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Guitar Chords 101

Author: Rick Peckham
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Many beginning guitarists have learned the basics of open and moveable chord shapes, but aren't sure how or why the individual notes within the chord work so well together, or the ways by which they can expand this chord knowledge to unlock the fret board of the guitar. Guitar Chords 101 presents Berklee's approach to the construction of chords, a method that focuses less on the shape of an individual chord, and more on the notes that the chord is based around. Students will learn to construct and play triads and basic 7th chords, as well as look at inversions and different chord voicings -- the basic foundations guitarists use to write or perform in any number of different styles.

Students will gain more freedom and a greater feel for their instrument by learning how to visualize chord structures anywhere on the neck of the guitar. The course offers a rich learning platform, featuring Flash movies, interactive quizzes, instructional videos, guitar tablatures and practice mp3 tracks to get the notes under your fingers as quickly as possible, while allowing you the portability to practice wherever you get a few minutes with your guitar. Students will also benefit from personalized instruction and comments from Berklee's world-renowned guitar instructors on their weekly assignments as well as through weekly live chats. By the end of the course students will be able to add more dynamics and expression to their playing and gain an extensive chord vocabulary, which will prove invaluable in pursuing any style of music.

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Online Summer Term Starts June 25th

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Course Info

For-credit tuition: $1,400
Non-credit tuition: $1,200
Add 6 CEUs: $25.00
Credits: 3
Duration: 12 weeks
Catalog #: BMP-120
 

Course Faculty Down arrow

Rick Peckham
Rick Peckham Assistant Chair of the Berklee College of Music Guitar Department.
Bruce Bartlett
Bruce Bartlett An Associate Professor of guitar at Berklee College of Music.
Scotty Johnson
Scotty Johnson Associate professor in the Guitar department at Berklee College of Music
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Rick Peckham
Rick Peckham Assistant Chair of the Berklee College of Music Guitar Department.
Bruce Bartlett
Bruce Bartlett An Associate Professor of guitar at Berklee College of Music.
Scotty Johnson
Scotty Johnson Associate professor in the Guitar department at Berklee College of Music
Bruce Saunders
Bruce Saunders Professor at Berklee College of Music.
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Course Preview Down arrow

For all those people who have picked up a few tricks from their musical friends but are lost when it comes to working out more sophisticated songs on their guitars, Rick Peckham has the online course for you. Read more
 

Student Comments Down arrow

“I’ve learned more about chords in twelve weeks than I have in almost 6 years of being self-taught! The assignments and course content were challenging, yet very gratifying and inspiring.” - M. Amari
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