Guitar Levels

Level Selector - Guitar

How much do you know about this instrument?

LEVEL I - For true beginners! No experience needed
LEVEL II AND BEYOND - Checklists below are suggestions, not hard and fast requirements. If you can do most of the objectives in one level, then lean towards leveling up! Reach out if you have any questions!

WHAT YOU LEARN IN LEVEL I:

No Prerequisites!
String Names
Major Chords: C, A, G, E, D
Minor Chords: Am, Em, Dm
Simple Strumming Patterns
Basic Instrument Terms + Tuning
Basic Chord Chart Understanding

WHAT YOU LEARN IN LEVEL II:

Additional Major Chords: F, Barre
Dom7 Chords: C7, A7, G7, E7, D7, B7
Barre Chord: E, Em + A, Am Shapes
Additional Strumming Patterns
Basic Understanding of Major/Minor/Pentatonic Scales
Basic Fingerstyle + Picking Patterns

WHAT ADVANCING STUDENTS LEARN:

Tailored to each specific class
Intervals, Triads, 7th Chords
Additional Scale Understandings
Improvisation Techniques
Guitar Effects and Tone Shaping for Electric and Acoustic
Playing in Various Styles

For even more options, please explore our Ensembles + Specialized Classes or Individualized Lessons.

FAQs

How do our classes work? What's the vibe?

LEVELS:

All skill levels are welcome! All ages are welcome! Our absolute beginners can start in a Level I class and feel welcome to repeat as needed. We’ll play new songs as we build basic skills. Level II classes are for beginners with some practice, or experienced musicians learning a new instrument. Advancing classes allow students to explore even further techniques on their instruments. Use our FIND-A-CLASS TOOL to get started!

THE VIBE:

We recognize the importance of simply having fun in order to experience the joy of music. As an organization, Rocktown House of Music prioritizes the mental, physical, and emotional health of all students. We want you to practice! But we want you to come to class with a clean conscience even if you didn’t at all.

All students will be given the opportunity to perform at the end of each semester. No student should feel any pressure to participate, but all students are welcome!

What are ensembles and special classes?

Do I need to bring my own instrument? Are rentals available?

Yes, of course you can bring your own instrument. You can also rent many instruments from us. Instrument rentals are $25/semester on a first-come, first-served basis.

Please contact director@rocktownhouseofmusic.com for rental or donation information.

The following local resources can help you rent or buy instruments also:

Tiller Strings - A full service violin shop offering violin, viola, cello, bass, and bow sales, rentals, and repairs in downtown Harrisonburg, VA.

Hometown Music - A local music store offering all kinds of instrument sales, including electric/acoustic guitars, basses, drums, ukulele, mandolin, banjo, and more. Also offering repair and maintenance.

The Tuning Fork - A local music store specializing in personalized repair, offering a wide variety of well-maintained, repaired and refurbished instruments.

Wonder Skate Shop - A local skateboard, used records, and used musical equipment store that has an excellent rotating selection of instruments.

Hungry for Music - A non-profit friend of RHOM who has instruments for students in need!

Do you offer any scholarships?

What are opportunities for community connection?

What are the Terms, Policies, and Student Handbook?

Communication
Phone: 540-214-2981

Email: director@rocktownhouseofmusic.com

Physical Address: 1141 Mt. Clinton Pike, Harrisonburg, VA 22802

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 570, Harrisonburg, VA 22801