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How to Play Guitar Specialization

An expertly designed guitar course series that takes you from zero to confident player with Berklee’s world-class guidance.

access

Lifetime

level

Beginner

certificate

Certificate of completion

language

English

What will you learn in How to Play Guitar Specialization Course

  • Master basic to intermediate guitar-playing techniques.
  • Read tablature and chord symbols fluently.
  • Understand music theory as applied to guitar.

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  • Develop rhythmic accuracy and improvisation skills.
  • Build the ability to play songs confidently across genres.

Program Overview

Course 1: Guitar for Beginners

  • ⏱️ 4 weeks

  • Topics: Guitar tuning, fretting, basic chords, strumming patterns.

  • Hands-on: Play simple chord progressions and accompany basic melodies.

Course 2: Chord Voicing and Harmony

  • ⏱️ 4 weeks

  • Topics: Open chords, barre chords, harmonic function, voice leading.

  • Hands-on: Perform chord changes and create chord progressions in various keys.

Course 3: Scales and Improvisation

  • ⏱️ 4 weeks

  • Topics: Major/minor scales, pentatonics, improvisation basics.

  • Hands-on: Practice scale runs and improvise over blues or pop progressions.

Course 4: Advanced Playing Techniques

  • ⏱️ 4 weeks

  • Topics: Fingerstyle, hybrid picking, riffs, and articulation.

  • Hands-on: Learn to play complete songs and riffs using advanced techniques.

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Job Outlook

  • Ideal for aspiring musicians, music educators, and hobbyists.

  • Helps build foundational skills needed for performance, teaching, or content creation.

  • Valuable in freelance gigs, online teaching, and live performance.

  • Guitar instructors earn $25–$75/hour; professional musicians vary greatly based on gigs.

9.7Expert Score
Highly Recommendedx
A structured and inspiring journey from beginner to intermediate guitar player, with Berklee’s quality instruction ensuring musical depth and practical skill-building.
Value
9.5
Price
9.3
Skills
9.7
Information
9.7
PROS
  • Taught by Berklee faculty.
  • Structured progression through skill levels.
  • Practical, performance-based learning.
CONS
  • Requires own guitar and time commitment.
  • No personal instructor feedback.

Specification: How to Play Guitar Specialization

access

Lifetime

level

Beginner

certificate

Certificate of completion

language

English

FAQs

  • No prior guitar experience required.
  • Starts with tuning, fretting, and basic chords.
  • Gradually progresses to intermediate techniques like fingerstyle and improvisation.
  • Suitable for hobbyists, aspiring musicians, and educators.
  • Hands-on practice helps build confidence quickly.
  • Covers reading tablature and chord symbols.
  • Explains scales, chords, and harmonic functions.
  • Teaches rhythm, timing, and improvisation basics.
  • Applies theory directly to playing songs.
  • Enhances understanding of how music works on the guitar.
  • Weekly exercises for chord changes, strumming, and riffs.
  • Improvisation exercises using scales and chord progressions.
  • Encourages playing complete songs across genres.
  • Includes fingerstyle, hybrid picking, and articulation techniques.
  • Builds both technical skill and musical expression.
  • Prepares for performance, content creation, and music teaching.
  • Skills applicable to freelance gigs and online instruction.
  • Builds a portfolio for aspiring guitarists or educators.
  • Supports long-term musical growth and creativity.
  • Certificate adds credibility for professional opportunities.
  • 4 courses: Beginners, Chord Voicing & Harmony, Scales & Improvisation, Advanced Techniques.
  • Each course: ~4 weeks at moderate pace.
  • Self-paced with lifetime access.
  • Certificate awarded upon completion.
  • Total duration: ~16 weeks.
How to Play Guitar Specialization
How to Play Guitar Specialization
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