The Pinky Posted February 20 Share Posted February 20 Hi one and all, Wasn't sure where to post this so hopefully in the right place. This question is purely out of interest and i am not wishing to partake in any exams etc, at 61 I am bit old for going back to school but I would like a bit of appreciation as to where my less formal approach would place me in grading systems. Any form of grading for me would be pointless for me as I play because I like to and not because I am good, and I want to play what I want to play. What sort of skills and techniques would be required for each grade and how much practice would be necessary? I have been learning for about a year now with the aid of an on line group supported by occasional assistance from a local teacher which I feel is complimenting the on line course very well. I am cracking on with a few scales etc, can move around the fret board, have an understanding of chords and rhythms etc, although my technique still needs a lot of work/practice, and all this is is based around music that I want to play. I think if I looked at the grading system then I'd probably have bits and pieces from all over the grades. As i said this is out of interest only and I am aware that i am making progress at a pace I am happy with, although sometimes it does seem that sometimes progress can be particularly slow to come with some techniques etc, which I understand is normal. Thanks Alan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dad3353 Posted February 20 Share Posted February 20 6 minutes ago, The Pinky said: ...where my less formal approach would place me in grading systems... Have a look here, maybe..? Guitar levels explained ... From your description, I'd guess that you're about at Level 5, or 6, which would place you around the Grade 2 or 3 mark. Hope this helps; carry on, you're doing fine. Only another half a century to go to become Master Of All Things. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crusoe Posted February 20 Share Posted February 20 There are other bodies offering grades too. Rockschool Trinity College London I've considered doing the grades, but keep asking myself why - would I be trying to prove something to myself or someone else. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Pinky Posted February 20 Author Share Posted February 20 3 hours ago, Dad3353 said: Have a look here, maybe..? Guitar levels explained ... From your description, I'd guess that you're about at Level 5, or 6, which would place you around the Grade 2 or 3 mark. Hope this helps; carry on, you're doing fine. Only another half a century to go to become Master Of All Things. Thanks for posting, like I said I think a bit of a lot of that and some bits not there, however still a useful sense check. What would a grade 3 student sound like, I am assuming that everything needs to sound nice and clean? Because I have a particular interest in music with a blues influence ( I know that encompasses a lot) I seem to be more "proficient" ( I use that term lightly) in that sort of playing and can now often work out where I should be playing I.e. which key, and am able to play along and do basic solos over tracks. I am also starting to hear tracks and thinking I might be able to play that, and have on some occasions looked at the tab and proved my thought right. I have done that with Rule the world by Take That! The one area that I really need to improve at present is strumming, but I know that will come with practice and guidance, I have noticed some progress over the past couple of weeks. I have also starting a few finger picking exercises. BTW I am not sure I have half an century and I am not too concerned about being a Master of all things, I will leave that to you guys! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Pinky Posted February 21 Author Share Posted February 21 15 hours ago, Crusoe said: There are other bodies offering grades too. Rockschool Trinity College London I've considered doing the grades, but keep asking myself why - would I be trying to prove something to myself or someone else. Thank you all good stuff and a handy reference, I do wonder how I would have done had I taken a formal approach to learning the guitar when I was so very much younger. I am not sure I could put myself through the pressure of testing process and I really don't think it would benefit me now, it's not as if I need a certificate to join a local jam session ( at least as far as I am aware)! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
