London College of Music Acoustic Guitar Handbook Grade 2 from 2019

Synopsis

This book is part of a series that forms an expertly structured and comprehensive method of studying acoustic guitar. The book covers all the material needed for an LCM examination in Acoustic Guitar, enabling you to study for an internationally recognised qualification. However, even if you do not intend to take an exam, this book will help you achieve your full potential as a guitarist by developing all aspects of your playing in a structured way.

Summary

Chapter 1: Scales and Arpeggios

* Scales: Presents the A minor pentatonic scale and the C major scale, with fingerings and fretboard diagrams.
* Arpeggios: Introduces the C major and A minor arpeggios, showing how to play them with proper technique.
* Real Example: Soloing over an A minor blues progression using the A minor pentatonic scale.

Chapter 2: Chords

* Major and minor chords: Covers the construction and shapes for C, G, D, Am, Dm, and Em chords.
* Seventh chords: Introduces the dominant seventh chord (G7) and the minor seventh chord (Am7).
* Real Example: Accompanying a pop song using C, G, Am, and G7 chords.

Chapter 3: Rhythm

* Basic strumming patterns: Demonstrates quarter note, eighth note, and sixteenth note strumming patterns.
* Upstrokes and downstrokes: Explains the importance of alternating between upstrokes and downstrokes for rhythmic accuracy.
* Swing rhythm: Introduces the swing rhythm, a common style in jazz and blues.
* Real Example: Creating a rhythm arrangement for a folk song.

Chapter 4: Fingerstyle

* Fingerpicking patterns: Presents simple fingerpicking patterns using the thumb and index finger.
* Alternate bass: Introduces the alternate bass technique, where the bass note is played with the thumb while the melody is played with the fingers.
* Real Example: Arranging a classical piece for fingerstyle guitar.

Chapter 5: Improvisation

* Blues improvisation: Explores the use of the A minor pentatonic scale and blues licks for improvising over a blues progression.
* Chord progressions: Demonstrates common chord progressions used in improvisation, such as the 12-bar blues and the I-IV-V progression.
* Real Example: Creating an improvised solo over a jazz ballad.

Chapter 6: Performance Skills

* Stage presence: Discusses the importance of developing stage confidence and engaging with the audience.
* Dynamics: Explains how to use dynamics (volume and intensity) to enhance the musicality of a performance.
* Timing and accuracy: Emphasizes the importance of maintaining accurate timing and playing with precision.
* Real Example: Preparing for a performance at a local open mic night.

Chapter 7: Music Theory

* Time signatures: Introduces basic time signatures, including 4/4, 3/4, and 6/8.
* Note durations: Explains the values of different note lengths, from whole notes to sixteenth notes.
* Intervals: Covers the identification and construction of common intervals, such as seconds, thirds, and fifths.
* Real Example: Analyzing the melody of a song to understand its harmonic structure.

Chapter 8: Musicianship

* Ear training: Develops the ability to identify and transcribe melodies, chords, and rhythms by ear.
* Sight reading: Introduces the basics of sight reading, including note recognition and rhythm interpretation.
* Musical knowledge: Discusses the history, styles, and instruments of acoustic guitar music.
* Real Example: Preparing for an audition that requires sight reading and ear training.