Open currency, time zone, and language settings

Learn Guitar Chords - Song of the Week

Students will learn how to play along to a new song on the guitar each week!

Brian Ross

Average rating:

5.0

Number of reviews:

(37)

What's included

1 live meeting

55 mins in-class hours per week

Class Experience

Each week, we'll learn the chords of a new song on the guitar. I've created arrangements of standard songs that are simplified down to 3-5 chords and their variants, so learners of any level will be able to get a handle on the tunes. Requests to learn certain songs are welcome!

We'll start by going through each of the chords, learning how to read a chord chart and how to play each chord. Then we'll take the song one line at a time, putting it all together at the end. Through the process, I'll provide tips on how to transition between the chords, and the best fingering options in a given situation. The keys of the songs have a bit of variety, so we'll cover a good collection of chords and chord patterns week to week. Since a new song will be taught in a similar way each week, students are welcome to join any time.

A handout will be provided for each song with charts for all of the chords in the song, and the lyrics of the song with indications for when each of the chord changes happens. I'll also send two recordings of me playing the songs, one slower and one at full tempo, to practice along to at home after the class.

This is a hands-on workshop, so students should arrive with their guitar tuned up and ready to go. I'll have my guitar as well, and be leading the group at a nice, gentle pace. Learners should have a basic knowledge of how guitar chords work, and have experience playing at least a few chords.

Examples of songs we'll cover in class:
You Are My Sunshine
Yellow Submarine
Peggy Sue
Leaving on a Jet Plane
Happy Together
Proud Mary
Dock of the Bay

Other Details

Supply List

A handout will be provided for each song with charts for all of the chords in the song, and the lyrics of the song with indications for when each of the chord changes happens. I'll also send two recordings of me playing the songs, one slower and one at full tempo, to practice along to at home after the class.

Students should bring:
• A tuned guitar (acoustic or electric guitars are equally welcome and appropriate for this class)
• Guitar pick (optional - finger picking is a perfectly good technique)
• Guitar strap (optional - students may sit or stand, depending on preference)

External Resources

Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.

Brian Ross

Joined August, 2021

5.0

37reviews

Profile

Teacher expertise and credentials

Hi! I've been playing the guitar since I was 11 years old and I'm still as excited to pick up my guitar every day now as I was then. 

My brother and I have a band playing songs we write about the Harry Potter stories, which has led to the opportunity to tour the country multiple times playing at hundreds of libraries and other all-ages community venues. While doing that, I've continued writing and releasing solo music, including an album of songs I wrote about Star Wars!

I look forward to sharing my enthusiasm with you and taking your playing and knowledge to the next level, whether you're just beginning or you have some skills and are ready to learn some new tricks.