New Student Checklist

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Keep Going, You’ve Got This 💪

If you need help or have questions, send me a message by clicking the support bubble in the bottom corner of this page.

Introduction

As you progress through the different steps on the checklist you will be introduced to the different parts of the website and the different content on Beginner Guitar Academy, giving you the best start here.

Don’t forget to tick the steps off once you complete them, as this opens the next step and allows you to keep track of your progress.

Step 1 – Community

First things first, head over to the community and introduce yourself. Just a short post about your guitar playing history, favorite music, any particular goals you might have, and anything else you would like to share. This will give me and other members a chance to get to know you a little better, help me better understand why you are here and how I can help you.

The community section of the site is the place to go to get news, updates and support as well as interacting with myself and other members of Beginner Guitar Academy. Click the button below to visit the community forums and then click ‘start new topic’.

Visit The Community

Step 2 – Lessons

OK, now we know you a little bit better the next step is to make sure your guitar is in tune. You do have a guitar, don’t you? If not don’t worry, just check out this blog post where I walk you through buying your perfect beginner guitar.

Now you have a guitar it is time to learn how to tune it using one of our lessons. In the lessons section of the site, you will find level one of our course broken down into lessons so you can quickly and easily find what you are looking for. Click the button below to learn how to tune your guitar.

Tune Your Guitar

Step 3 – Classes

Now you are in tune it is time to get to work and take your first class.

Attending one of our classes is just like attending a guitar class at a local school. I take you step-by-step through warm-ups, technique drills and songs, basically, everything you need to become a great guitarist 😎

In the classes section, you will also find our video evaluation system where you get personalised feedback and earn certification. Start by watching the overview video on the classes page, then click the continue button underneath it. Click the button below to get started.

Take Your First Class

Step 4 – Riffs

Congratulations  on completing your first class 🥳

Now we are going to have a bit of fun learning your first guitar riff and I have got an absolute classic for you, Under Pressure by Queen.

In the Riffs section of the site, you will find a selection of riffs specially selected to complement the level you are on, just click the Level One button at the top of the riffs page to show all the level one riffs. Click the button below to get started.

Take Me To The Riff

Step 5 – Next Class

OK, time for another class…if you feel you have not quite mastered the content from class one yet then that is fine, just stick with that class for now and come back when you feel ready to move on. If you do feel ready to move on click the button below.

On To Class Two

Step 6 – Songs

Through the classes, you have already started work on your first song, ‘Horse With No Name’ and the good news is we have LOADS more songs for you. In the songs section of the website, you will find a section of songs suitable for beginners.

For this step, I would like you to go to the song section of the site and choose a new song to learn. You may find the song you choose has things we have not covered yet in it, but don’t worry just take your time and if you have any questions just click the orange ‘Got questions about this song? Click here to discuss it in the forum’ link and I will help you. Click the button below to choose a song.

Choose A Song

Step 7 – Quick Tips

The best way to work through Beginner Guitar Academy is to use the classes as your weekly guitar lesson and all the other parts of the site as extra content to use as and when you like. You have probably noticed that the classes are made up of skills (picking, chords, notes, etc) and songs. Which begs the question ‘which one should I practice most?’ luckily I have a quick tip that should answer that for you. 😉

In the quick tips section of the site, you will find short tutorials on a range of topics that you can put to work straight away.

Click To Watch Video

Summary

Congratulations on reaching the last step!

We have covered a lot and you should now be able to:

  • Tune your guitar
  • Use a pick properly
  • Play a few different chords
  • Play a couple of songs
  • Be able to play ‘Under Pressure’ by Queen
  • Read whole, half & quarter note rhythms
  • Use a metronome

You have also explored the different parts of the website and have hopefully got a feel for the place now. The next step is to continue through the classes and continue working towards the progress check. Don’t forget to keep an eye on the dashboard for our next live song workshop and new content.