Specialty & Technique Guitar Classes

Advancing Guitar: Classic Riffs for Guitarists

Approach music theory from a guitarist’s perspective. Examine intervals, chord and scale construction, inversions, and progressions in the context of traditional and pop genres. It is highly recommended that all students of the guitar make it a point to enroll at some point in their musical journey. Leave this class with enough material to keep you busy for years. Whether you want to write your own songs, become a hot lead guitarist or just increase your musical vocabulary and ability to jam and make music with others - this is the class for you!

Approach music theory from a guitarist’s perspective. Examine intervals, chord and scale construction, inversions, and progressions in the context of traditional and pop genres. It is highly recommended that all students of the guitar make it a point to enroll at some point in their musical journey. Leave this class with enough material to keep you busy for years. Whether you want to write your own songs, become a hot lead guitarist or just increase your musical vocabulary and ability to jam and make music with others - this is the class for you!

Approach music theory from a guitarist’s perspective. Examine intervals, chord and scale construction, inversions, and progressions in the context of traditional and pop genres. It is highly recommended that all students of the guitar make it a point to enroll at some point in their musical journey. Leave this class with enough material to keep you busy for years. Whether you want to write your own songs, become a hot lead guitarist or just increase your musical vocabulary and ability to jam and make music with others - this is the class for you!

We play and sing Rock Pop Acoustic, with a lot of laughter thrown in. Being one of 15+ guitars and a rhythm section will help you Relinquish Performance Anxiety. You may love it so much, you'll be Reluctant to Plan Activities that would keep you away. If you're Ready to Play Along, join us on Thursday nights. You'll have a great time while improving your technique and building your repertoire. "mysteriously named ... totally charming...a serious musicianship class masquerading as a social club.” - No Depression Magazine

Come and examine the players who helped create the style of Bluegrass Guitar known as 'Flatpicking". In eight weeks we will examine eight heroes who still influence to this day including Doc Watson, George Shuffler, Dan Crary, Norman Blake and others. Let's see what these great players still have to teach us.

It was folk-blues legend, Big Bill Broonzy who helped get urban electric blues heard around the world. Learn leads, chords, comping techniques, double-stops, intros, turn-a-rounds and endings used by many of the historically important players of the Chicago blues style. (Muddy Waters, Magic Sam, Jimmy Reed, Jimmy Rogers, J.B. Lenoir and many others).

Learn regional fingerpicking styles from East Coast Piedmont, the Mississippi Delta, and Texas. You’ll get a taste of Blind Boy Fuller, Tommy Johnson, Mississippi John Hurt, and others. Straight blues, ragtime, and “Dead Thumb” skills will be covered. This class will prepare you for the second level in this series offered next session – Blues Fingerstyle 2, which focuses on slide guitar.

Improvisation requires inspiration, technique, and a little theory. We’re going to break things down to the basic elements that will be easy to grasp. Understand the relationship between chords and scales and develop tasteful lead phrasing. Learn skills in this class that will allow you to shine in any group setting.

Ever dreamed of playing classical guitar but seemed daunted by the word "classical". Fear not, this class will introduce you to the basics of classical guitar through simple exercises and short pieces. Nylon string guitars and ability to read music ARE NOT REQUIRED. All songs will be presented in tab. This class is a hybrid offering - students may attend either in person or by Zoom.

This class will be offered in a hybrid format. Students can choose to participate online or in person Use your fingers to bring out melody and harmony in your approach to playing guitar. This class will broaden your understanding and application of melody and chord theory as well as help you develop a rich repertoire in this style. Learn to bring your ring finger into the mix. Styles and alternate tunings will be examined including, blues, traditional folk, Celtic, singer-songwriters, and classical music.

Electric Guitar Styles Overdrive is an ongoing class for those intermediate guitarists who have the desire to play electric. Our focus will be on advancing technique, rhythm, speed, and tonal control of the instrument. Songs will be presented and taught with consideration to enhancing and harnessing the techniques needed to make each song sound as much like the original as possible.

