Music Theory for Guitarists: A 6-Week Beginner Series

This hands-on course is designed for guitarists and bassists who can play basic notes, chords, or riffs but want to understand the why behind the music they are learning and love. Over six weeks, you'll demystify music theory through a guitarist’s lens—focusing on fretboard patterns, visual shapes, and real-world application. Learn how notes, intervals, scales, and chords connect, how to write your own progressions, and how to hear what’s happening in the songs you love.

No stuffy jargon, no overwhelming theory—just practical tools you can use right away.
Perfect for songwriters, self-taught players, and curious beginners. All diagrams and materials included.

Absolutely no music theory knowledge required. We will start from the ground up and leave you feeling confident by the end of the six weeks.

Week 1: What Is Music Theory, and Why Should I Care?

• Learn the 12 notes of music (the musical alphabet)

• Explore what makes a key a key

• Locate natural notes on the fretboard

• How is this useful in riffs/chord progressions?

Week 2: Intervals – The Building Blocks of Everything

• Understand half steps, whole steps, and how intervals create sound

• Learn why power chords work so well

• Visualize interval shapes across strings

• Play-along: Major vs minor riff examples

Week 3: Scales and Where Chords Come From

• Build major and minor scales

• Understand the role of each scale degree (1 = home, 5 = power, 7 = tension)

• Learn C major and A minor scale shapes on the fretboard

• Play-along: Build a melody using just 5 notes

Week 4: Chords 101 – How They're Built and What They Mean

• Understand chord structure: root, 3rd, 5th

• Break down major, minor, and power chords

• Find the 3rd and 5th inside chords you already know

• Play-along: Write your own three-chord progression

Week 5: Chord Progressions and the Number System

• Learn the I–IV–V and vi–IV–I–V progressions

• Use the number system to write songs in any key

• Apply the circle of fifths in a practical, stress-free way

• Play-along: Move a chord progression across three keys

Week 6: Fretboard Logic and Creative Songwriting

• Recognize patterns that connect keys, chords, and scales

• Use theory to choose chords for mood and feel

• Write a short song or instrumental using what you’ve learned

• Share, collaborate, and celebrate progress

By the End of the Course, You’ll Be Able To:

• Understand how notes, intervals, chords, and scales work together

• Figure out a song’s key and play it in multiple positions

• Build and modify your own chord progressions

• Communicate musical ideas clearly with other musicians

• Navigate the fretboard with more intention and confidence

• Overall, be a better musician.