Hey ,

 

I just got caught out in the rain and my jumper is nearly soaked through.

 

Huge raindrops are falling from the sky on this wet Friday morning here at Phoenix Studios.

 

But this downpour has cleansed the world outside and there's now a vibrant sense of growth all around. And growth is what I want to share with you today.

 

After we've been playing guitar a while we might start to wonder if we're a beginner or intermediate player.

 

From 14 years of teaching (and around 6500 hours taught so far) I've found 5 questions that can help determine if you're a beginner or intermediate player:

 

1: Can you change smoothly between open chords?

Smoothly means you can change from one chord to the next without stopping your strumming hand. Your open chords should sound clear. After all, you've probably played each one well over a 1000 times by now.

 

2: Can you play to a metronome?

The most essential skill any musician can posses is the ability to "keep time" or play along with others (or in this case a metronome) If you can play securely to a metronome then you have a solid understanding of rhythm subdivision and your inner tempo.

 

I'm not asking you to blast through Stairway To Heaven, just a couple of simple tunes. If you can finish a song then you have the skill and confidence to play for longer periods without stopping.

 

Music theory isn't essential for any guitarist, but learning your notes off by heart on these two strings opens the door to so many useful techniques. Like scales, barre chords, and understanding the key of songs.

 

If you've started your barre chord journey then you're on the path to becoming an intermediate player. Barre chords require a "next level" of determination. They often sort the "wannabes" from the "havetobes". You don't have to be smooth with your barre chord changes or fast, but you should know the shapes under your fingers. 

 

Did you answer "yes" to each question?

 

If so try these intermediate songs. (and be smug from a moment!!!)

 

If you've answered no to some of the questions then click the blue question link for helpful tips and practise advice.

 

Use my Beginner Acoustic course at LGIL as a structured roadmap for your beginner stages.

 

Whether you're beginner or intermediate all I care about is helping you enjoy every practice.