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ChristopherSchlegel
Guitar Tricks Instructor
Joined: 08/09/05
Posts: 8,467
ChristopherSchlegel
Guitar Tricks Instructor
Joined: 08/09/05
Posts: 8,467
11/25/2022 3:54 pm

Any good guitar curriculum is applied guitar theory. 


Music theory is the set of concepts that describes the nature of musical events. It is the process of mentally identifying the sounds that occur in music. We do this in order to build a consistent set of ideas to describe what happens in music.  So if you follow the Guitar Fundamentals courses here at GT you will find that the theory concepts are integrated into the material along with the way.


My GF 2 course in particular will show you the fundamental concepts of scales, chords, reading music, etc. (all foundation theory concepts) along with practical exercises that you use to apply those ideas in a musical context.


https://www.guitartricks.com/course/fundamentals2(discontinued)


That course is beginner level material.  Keep in mind that your theory learning should keep pace with your physical skills, your ability to apply the ideas you are learning.  That's another element of a good curriculum.  Making sure you get enough ideas to apply to the level you are currently at while helping prepare you for the next level of concepts & skills.


As you watch it consider which of these 3 options fit your situation.


If your conceptual understanding or your playing skills are below the material in the above course, then that's a great place to start.


If your skills are above that material, but your conceptual understanding is not, then it will be a good way to learn those concepts while you get exercises to apply them. 


If you understand the concepts but your skill level isn't there yet, then it will be a great place to review & solidify the ideas while you build your skills to catch up to your theory knowledge.


It's also possible you are an absolute beginner which means you should probably start at GF1. 


https://www.guitartricks.com/course/guitarfundamentals1v1(discontinued)


You can also try the newer GF courses by Anders or Lisa.


https://www.guitartricks.com/course/fundamentals1


Once, (or if!) you have all that theory knowledge & practical skills under your command, you can move on to more advanced & specialized topics.  I have collections of tutorials that address topics like triad chords & inversions, scale patterns covering the fretboard, learning to improvise, learning lead guitar, etc.


There's also a stand alone tutorial that provides a brief overview of music theory, what it consists of at all levels.


https://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial/495/next-lesson


And that's part of a larger collection of tutorials that cover a wide range of music theory topics for those with a deeper interest.


https://www.guitartricks.com/collection/Music-Theory


Ultimately how much theory any student learns depends on their individual skill level & musical goals.  So when you mention:


"For example, a lesson could start with the major scale, its chords and arpeggios, and how to apply them in one lesson."


My tutorial on Scales & Chord Relationships (in the GF2 course linked above & the Music Theory collection) does just that at a beginner level.  And my later lessons also integrate those ideas in a practical ways at more intermediate & advanced levels.


Take it one step at a time.  Make sure your theory & practice keep pace with each other.  Please ask more if necessary & best of success with your guitar learning & playing!


edited
Christopher Schlegel
Guitar Tricks Instructor

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