Frets & Theory (Monthly Ongoing Class)

Understanding music theory doesn't have to be intimidating. Frets & Theory is a skills-based, ongoing class for upper beginner to intermediate guitarists who want to understand how music works and learn how to apply that knowledge directly to the fretboard.

Unlike our genre-specific classes, Frets & Theory is not focused on learning songs. Instead, each month we take a specific theory or musicianship topic and dive deep into the concepts, terminology, applications, and skills behind it. Musical examples and short excerpts may be used to demonstrate an idea, but the goal is to learn the underlying concept—not memorize a song.

Whether you want to improve your improvisation, write better songs, understand harmony, learn music faster, communicate with other musicians, or simply feel more confident navigating the fretboard, this class gives you practical tools you can use immediately.

What to Expect

Each month focuses on a different theory or musicianship topic, allowing you to continually expand your understanding of the language of music.

Topics may include:

• Key signatures

• Harmonizing the major and minor scales

• Roman numeral analysis

• Secondary dominants

• Borrowed chords and modal mixture

• The Circle of Fifths

• Chord extensions and colorful harmony

• Modes and modal harmony

• Intervals

• Ear training

• Chord construction

• Scale construction

• Functional harmony

• Fretboard application

• And more

Rather than treating theory as a collection of abstract rules, we'll focus on understanding how concepts relate to one another and how to actually use them.

Theory You Can Apply to the Fretboard

Music theory becomes much more useful when you can connect what you're learning to your instrument.

Throughout the class, we'll work on translating theoretical concepts onto the guitar so you can understand not only what something is, but also where it exists on the fretboard and how you can use it.

Depending on the topic, you may work on:

• Identifying notes and intervals on the fretboard

• Building scales and chords

• Understanding how chords are constructed

• Analyzing chord progressions using Roman numerals

• Recognizing harmonic relationships

• Applying scales and modes to musical situations

• Hearing and identifying intervals and chord qualities

• Recognizing common harmonic patterns by ear

• Connecting theory concepts across different areas of the fretboard

• Using theoretical knowledge to make more intentional musical choices

The goal is to move from "I know the rule" to "I understand why it works and I know how to use it."

A New Deep Dive Every Month

Frets & Theory is designed as a monthly, ongoing class, with a new topic or area of study introduced throughout the year.

Some topics may build naturally on concepts you've encountered previously, while others will introduce entirely new areas of musicianship. Because we're constantly cycling through different areas of theory and ear training, continuing with the class gives you opportunities to revisit concepts at a deeper level and make connections between them.

You don't need to memorize everything before moving on. The goal is to gradually develop a working understanding of music theory that becomes more intuitive over time.

Is This Class Right for You?

Frets & Theory is designed for students who already have some foundational knowledge of music theory.

You should be comfortable with the musical alphabet and have at least a basic understanding of how the major scale is constructed. You don't need to be an expert, but this class assumes that you have some familiarity with the fundamental building blocks of music.

If you're starting completely from scratch and don't yet understand the basics of music theory, this isn't the best starting point.

Instead, we offer a 6-week Beginner Music Theory for Guitarists workshop multiple times throughout the year. This workshop is designed to establish the essential concepts you'll need before moving into Frets & Theory.

We'll post upcoming Beginner Music Theory workshops on our website as they're scheduled.

If you're unsure whether you have enough theory background for Frets & Theory, reach out to us for a free assessment. We'd be happy to help you determine the best place to start.

A Flexible Membership-Based Program

Frets & Theory 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.

Theory becomes even more powerful when you apply it to the music you're learning. Want to combine Frets & Theory with Blues, Americana, Indie Alt Rock, Rockin' n Rollin', Intro to Heavy Music, or Heavy Metal Dojo? You can mix and match classes throughout the month to reinforce theoretical concepts across different musical styles.

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 developing a deeper understanding of the music you're playing.

What Happens After I Purchase?

Frets & Theory is offered Thursdays at 6:30 PM and Saturdays at 3:00 PM. Your monthly membership covers 4 classes in this class, and you can choose the dates and times that work best for you, whether that's the Thursday or Saturday group.

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 Frets & Theory is the right fit for your current knowledge 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.