Practice Routine for Level 6

Here I still recommend a practice time of 40 minutes, especially considering the theory content and the number of songs you should be practicing by now. Remember, if this is too much, break it up into 2 x 20 minute sessions. You could also alternate between working on songs and memorising the theory, scales or chord changes covered over the last 2 levels.

The most benefit will be gained if you can pick up your guitar nearly every day! Don't worry if you have a day off, but if you're spending more days not playing than you are playing - be aware you will not make the progress you could be making!

Chord Practice (Strum, Pick, Strum)

• At this level it's all about the chords G, C and D, but the minor chords will start to get used a lot now too!

Rhythm Practice

• 8th strumming with a tie (as in Level 6 Lesson 3)

• 8ths all down strumming with an accent (as in Level 5 Lesson 3)

G Major Pentatonic Scale

• This should be played 4 times through, ideally to a metronome at 80bpm. Songs that use this scale include 'Wish You Were Here' by Pink Floyd, and 'Redemption Song' by Bob Marley

Chord Sequences & Songs

• Practice songs that use the two strumming patterns listed in the rhythm practice section - it is the be all and end all of this level! I'd like you to also be aware of what 'key' you think the songs you know are in. I usually mention this in lesson videos, and the concept of 'Keys' is explained in Level 5 Lesson 4, so revisit this if you need to.

Finally, make sure you can still play at least 2 guitar riffs by now! 'Can't Explain', 'Free Fallin' ' and 'Highway to Hell' or similar songs should still be in your repertoire!

Level 6 Goals

• Be able to play the chords from memory - E, A, D, Em, Am, Dm, G, C, Oasis style chords and sus chords

• Have a basic understanding of what a key is and name all the chords in the Key of G

• By now you should know nearly 10 songs; some old, some new, some easy and some hard. Of these songs:

• Be able to play at least 5 songs all the way through along with the record

• These songs should have structure to them/are in the songbook style, i.e. they have a verse, bridge, chorus and middle 8

• Be able to play at least 2 recognisable guitar riffs - you should be able to play these from memory and along to the record