work on the C major scale, note identification on the fretboard, and simple music theory concepts. 

Each session will include tutor demonstration, guided play-along, and feedback to support your progress. 

You'll also learn how to practise more effectively at home and apply your skills through well-known song excerpts.

Course Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

• Play G, Em, C, and D chords confidently, including as barre chords
• Use multiple strumming patterns for different musical styles
• Play the C major scale in one or two octaves
• Understand basic music theory and note locations on the fretboard
• Form and use barre chords based on E, E7, Em, A, A7 and Am shapes
• Understand and play simple power chords
• Apply new techniques by playing excerpts from popular songs
• Practise effectively at home to continue developing skills
• Improve finger strength, coordination, and musical confidence
• Enjoy playing guitar with a deeper understanding of musical structure.

Course Requirements

Students are required to bring their own steel or nylon string acoustic guitar.

Suitable guitars are available for hire from a range of popular local music stores.