Guitar Theory Lessons
Learn how music works on guitar

I'm glad you've shown interest in guitar theory lessons because that proves you understand how important this knowledge is, not only to your guitar playing but your actual understanding of music.

Understanding music can get deep and complex, but in reality it's only as deep and complex as you want it to be. You don't have to take short-cuts, but at the same time you don't have to overload your head with unnecessary clutter.

In these lessons you'll learn how music works on your guitar, and how you can use this knowledge to create your own music with an open mind. Most guitarists don't want to bother with this stuff, and I can only say they don't know what they're missing out on. I'm sure your results will be most rewarding!

Remember, for a more comprehensive and structured guide to learning guitar, check out Guitar Tricks.

Guitar Fretboard Lessons

First thing's first, make sure you know how the fretboard works. This series includes clear fretboard diagrams and an effective process to help you learn the fretboard, from note positions to intervals.

Part 1: Notes on the Fretboard
Part 2: Note Relationships
Part 3: Intervals
Part 4: Scale Intervals

The Major Scale

Learning chord theory is impossible without knowing the major scale. It's the basis of western music, and the scale from which chords and harmonies are constructed and symbolized against. This lesson gives you all the details and provides you with clear diagrams of the major scale in several positions. An essential primer for chord theory.

Sharps and Flats

Ever wondered where sharps (#) and flats (b) come from? This lesson explains how sharps and flats are formed in scales and chords. It should also help you understand how important the major scale is in music theory in general.

Chord Root Notes

Introduces you to the theory behind how root notes work in forming guitar chords. An essential primer for the guitar chord theory lessons below.

Guitar Chord Theory

How to construct chords, from basic major and minor triads to more advanced, extended chords. Take your knowledge of the major scale (above) and use it to discover a wealth of chord voicings on the fretboard, not just the plain old ones you're used to. Easy-to-follow, nothing overwhelming here but very rewarding indeed.

Part 1 - Major & Minor Triads
Part 2 - Augmented & Diminished Triads
Part 3 - 7th Chords
Part 4 - Extended Chords
Part 5 - Chord Voicings (part i)
Part 6 - Advanced Chord Voicings (part ii)

Arpeggios on Guitar

First learn how to build arpeggios block by block, then learn how to weave them into your guitar solos. This series introduces you to the world of arpeggios, how to construct them and how you can use them to enhance your solos and create more meaningful lead phrases.

• Beginner arpeggios
• Major arpeggios
• Minor arpeggios
• 7th arpeggios
• Using arpeggios in solos

The Modes of the Major Scale

Series which looks at the 7 modes of the major scale. Each lesson takes you through the individual "flavour" and characteristics of each mode, with jam tracks to help you experiment with your own ideas. Finally, we learn how the modes work together as part of a larger musical expression.

Introduction

Mode 1: Ionian
Mode 2: Dorian
Mode 3: Phrygian
Mode 4: Lydian
Mode 5: Mixolydian
Mode 6: Aeolian
Mode 7: Locrian

Building Chord Progressions

Use your knowledge of the modes and discover the "formula" for becoming a songwriting factory. A 4 part lesson that looks at the chord scale and how you can use it to create original melodies. Plus, how to change key and not sound like a complete idiot! If you want to be able to write great songs as the mood strikes you, this is the essential crash course...

Part 1 - Intro to the Chord Scale
Part 2 - Creating Simple Progressions
Part 3 - Minor Key Progressions and Gateway Chords
Part 4 - Changing Key Without Messing up!

See also: Songwriting Section