So you have been around the block a couple of times. Maybe you have run the gambit of online lessons or you have completed the “introduction to guitar” class at the community center. If you have mastered all of the basic open and bar chords and can play all of the classic rock songs you can handle. Now it’s time for intermediate guitar lessons. The following article covers some of what you can expect when taking intermediate guitar lessons and the ways in which you can take them.
Your beginner guitar lessons should have covered besides the basics of how to hold, tune, and care for your guitar, basic fundamentals such as; first position or open chords in major, minor, 7th and minor 7th, playing in 4/4 and ¾ timing, counting 1/8, ¼, ½, and whole notes, reading music in first position, reading guitar tablature, alternate picking, and strumming techniques. What you could learn in intermediate guitar lessons are as follows; the major scale and it’s seven positions, minor and major pentatonic scales, basic music theory (12 tones), basic triads, chord construction, and more advanced picking and strumming techniques. There are more specific things that could be covered to a specific style or genre.
*Hard rock and heavy metal: Intermediate guitar lessons in these styles could cover playing in drop tunings, palm muting, triplets, and power chord variations, bending, and using hammer on/pull-offs. The Progressive styles of these genres could also include learning to play in odd meters and timing such as 5/4 and 7/8.
*Jazz: If you are into jazz, intermediate guitar lessons could include; 9th, minor 9th, and dominant 7th (major 7th) chords, major, Lydian, pentatonic, and bebop scales. Techniques like “comping” and hybrid picking, and learning to improvise referred to as “blowing”.
*Blues: If you are a student of the blues the next step could include; more advanced turn arounds and chord progressions, bending, slides, and hammer on/pull offs, improvising over 1-4-5 and 1-4-5 flat 6 chord progressions and shuffles.
*Country: Intermediate guitar lessons for country could include; hybrid picking (using a pick and fingers together), major scales, minor and major pentatonic scales, banjo rolls and “chicken picken”.
Intermediate guitar lessons can be taken online via webcam or from pre recorded videos on sites like YouTube. There are also many published books for the intermediate guitar student, as well as instructional videos. You may also be able to find intermediate group classes in your area for intermediate guitar lessons, but just like the beginner versions, this is not the most effective way to learn. Private intermediate guitar lessons are best because a good instructor will be able to evaluate the level you are at and be able to advise and get you to the next level the most effectively.