🎸 Customizable Beginner Guitar Curriculum

đź’ˇ Core Framework

Each student moves through 5 Levels, but the songs, examples, and genre focus change based on their preferences.

🧱 LEVEL 1: Getting Comfortable with the Guitar

Objective: Build confidence with the instrument and basic mechanics.

Topics:

  • Parts of the guitar

  • Tuning (by ear and with a tuner)

  • Holding the guitar and pick properly

  • Basic finger exercises for dexterity

  • First two chords (e.g., G and C or E minor and A minor)

  • Simple down-strumming patterns

Genre-based Customization:
Choose a 1-chord or 2-chord song in the student’s favorite genre to learn.
Examples:

  • Pop: “Someone Like You” (Adele – simplified)

  • Worship: “Way Maker” – simplified

  • Rock: “Horse with No Name” – America

  • And hundreds more

🪜 LEVEL 2: Building Chord Knowledge + Rhythm

Objective: Learn core open chords and rhythm basics.

Topics:

  • Open chords: C, D, E, G, A, Em, Am, Dm

  • 4-count and 8-count rhythm

  • Simple chord transitions

  • Strumming patterns (e.g., D-D-U-U-D-U)

Genre Customization:
Student picks 1–2 songs that use these chords. You teach transitions within those songs.

🎶 LEVEL 3: Playing Full Songs

Objective: Combine strumming and chords to play full songs smoothly.

Topics:

  • Chord progressions (I–IV–V, vi–IV–I–V, etc.)

  • Mastering clean transitions

  • Using a capo

  • Playing with a metronome

Genre Customization:
Student selects 2–3 songs they want to learn by chord sheet or tab. You use these as practice material while reinforcing skills.

🎸 LEVEL 4: Adding Expression & Playing with Others

Objective: Sound musical, not mechanical.

Topics:

  • Dynamics (soft vs loud)

  • Muting strings

  • Changing strumming patterns mid-song

  • Intro to fingerpicking or simple riffs

  • Playing along with backing tracks

Genre Customization:
Choose a stripped-down version of a favorite song that includes light embellishments or new skills (e.g., Travis picking for folk, palm muting for rock).

🌟 LEVEL 5: Student-Led Mastery & Style Building

Objective: Personal expression, song performance, or recording.

Topics:

  • Self-arranging: adapting songs to their skill level

  • Intro to improvisation or soloing (if interested)

  • Playing/singing together (if applicable)

  • Record or perform a “final” song

Capstone Option:

  • Student performs or records one of their favorite songs to mark completion.

  • You can help them set goals for “what’s next” — barre chords, music theory, songwriting, etc.

🧩 BONUS MODULES (Add-on Based on Interest)

  • 🎤 Singing While Playing

  • 🎼 Reading Chord Charts & Tabs

  • 🎹 Using a Looper or Pedals (for advanced)

  • ✍️ Songwriting Basics

  • 🎧 Recording at Home