We will use the genre of jazz to explore general fretboard theory. This class is for any guitarist that is interested in understanding their instrument and fundamental music theory in a deeper manner. No matter what genre of music you play this class will help you become a stronger musician, not just a guitarist. Class topics will include: chord theory, scale/mode application, basic rhythmic concepts, and chord progression. THIS CLASS IS A PREREQUISITE to Jazz Guitar 1. Contact Tony Do Rosario with any questions at tdorosario@oldtownschool.org

This class is a continuation of Introduction to Jazz Guitar. At this level, we will work on a bebop blues, bebop rhythm changes, and select standards from the American song book. We will use bebop melodies to develop our rhythmic vocabulary. Come explore the basic frameworks of improvisation and accompaniment over classic jazz progressions. REGISTRATION IS LIMITED TO THOSE WHO HAVE COMPLETED INTRO to JAZZ GUITAR. Contact Tony Do Rosario with any questions at tdorosario@oldtownschool.org

A class designed to bring your jazz guitar skills to a higher level. We welcome those who have taken Jazz Guitar 1 and are ready to increase their musical vocabulary in terms of harmony and melody. We’ll concentrate on great American Standards as well as variations of Blues. REGISTRATION IS LIMITED TO THOSE WHO HAVE COMPLETED INTRO, JAZZ GUITAR 1. Contact Tony Do Rosario at tdorosario@oldtownschool.org It’s a lifelong journey and we invite you to repeat level as much as necessary before moving on to Jazz Guitar 2.

Jazz is an American folk music. Play it yourself on the guitar. In this repertoire driven class, hone your skills by learning both traditional standards and modern compositions. We are learning a musical language that is spoken throughout the world. Students are invited to repeat this class as much as they desire. REGISTRATION IS LIMITED TO THOSE WHO HAVE COMPLETED INTRO, JAZZ GUITAR 1 & JAZZ GUITAR 1.5. Contact Tony Do Rosario at tdorosario@oldtownschool.org

Jazz is an American folk music. Play it yourself on the guitar. In this repertoire driven class, hone your skills by learning both traditional standards and modern compositions. We are learning a musical language that is spoken throughout the world. Students are invited to repeat this class as much as they desire. REGISTRATION IS LIMITED TO THOSE WHO HAVE COMPLETED INTRO, JAZZ GUITAR 1 & JAZZ GUITAR 1.5. Contact Tony Do Rosario at tdorosario@oldtownschool.org

An ongoing class in the advanced study of Jazz for the guitarist. We will build repertoire, further develop improvisation skills and advance rhythmic variations. Participants should have gone thru Jazz Guitar 2 several times or should audition with the instructor tdorosario@oldtownschool.org

This intermediate level class introduces the music of traditional blues’ great artists. From the ragtime/blues style of Rev. Gary Davis and Blind Blake to the Delta/Chicago grind of Robert Johnson and Muddy Waters. Learn such techniques as: fingerpicking (ragtime, shuffle rhythm), open tuning, bottleneck slide, basic improvising, and more. This is some of the most satisfying music steel string pickers can get their fingers on!

This is a class that will help you systematize the chords on the neck and get you comfortable with them—major, minor, different shapes, different positions, different extensions. Tricks to help you with barre chords, ways to understand and remember keys and scales and understand how to use the shapes you know. You’ll learn what you need to know about diminished chords. You’ll learn songs faster and play them better. You’ll relax and have more fun with the guitar.

It’s the lament of the guitarist after the first couple of sessions: ARGH! Barre Chords! Have no fear, there is hope! Learn how to play barre chords across the neck, how to develop the muscles you’ll need, and how to move fluidly from open chords and other chord forms. You’ll also learn the partial barre forms so you can play your favorite songs while you're developing your technique. Phew! Barre chords without frustration!

