Guitar Beginners
Course Overview
This beginner-friendly guitar course is perfect for anyone who has always wanted to play but never quite got started.
Whether you're picking up a guitar for the first time or revisiting after a long break, this course will guide you through the fundamentals in a relaxed and supportive environment.
You’ll learn:
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Basic chords and strumming patterns
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Simple melodies and riffs
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Tuning and guitar care
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How to read chord charts and play along with songs
By the end of the term, you'll be able to play a few songs with confidence and have the tools to continue learning on your own or with others.
Course Breakdown
Week 1: Rhythm concepts. Right hand techniques. Tablature reading
Week 2: The 5-note scale. Left hand techniques. Improvisation concepts
Week 3: The 5 main major chords. The 3 chord songs repertoire practice.
Week 4: Minor chords and the “4 Magic chord progression” repertoire.
Week 5: Repertoire song 1. Student's choice. We’re going to start preparing one of the songs of the course. Full arrangement: Melody, chords, rhythm.
Week 6: Song 2 introduction (students choice). Applying all the concepts learned in this second new song: Melody, rhythm, chords.
Week 7: Bar chords introduction. Repertoire song 1 and 2 practice.
Week 8: Repertoire songs 1 and 2 practice.
Week 9: Warm-up, rehearsal and little performance with video recording.
This outline provides an overview of what may be covered during the course; however, changes may occur based on various factors and the needs of the class.
Term Dates
Term 1 runs from Saturday 1 February to Saturday 29 March
Term 2 runs from Saturday 26 April to Saturday 21 June
Term 3 runs from Saturday 19 June to Saturday 13 September
Term 4 runs from Saturday 11 October to 6 December (No class on the 29th November)
Materials List
- An acoustic guitar with new strings and a guitar pick.
- A folder and music stand if you have one.
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About the tutor
Joseph Zarb
Joseph is an experienced music educator and performer, currently teaching guitar at Mercy College Chatswood and Lane Cove Public School, where he has taught for over 15 years. He is also a board member of the Lane Cove Music Education Co-op, having served as Chairman during its founding year.
From 1998 to 2008, Joseph taught Visual Arts and Music at high school level, including HSC Visual Arts, primarily at Delany College Granville.
As a performer, Joseph is active in several ensembles:
Marsala – World Music Without Borders (Singer, Guitarist, Band Leader)
Performing globally inspired music in over 16 languages for more than 30 years.The Cameron Jones Trio (Guitare Rythmique)
A Gypsy jazz group inspired by Django Reinhardt.The Three Rivers Ensemble (Guitar, Voice, Ney)
Performing traditional Turkish and Middle Eastern music.
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