Warm-Up and Tuning
Group tuning check
Simple warm-up exercises like strumming open chords or running through basic scales (e.g., major scale or pentatonic scale)
Rhythm Practice and Groove Setting
Use the Boss DR-880 to set a steady rhythm (start with a basic 4/4 beat)
Practice a simple strumming pattern (e.g., down-down-up-up-down)
Introduce a chord progression (e.g., G–C–D or Am–F–C–G) and loop it together as a group
Use the Boss DR-880 to set a steady rhythm (start with a basic 4/4 beat)
Practice a simple strumming pattern (e.g., down-down-up-up-down)
Introduce a chord progression (e.g., G–C–D or Am–F–C–G) and loop it together as a group
Guitar Theory Spotlight
Topic of the Day: Example: The I-IV-V Progression
Explain the I-IV-V chord structure (use the key of C: C–F–G as an example)
Demonstrate how this progression is used in countless songs
Play a well-known song that uses I-IV-V (e.g., "Knockin' on Heaven's Door")
Optionally explore transposing the progression to other keys
Topic of the Day: Example: The I-IV-V Progression
Explain the I-IV-V chord structure (use the key of C: C–F–G as an example)
Demonstrate how this progression is used in countless songs
Play a well-known song that uses I-IV-V (e.g., "Knockin' on Heaven's Door")
Optionally explore transposing the progression to other keys
Song Practice
Choose a song from the group setlist (or introduce a new one)
Break it down into sections: chords, rhythm, and any special parts (e.g., intro, bridge)
Play the song as a group, repeating sections as needed to work out tricky parts
Encourage creativity: add dynamics (e.g., softer strumming in verses, louder in choruses)
Choose a song from the group setlist (or introduce a new one)
Break it down into sections: chords, rhythm, and any special parts (e.g., intro, bridge)
Play the song as a group, repeating sections as needed to work out tricky parts
Encourage creativity: add dynamics (e.g., softer strumming in verses, louder in choruses)
Improvisation and Ear Training
Use the day’s chord progression (e.g., I-IV-V) or song as a base
Take turns improvising simple melodies over the progression (pentatonic scale is a good starting point)
Group listens and reacts, emphasizing playing by ear and staying in key
Use the day’s chord progression (e.g., I-IV-V) or song as a base
Take turns improvising simple melodies over the progression (pentatonic scale is a good starting point)
Group listens and reacts, emphasizing playing by ear and staying in key
Group Jam and Wrap-Up
Play through a familiar song or jam to a backing track with the Boss DR-880 setting the beat
Encourage each participant to incorporate what they’ve learned (rhythm, dynamics, improvisation)
Wrap up with a quick group discussion: share highlights, what worked well, and what to focus on next time
Play through a familiar song or jam to a backing track with the Boss DR-880 setting the beat
Encourage each participant to incorporate what they’ve learned (rhythm, dynamics, improvisation)
Wrap up with a quick group discussion: share highlights, what worked well, and what to focus on next time
Notes:
The structure is not rigid and can adapt to the group’s preferences or energy on any given day
The structure is not rigid and can adapt to the group’s preferences or energy on any given day
Time allocations can be adjusted based on what the group wants to focus on, whether it’s theory, song practice, improvisation, or jamming
Each week may touch on a different topic to keep things fresh and engaging. Examples include: Exploring a specific genre (e.g., folk, blues, or country)
Focusing on guitar theory concepts, such as specific scales (e.g., pentatonic, major, minor) or chord progressions (e.g., I-IV-V or ii-V-I)
Learning techniques like fingerpicking, strumming patterns, or playing dynamics
Use chord charts or visual aids as needed to make theory concepts clearer
Use chord charts or visual aids as needed to make theory concepts clearer
Encourage questions, collaboration, and feedback to shape future sessions
This approach keeps sessions dynamic and ensures participants continuously learn and grow as musicians
This approach keeps sessions dynamic and ensures participants continuously learn and grow as musicians