In this beginning-intermediate class open to acoustic/electric guitars and bass, we will covers songs by Ariana Grande, Doja Cat, Drake, and Tyler, the Creator. By the end of 8 weeks students will have an understanding of modern/contemporary RnB, rap, and Hip-Hop styles and accompaniment Instructor will provide all materials.

Learn how to accompany Guitar 1 & 2 level repertoire with fingerpicking technique! We'll be playing easier chords so we can concentrate on the new skill. More advanced players who are looking for a structured approach to learning how to fingerpick are welcome. We'll start with your (picking hand) thumb which is keeping the beat; playing the most common strings based on the lowest note of the chord. Next, we'll add in the index and middle fingers; again plucking the most strings depending on the chord we are playing. Students leave Fingerpicking 1 - Song Accompaniment with the following skills: Keep the beat of the song with your picking thumb Add at least 2 fingers in order to play patterns like those heard in classic fingerpicking tunes (for example Landslide, Dust In the Wind) Learn at least 5 patterns that can be used to accompany songs in 4/4 time Learn at least 2 patterns that can be used to accompany songs in 3/4 time Develop good practice techniques Incorporate "simple" bass runs to connect chords

Aprende a tocar en la guitarra tus canciones favoritas del repertorio popular latinoamericano en un ambiete grupal divertido. Aprenderás sobre los elementos básicos del ritmo y armonía que te permitirán hacer música en poco tiempo. Esta clase va dirigida para principiantes. En Guitarra 1 los alumnos aprenderan: Acordes mayores y menores (C, D, E, F, G, A, B, Cm, Dm, Em, Fm, Gm, Am, Bm). Canciones en español. Melodías simples. Rasgidos para acompañar canciones en 4/4 y 3/4. Progresión de acordes.

Aprende a tocar en la guitarra tus canciones favoritas del repertorio popular latinoamericano en un ambiete grupal divertido. Aprenderás sobre los elementos básicos del ritmo y armonía que te permitirán hacer música en poco tiempo. Esta clase va dirigida para principiantes. En Guitarra 1 los alumnos aprenderan: Acordes mayores y menores (C, D, E, F, G, A, B, Cm, Dm, Em, Fm, Gm, Am, Bm). Canciones en español. Melodías simples. Rasgidos para acompañar canciones en 4/4 y 3/4. Progresión de acordes.

From Louis Armstrong to Miles Davis and beyond, students will learn to play classic jazz standards in a creative environment. Key goals include learning the fundamentals of improvisation, ear training, group dynamics, and swing based accompaniment that will take your playing to the next level.

Learn power chords, riff and rhythm patterns specific to classic rock n' roll, and modern rock styles! Explore repertoire from iconic acts including Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin and Cream. Students can plan to leave with the following skills: - Open E, A and D "power chords" and rhythm patterns - All "power chords" beginning on the 6th and 5th strings - Basic knowledge of the pentatonic scale - Ability to play basic riffs notated as TAB

BB developed a unique style of playing blues guitar. His use of vibrato, signature bending, favorite positions on the fretboard, touch, relaxed feel and, finally, his use of the major pentatonic scale, the "pretty notes" as he called them, all revolutionized and popularized blues guitar. All the above will be explored in this class.

Are you comfortable strumming chords, but feel less than confident with melodies, bass runs, and riffs on the guitar? This workshop will enhance your tone production, speed, accuracy, and overall technique with playing individual notes. You’ll also learn how to go back and forth between chords and melodies, bass runs, and riffs seamlessly. Open to any level of guitarist or ukulele player, from beginning to advanced.

“Neil Young & Jeff Tweedy are top-shelf songwriters with expansive catalogs. In this ONLINE class we alternate freely between the two artists. We’ll explore popular songs as well as deeper album cuts. The class features close-up breakdowns of accompaniment techniques, tips on alternate chord voicings, some lead/melody playing and much more. This is an intermediate class taught on acoustic guitar, but open to electric players as well."

