On Your Own Assignments
Do you have to miss a lesson? Did you master your assignment early? Just want to work ahead? Here are a few ideas for self-guided learning at home. Complete one of these for an instant A+. Some of these items will require parental assistance.
Memorize It
If you can already play a song really well, crank it up a notch and try to learn it by heart! Beginners
Beginners, look ahead in your books. Learn a few new notes. Learn a new chord. Start a new song! Give it a try. Better It
When possible, play along with a recording of a song you are working on. Can you keep up through the whole song with no mistakes? Most method books even come with CD's these days. Get 'em out and challenge yourself to play along with them. Play More
Sometimes you might know the melody of a song, but not the chords (or the chords but not the melody). Impress your teacher and learn both parts. Look Ahead:
If you have mastered your current songs and exercises, find a new song, concept, or exercise in one of your books and show it off at your next lesson. More Chords
Learn a new chord, or several chords, and show your teacher at your next lesson. My favorite free handout is here: http://thecipher.com/Basic_Guitar_Chords.pdf More Notes
Name all the notes in first position (open strings and frets 0-3). If that's too easy, name all the notes in fifth position (frets 5-8). Look for the notes in your books. Also, page 4 of the chord handout (see "More Chords," above) has a fret board diagram. Pick It
For fingerstyle players: Make up a cool fingerpicking pattern and show it off at your next lesson. Strum It
Learn a new strumming pattern and show it off at your next lesson. Make one up, or find one in a book. I have used this handout at lessons, and you can print your own: http://www.scenicnewengland.net/guitar/acoustic/info/strumming.htm Change 'Em
Change your strings. Find help here: http://www.bigtimemusic.org/resources.html Set it Up
Take your guitar to a good shop for a complete pro tune up and "set up" including a fret leveling and truss rod adjustment. Write One
Write a melody. Write some words. Just put some chords together. Give it a try. Find It
Find music for that song you always wanted to learn. Browse the books at Ward Brodt or look online. Open an account at musicnotes.com. http://www.heartwoodguitar.com/chords.htm has a lot of free lead sheets with chords and lyrics. Open It
Open an account at www.musicnotes.com (Often, several arrangements of songs will be available. If you are not sure which one is best for you, just wait. You can also print the first page for free, without an account, and this will let you try it out and/or get started.) Print It
http://thecipher.com/Basic_Guitar_Chords.pdf File It
Organize your handouts and music. Get a folder. Start a binder. Start a NEW folder. Jam It
Call a singer, piano player, drummer, saxophonist, harpist ... and try making some music together. Master It
(For Master Guitar Students): Look at your checklist and work ahead. You know what to do. Use books, the internet, youtube, musicnotes, and itunes to help you if you get stuck.