Catalog Description

Hours: 36 (18 lecture, 18 activity)
Description: Learning fundamentals of the guitar: components of instrument, reading music notations, key structure and chord structure (open position), and finger picking. Students required to supply own instruments. (CSU, UC)

Course Student Learning Outcomes

  • CSLO #1: Demonstrate critical thinking skills through reflection on progress in practicing note reading from standard notation vs guitar tablature.
  • CSLO #2: Prepare and perform various strumming and finger picking styles.
  • CSLO #3: Critique student performances.

Effective Term

Spring 2021

Course Type

Credit - Degree-applicable

Contact Hours

36

Outside of Class Hours

36

Total Student Learning Hours

72

Course Objectives

Lecture Objectives:
1. Trace the History and origins of the guitar.
2. Identify parts of the guitar.
3. Name notes in first position.
4. Identify major scales and key signatures.
5. Prepare and perform various strumming and finger picking styles.
6. Demonstrate critical thinking skills through reflection on progress in practicing note reading.
7. Critique student performances.
Activity Objectives:
1. Play rhythms with a steady beat.
2. Play elementary repertoire.
3. Demonstrate level appropriate fluent sight-reading.
4. Correlate standard notation with tablature notation.
5. Perform selected scales and chords in major keys.
6. Perform primary chord progressions.

General Education Information

  • Approved College Associate Degree GE Applicability
    • AA/AS - Fine Arts
  • CSU GE Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU approval)
    • Cal-GETC Applicability (Recommended - Requires External Approval)
      • IGETC Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU/UC approval)

        Articulation Information

        • CSU Transferable
        • UC Transferable

        Methods of Evaluation

        • Objective Examinations
          • Example: 1. Students will take an objective examination to measure note reading comprehension. Example Question: Correctly identify the note that is an interval of a fifth above the given note
        • Skill Demonstrations
          • Example: 1. The students will perform chord changes and rhythm techniques in playing a song with others. 2. The students will have to perform the melody and demonstrate mental concentration in playing as others play accompanying chords. 3. Bi-weekly performance examinations to demonstrate skill in performing required repertoire. A grading rubric is used in measuring accuracy of notes, rhythms, tempo and expression in any skill demonstration. (Questions 1 through 3)

        Repeatable

        No

        Methods of Instruction

        • Activity
        • Lecture/Discussion
        • Distance Learning

        Activity:

        1. Instructor will put students in small groups to demonstrate and critique each other performing various strumming styles.
        2. Instructor will have students correlate notation in standard notation with notation in tablature on the white board.

        Lecture:

        1. Instructor will introduce and discuss a specific element of basic music theory such as a chord progression and assign a piece of music that contains the chord progression discussed. The students will practice the piece until the chord progression is mastered.
        2. Instructor will explain the differences between musical notation and guitar tablature. Students will then play a piece in both standard notation and guitar tablature.

        Typical Out of Class Assignments

        Reading Assignments

        1. Read an article from Grove's Dictionary of Music and Musicians about the development of the guitar and discuss in a brief three page paper. 2. Read a biography about Andre Segovia and present findings in class.

        Writing, Problem Solving or Performance

        1. Keep a performance journal discussing difficulties and achievements in practicing and when performing in front of the class. 2. Perform a simple piece with the three primary chords I, IV, and V in three different keys.

        Other (Term projects, research papers, portfolios, etc.)

        1. Research other members of the guitar family of instruments in a five page paper with examples of compositions. 2. Write a concert review of a musical performance detailing musical elements (melody, rhythm, timbre, dynamics) heard.

        Required Materials

        • Acoustic Guitar Primer Book for Beginners
          • Author: Bert Casey
          • Publisher: Watch & Learn, Inc
          • Publication Date: 2013
          • Text Edition: 1st
          • Classic Textbook?: No
          • OER Link:
          • OER:
        • Beginner's Guitar Lessons: The Essential Guide
          • Author: Joseph Alexander
          • Publisher: www.fundamental-changes.com
          • Publication Date: 2013
          • Text Edition: 1st
          • Classic Textbook?: No
          • OER Link:
          • OER:
        • Fretboard Fluency
          • Author: Joseph Alexander
          • Publisher: www.fundamental-changes.com
          • Publication Date: 2015
          • Text Edition: 1st
          • Classic Textbook?: No
          • OER Link:
          • OER:

        Other materials and-or supplies required of students that contribute to the cost of the course.

        Students must supply their own instrument.