Welcome to guitar lessons with Blue Cat Music!  This class is designed for a beginner student to get started with guitar, learn the basics while applying their skills to fun songs.  However, the class can also be tailored to more advanced students if necessary.

The class will run as follows:

Week 1: The first lesson will include the basics of guitar including parts of the guitar, string names, how to properly hold and position the guitar and pick while playing, and most importantly, a tuning session, unless your learner's guitar is already tuned. Please expect this tuning time to take between 5 -15 minutes, depending on how much tuning is needed. Brand new guitars often come with loose strings, and an in-tune guitar is absolutely necessary in order for students to recognize music they are playing and have the best experience in class! Once students master the invaluable skill of how to tune, they will be able to complete this on their own at home with the help of a guitar tuner or app.  The teacher will get to know the learner by finding out what type of music they are excited to play.

Week 2: The student will learn the notes on the first string - E, F, and G using the Hal Leonard Method book, and how to recognize them on the treble clef.  They will also learn about half, whole and quarter note values and how long to hold them.  These skills will help them to learn their first song.  The instructor will also cover strategies for getting the best sound out of the guitar, and using a guitar pick. Depending on skill level, the instructor will teach them some beginning chords, such as easier/modified versions of the chords G, G7 and C.

Week 3:  The student will continue to work on notes E, F, and G and practice additional exercises in the Hal Leonard method book, focusing on building speed and accuracy.  we will work on chord strumming and switching between beginning chords, such as G, C, A minor and E minor to apply them to real life songs such as "Riptide" by Vance Joy and "A Horse with No Name" by America.

Week 4: The instructor will introduce the notes on the second string, B, C and D.  The learner will practice scales using all 6 notes in order to get used to switching strings, and apply these notes to the well known classical tune "Ode to Joy" by Beethoven.  They will continue to work on chord switching exercises and apply them to songs, focusing on keeping a steady beat and using simple strumming patterns.