This is a common way I categorise my lessons. If you hate being put into molds or categories then don't read on, just keep on learning what ever you feel like. I find this a good guide to filling in the gaps when lessons skip certain topics.

First I group student into 3 main levels (Beginners, Intermediate & Advanced). Then each of those main groups into sub groups (Level 1, Level 2 & Level 3). Then each of those sub groups into sections (Theory, Chords & Rhythm then Melody & Riffs), melody & riffs are split into two sections (Notation & Tablature).

View All 3 Category Summaries

Beginner - Level 1

Summary

• Just started playing
• Knows little to nothing on the guitar
• Needs reminders on finger placements, holding a pick, hand positioning, parts of the guitar, string numbering etc.

Theory

• Knows little to nothing about music theory

Chords & Rhythm

• Knows little to nothing about chords or rhythm

Melody & Riffs

• Knows little to nothing about notation or TAB

Beginner - Level 2

Theory

• Has a basic understanding of music theory
  • musical alphabet
  • tones & semitones
  • note spacing eg. E & F and B & C are a 1 fret move
  • basic music symbols
    • whole note
    • half note
    • quarter note
    • treble cleff
    • music staff
    • repeat signs
• Knows the string names (EADGBE)

Chords & Rhythm

• Can play basic chords although needs visual reminders (A, C, D, E, G Major)
• Getting a grasp of basic 8th note rhythm but can’t change chords quick enough to make a song distinguishable while using simple chords

Melody & Riffs

• NOTATION: Understands how to read a music staff and simple notation but cannot play it fluently
• TAB: Understands how to read simple TAB

Beginner - Level 3

Theory

• Memorised all the string and note names within the 1st three frets

E||-F-|---|-G-|---
B||-C-|---|-D-|---
G||---|-A-|---|---
D||---|-E-|-F-|---
A||---|-B-|-C-|---
E||-F-|---|-G-|---

• Be able to work out (not memorise) any note on any string up to and beyond the 12th fret

Chords & Rhythm

• Memorised all open chords and can play them with out visual aids or prompting (A, C, D, E & G).
• Starting to change chords quick enough to make a simple chord pattern song recognisable
• Can make the "E Shaped Bar Chord" (F Major) but not have to have it sounding clearly.

Melody & Riffs

• NOTATION: Can play a simple notation song fluently so that others can recognize the tune
• TAB: Can play a simple riff with no effects (hammering, sliding, bending, etc.)