Catalog Description

Prerequisite: Completion of MUS 58A with grade of "C" or better or equivalent with permission of instructor
Hours: 36 (18 lecture, 18 activity)
Description: Further study of chord melody construction. Learning moveable chords and application to song types, including 9th, 11th, and 13th chords. Students required to supply own instruments. (CSU, UC)

Course Student Learning Outcomes

  • CSLO #1: Successfully perform a variety of left-hand guitar techniques.
  • CSLO #2: Identify and understand how to perform various chord extensions and chord substitutions.
  • CSLO #3: Perform solo and ensemble guitar repertoire at the intermediate level.

Effective Term

Fall 2025

Course Type

Credit - Degree-applicable

Contact Hours

36

Outside of Class Hours

36

Total Student Learning Hours

72

Course Objectives

Lecture Objectives:
1. Understand left hand techniques (hammer-on, pull-off, vibrato, and slide in different styles).
2. Identify various chords (Suspended 2 and 4, major 7th, the dominant 7th, minor 7th and chords in the extended scale. (The 9th, the add 9 and the major 9) in reading lead sheets.
3. Distinguish the difference between slide and vibrato.
4. Identify various strokes with the right hand including rest and palm mute.
5. Identify three forms of scales: The minor pentatonic scale, the major pentatonic scale, and the major scale.
6. Critique a guitar performance and the stylistic choices of the performer.
Activity Objectives:
1. Perform the slide appropriately in various styles.
2. Play pentatonic and major scales ascending and descending with ease.
3. Demonstrate appropriate harmonization of melodies.
4. Play standard chord progressions in all relevant major and minor keys.
5. Prepare and perform solo and ensemble repertoire at the intermediate level.
6. Demonstrate ease in ensemble playing and well as solo performance.

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. Discuss and demonstrate various left hand techniques. 2. Demonstrate and discuss various improvisational approaches to a simple jazz standard piece.
        • Objective Examinations
          • Example: 1. Recognize and construct on staff paper 9th, 11th, 13th chords in all keys. 2. Construct a series of substitute chord possibilities for the primary and secondary chords in requested key.
        • Projects
          • Example: 1. Prepare a 2-3 minute piece in a requested style. 2. Prepare a presentation for class about a historical guitarist and their contribution to the art of guitar.
        • Skill Demonstrations
          • Example: 1. Successfully perform all major, minor, chromatic scales. 2. Perform major, minor, diminished and augmented chords on a given note.

        Repeatable

        No

        Methods of Instruction

        • Activity
        • Lecture/Discussion
        • Distance Learning

        Activity:

        1. Following a lecture on chord extensions, the instructor, will demonstrate chord extensions in the context of various jazz standard compositions from the 1950's. Students will work together to identify, by ear, which chord extensions are being used.

        Lecture:

        1. Instructor will demonstrate and discuss the left hand technique of vibrato in second position. In class, each student will practice this technique and insert vibrato into the composition they are learning. Then, instructor will lead a class discussion on the relative difficulties of incorporating vibrato.

        Distance Learning

        1. In a Canvas video lecture, instructor will demonstrate and discuss the left hand technique of vibrato in second position. Each student will practice this technique and insert vibrato into the composition they are learning. Then, students and instructor will engage in a discussion form in which they post videos of their playing, and discuss their successes and challenges of incorporating vibrato into their playing.

        Typical Out of Class Assignments

        Reading Assignments

        1. Read an article about the guitar traditions of South America and present findings in class. 2. Read a biography about Chet Atkins and report on three of his contributions to the guitar.

        Writing, Problem Solving or Performance

        1. Write a three-page paper about the differences in playing styles in standard tuning vs. alternate tunings. 2. Compare and contrast the playing styles of D’jango Rinehardt and Carlos Santana.

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

        1. Compare and contrast a transcription for guitar and its original source, using the musical score and recordings, for example a classical piece for harpsichord by J.S. Bach.

        Required Materials

        • Progressive Guitar Method
          • Author: Gary Turner, Brenton White
          • Publisher: Muzician.com
          • Publication Date: 2023
          • Text Edition: 1st
          • Classic Textbook?: No
          • OER Link:
          • OER:
        • Blues Soloing for Guitar, Volume 2: Levelling Up
          • Author: James Shipway
          • Publisher: Headstock Books
          • Publication Date: 2022
          • 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.