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

Intermediate - Level 1

Theory

• Knows all the notes on the thick E & A strings for bar chord, 5th chord & scale placement

Chords & Rhythm

• Can play and has memorosed variations on open chords (Am, Dm, Em, A7, C7, D7, E7, G7)
• Can play the "E Shaped Bar Chord" (F Major) with a decent sustained sound (all six strings sounding out clearly)
• Can get a grasp on a basic 16th note rhythm playing it fairly smoothly

Melody & Riffs

• NOTATION: Can play a notation song fluently using the 1st 4 strings
• TAB: Understands TAB/Playing effects like hammering, sliding, pull offs & bending, etc.

Intermediate - Level 2

Theory

• Understands the theory of a Major Scale and has memorised its formula (TTSTTTS)
• Understands chord construction (The 1st, 3rd & 5th of any major scale makes the major chord)
• Knows all the notes (including sharps and flats) on the thick E & A strings for bar chord, 5th chord & scale placement

Chords & Rhythm

• Can change from an open chord to a bar chord easily with a clean and clear sound
• Rarely has trouble learning new and different 16th note rhythms
• Never has trouble learning new and different 8th note rhythms
• Can work out an 8th note rhythm by ear and write them out in either notation or using up & down symbols or notation

Melody & Riffs

• Can play the Major Scale up & down fluently
• NOTATION: Can play a notation song fluently using the all 6 strings
• Can play a riff or solo fluently using playing effects like hammering, sliding, pull offs & bending

Intermediate - Level 3

Theory

• Understands the formula of the most common chord variations (minor, 7th, minor 7th, major 7th)

Chords & Rhythm

• Can work out an 16th note rhythm by ear And write it out in either notation or using up & down symbols
• Can transfer common chord variations (minor, 7th, minor 7th, major 7th) into bar chords up the next of the guitar

Melody & Riffs

• Can play the Minor & 5 Pentatonic scales up and down fluently
• Can improvise to a basic level (keeping in time an not playing bad notes)