Fretboard Harmony

Students enrolled in Fretboard Harmony will be given training in the idiomatic way the guitar works in all genres — from classical to country. The primary goal of the course is to explain rudimentary harmonic and melodic patterns used by the musicians we love and to unlock the mystery surrounding the recurrence of these patterns on the fretboard. We will begin with fundamental musicianship training and expand that to the guitar. Toward the end of the coarse we will explore artistic ways to approach improvisation. 

Topics explored will include:

• The Function of the Notes in Open Position and Pattern Major Scales
• Transposition
• The Location and Function of Major and Minor Triads and their Inversions in Major Keys
• 4 note Chords
• Harmonic Analysis of Lead Sheets and Figured Bass
• Diatonic and Dominant Chord Progressions
• Pentatonic Scales
• Harmonic and Melodic Voice Leading
• Improvisation

Fretboard I class is the first part of a curriculum that will be valuable for guitarists at a beginner to advanced level with any playing style. Reading standard notation is not required because this class approaches the music from a harmonic perspective as it relates to the fretboard.

Fretboard II is offered to students who have completed Fretboard I.

These are 60 min, 16 week classes held Thursday evenings.
To register, call the Conservatory office, 403.440.6821, or register online.
For more information, contact the Conservatory, 403.440.6821, or Scott Arnold, 403.969.7257.