Rockin' n Rollin' (Monthly Ongoing Class)

From classic rock and blues rock to psychedelic, folk rock, and guitar-driven alternative music, Rockin' n Rollin' is an ongoing class for upper beginner to intermediate guitarists who want to build the techniques, musical vocabulary, and understanding behind the songs that shaped rock guitar.

This isn't a class where we simply learn a song and move on. Each month, we'll study a new song, artist, or musical concept as a starting point for a deeper exploration of how rock music is constructed. We'll break down the guitar parts, bass lines, rhythms, melodies, harmony, and arrangement to understand what makes these songs work.

Rather than simply memorizing parts, you'll develop the ability to understand how rhythm guitar, lead guitar, bass, and melody work together to create the sound of a great rock band.

What to Expect

The featured music and learning objectives rotate each month, allowing you to continually develop your playing while exploring different eras, subgenres, and approaches to rock guitar.

Depending on the material we're studying, class may explore:

• Moveable power chords and barre chords

• Simpler alternate picking patterns

• Rhythm guitar and chord-based accompaniment

• Eighth-note, syncopated, and driving rock rhythms

• Pentatonic scales and one-octave scale patterns

• Introductory lead guitar and soloing concepts

• Building memorable riffs and melodic guitar parts

• Combining rhythm and lead guitar

• Understanding how bass and guitar interact

• Layering rhythm guitar, lead guitar, and bass

• Playing with dynamics, articulation, and feel

• Understanding common rock chord progressions and song structures

• Developing your ear and recognizing musical patterns

• Analyzing the theory and technique behind iconic guitar parts

A major focus of Rockin' n Rollin' is learning how to play within a band or full musical arrangement. You'll explore how guitarists create space for bass, vocals, drums, and other instruments while still creating parts that are memorable and musically effective.

Learn From the Players Who Defined Rock Guitar

Throughout the course, we'll study music from some of the most influential artists and bands in rock history, including:

The Yardbirds, The Velvet Underground, The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, David Bowie, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Deep Purple, The Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, Grateful Dead, The Who, Cream, The Police, Heart, Jefferson Airplane, The Doors, Fleetwood Mac, The Black Crowes, and many more.

This gives us the opportunity to explore a huge range of rock guitar approaches—from the blues-based vocabulary of Hendrix, Cream, and Led Zeppelin, to the psychedelic experimentation of The Doors and Jefferson Airplane, the songwriting and arrangement innovations of The Beatles and David Bowie, and the groove-driven guitar work of The Rolling Stones, CCR, and The Black Crowes.

The goal isn't simply to recreate these players' parts. We'll study what makes their approaches unique and how you can apply those ideas to your own playing.

Learn the Language, Not Just the Songs

Great rock guitar often comes from relatively simple musical ideas used in creative ways.

In class, we'll break down questions like:

• Why does this riff work so well?

• How does the guitar interact with the bass line?

• What makes a rhythm part feel powerful?

• How do guitarists create memorable hooks?

• When should you play rhythm versus lead?

• How do dynamics change the impact of a part?

• What scales or chord shapes are being used?

• How does a guitarist turn a simple progression into an iconic song?

By understanding the theory, technique, and arrangement behind the music, you'll develop skills that transfer to other songs instead of simply memorizing individual parts.

A New Musical Deep Dive Every Month

Rockin' n Rollin' is designed as a monthly, ongoing class, with new songs, artists, techniques, and learning objectives introduced throughout the year.

Each month's material is layered to meet students where they are while providing opportunities to grow. As you continue through the class, you'll encounter increasingly challenging applications of rhythm, melody, harmony, and lead guitar.

This flexible format means you can join at any point, continue month after month, and build on what you've already learned.

Is This Class Right for You?

Rockin' n Rollin' is intended for upper beginner to intermediate guitarists who have a foundation in guitar and want to develop their playing through classic and influential rock music.

This is not intended for complete beginners. Students who are brand new to guitar should first complete our Guitar Fundamentals program, also available through Rose City Guitar Company, to make sure they have the foundational skills needed to succeed in a genre-specific class.

If you're unsure whether you're ready for Rockin' n Rollin', reach out to us for a free assessment. We'd be happy to help determine which class is the best fit for your current experience and musical goals.

A Flexible Membership-Based Program

Rockin' n Rollin' is one of many specialty classes included in our monthly membership program. As a member of Rose City Guitar Company, you're not limited to one class—you can build a schedule around your goals and interests.

Want to combine Rockin' n Rollin' with Indie Alt Rock, Blues, Americana, Intro to Heavy Music, or another specialty class? You can mix and match classes throughout the month to create a personalized learning path.

Memberships include 4, 6, 8, or up to 12 classes per month, with pricing based on how many classes you'd like to attend. This gives you the flexibility to explore multiple styles while learning alongside a supportive community of fellow musicians.

What Happens After I Purchase?

Rockin' n Rollin' is offered Tuesdays at 4:00 PM. Your monthly membership covers 4 classes in this class.

Once you sign up through our website, we'll send you a welcome packet along with instructions for accessing our online scheduling system.

Because classes are limited to just 5 students, you'll reserve your seat each week through our online calendar. If you ever need to miss a class, you can easily reschedule into another eligible class—such as Guided Practice—using the same booking system.

If you have questions about whether Rockin' n Rollin' is the right fit for your experience level or musical goals, reach out anytime at 971-300-4202 or rosecityguitarco@gmail.com. We'd be happy to help you find the class that's right for you.