Neil Young’s career includes a treasure trove of amazing, yet accessible guitar techniques, from syncopated folky strumming, open tunings, and howling leads. We’ll look at various classic songs including “Cinnamon Girl,” “Harvest Moon, “Old Man,” “Cowgirl In The Sand” among others.

Work on your strumming/comping techniques in a variety of styles including bluegrass, jazz, reggae, rhythm & blues, and rock. Incorporate syncopation and develop the ability to play comfortably in odd time signatures. This is a great class to get your groove on and improve your ability to play with others!

Robert Johnson was one of the few early blues players who played in all the keys. That's E, A, D, G, C, as well as open D tuning and open G tuning for both straight finger picked blues and slide. In this class we will explore Robert Johnson's songs and arrangements in all of the keys. Tab will be provided for each piece we work on.

This Guitar 2 level class is for those of you who’d love to add some rock and blues songs to your repertoire in a fun and supportive setting. We’ll stick to easier 3-4 chord songs by male and female artists. We’ll learn classic, and contemporary rock and blues riffs, introduce I-IV-V progressions, and learn how chords and song structure tell stories. This class will also emphasize building your chord vocabulary and counting in order to keep a steady groove. We’ll also learn a classic blues turnaround lick and how to bend and slide notes, perform hammer-ons, and pull-offs — and this guitar jargon will be demystified too! Prerequisites: Guitar 1-2, or commensurate experience, comfort with playing chords; A, C, D, E, G, Am, and Em.

In this guitar 2 level class we'll dig into classic hits from Van Morrison’s catalog. Students should expect to learn 2-3 songs per class along with the various techniques and stylistic approaches that define his songs and guitar styles. This class is primality acoustic guitar based, but electric guitars are also welcome (bring your own amp)

Nothing fancy here, we’ll just learn some very simple fills that embellish a song you’re singing — how to go from one sung phrase to the next with tasteful and easily executed walks, fingerpicks or a fancy strum or two. Ballads, swing tunes, country hits—we can do them all!”

How do you do a simple strum? How do you make it a little fancier? How do you know which kind of strum goes with which song? We will answer all these questions as we learn basic rhythm patterns good for the beginner and good for those who already play a little guitar.

This class delves into Taylor Swift's mighty song catalogue. We'll be featuring some of her hits, old and new. Come and learn to play "Lover," "Delicate," "All Too Well," "Cowboy Like Me," "Blank Space," "Shake It Off," and many others. Song requests are also welcome. This class is perfect for beginning level, 1 rep + above guitar players with a basic knowledge of open chords and simple strum patterns.

This class delves into Taylor Swift's mighty song catalogue. We'll be featuring some of her hits, old and new. Come and learn to play "Lover," "Delicate," "All Too Well," "Cowboy Like Me," "Blank Space," "Shake It Off," and many others. Song requests are also welcome. This class is perfect for beginning level, 1 rep + above guitar players with a basic knowledge of open chords and simple strum patterns.

What's the point? Why is this scale so much more useful than other major scales? Dan has the attitude and the secrets to help you understand how to decipher a major scale into pentatonic scales. Songs by the Allman brothers and Pink Floyd and other bands will be used as examples to further your understanding of the scale and absorb all the amazing benefits to knowing the different scale patterns. All five major pentatonic positions will be covered in this class. You'll walk out of this workshop with a better understanding of the guitar neck. Examples of famous riffs, using the major pentatonic, will be presented in the workshop.

This is THE pinnacle of all scales in most songs in blues, hard rock, and heavy metal. What key do you say an AC/DC song is in? Or in most songs that use power chords? The pentatonic scale has been used in some of the most famous guitar riffs from some of the most famous bands. Dan will cover all five patterns of the minor pentatonic scale and disect famous riffs to help inspire your respect for memorizing this scale.