Catalog Description

Prerequisite: Completion of MUS 57B with grade of "C" or better or equivalent with permission of instructor
Hours: 36 (18 lecture, 18 activity)
Description: Learning chromatics, chord structure in closed positions, harmony as applied to pieces, and major and minor scales. These techniques applied to compositions in group performance. Students required to supply own instruments. (CSU, UC)

Course Student Learning Outcomes

  • CSLO #1: Demonstrate left hand techniques (vibrato, portamento, slide in different styles).
  • CSLO #2: Identify various chord extensions (9th, 11th, 13th) in reading lead sheets.
  • CSLO #3: Play standard chord progressions in all major and minor keys.

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. Identify the difference between major and minor scales construction.
2. Understand chord playing and note reading in first through fourth position.
3. Identify various chord inversions and chord simplifications in music.
4. Prepare short pieces with two and three part note reading, and using chord inversions in the performance of the melody.
5. Prepare and perform level appropriate repertoire.
6. Critique a guitar performance and the interpretive choices of both performer and composer using standard musical terminology.
Activity Objectives:
1. Play rhythms at a steady tempo.
2. Play chord inversions and chord substitutions in selected keys.
3. Apply advanced finger picking and strumming techniques to solo repertoire.
4. Perform G, C, D, E and A scales in first position.
5. Demonstrate level appropriate fluent sight-reading.
6. Demonstrate critical listening when performing in ensemble pieces.

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

        • Classroom Discussions
          • Example: 1. The instructor will initiate a discussion about improvisation through a demonstration using major and minor pentatonic scales an improvised solo. 2. The instructor will initiate a discussion pertaining to the proper use of the flat pick. Through the use of several scale exercises, the instructor will demonstrate on how to use the pick to gain speed in order to create a smooth performance.
        • Objective Examinations
          • Example: 1. The instructor will give a written test on chord construction. The student will construct all major, minor, augmented and diminished chords in requested keys. 2. The instructor will give a written test on Key construction. The student will identify the key signatures in C,G,D,A,E,F,Bb,and Ab and identify the primary and secondary chords in each key.
        • Projects
          • Example: 1. After studying the relationship between the minor 7th and the 9th chord the student will learn and perform the soft pop song When Sunny Gets Blue. The instructor will then grade the performance on the elements of timing, musicality and ease. 2. Perform a two-three minute level appropriate composition as part of the final exam, demonstrating steady, accurate rhythm and notes, use of dynamics and understanding of the style of the work.
        • Skill Demonstrations
          • Example: 1. The student will demonstrate the proper use of a minor pentatonic scale while playing as part of an ensemble in a performance of The Crossroad Blues by Robert Johnson. The demonstration of these skills will be graded by the instructor on the student’s dexterity and improvisational choices. 2. The student will demonstrate his knowledge of chord inversions by playing a piece of his choice. He will first play the piece through using the “open” chords and then demonstrate his ability to play the chord progression in inverted chords. The instructor will then grade the performance on the elements of timing, musicality and dexterity.

        Repeatable

        No

        Methods of Instruction

        • Activity
        • Lecture/Discussion
        • Distance Learning

        Activity:

        1. Have students perform a short piece with only a primary chord progression and then perform the same piece with both primary and secondary chords that demonstrate chord substitutions.
        2. Instructor demonstrates various finger picking patterns while students reproduce those patterns in a round-robin process.

        Lecture:

        1. After lecturing about the construction of major scales, have students write specific scales on the whiteboard and then perform them.
        2. After lecturing about the construction of dominant seven-tonic chord progressions, students are to write on the white board and perform a dominant seven-tonic chord progression in requested key from the instructor.

        Typical Out of Class Assignments

        Reading Assignments

        1. Read an article about the playing styles of D’jango Rinehardt, and write a brief two page paper detailing the main points. 2. Submit a concert review of a performance by any noted guitarist and share findings in class.

        Writing, Problem Solving or Performance

        1. Write a brief two page paper about Les Paul and his contributions to the history of the electric guitar. 2. Perform regularly in class as a soloist or in duet with another student.

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

        1. Research the origins of flamenco music and mariachi music and their difference in a three page paper with sources appropriately cited. 2. Compare and contrast two jazz guitar styles such as big big band and funk.

        Required Materials

        • Berklee Practice Method GUITAR Get Your Band Together
          • Author: Larry Baione and the Berklee Faculty
          • Publisher: Berklee Press
          • Publication Date: 2016
          • Text Edition: 1st
          • Classic Textbook?: No
          • OER Link:
          • OER:
        • Guitar Method Complete Edition book 2
          • Author: Will Schmid and Greg Koch
          • Publisher: Hal Leonard
          • Publication Date: 2010
          • Text Edition:
          • Classic Textbook?: No
          • OER Link:
          • OER:
        • Scale and Chord Relationships
          • Author: Michael Mueller and Jeff Schroedl
          • Publisher: Hal Leonard
          • Publication Date: 2010
          • Text Edition:
          • Classic Textbook?: No
          • OER Link:
          • OER:

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