Skip to content
Six Strings

Learning by ear

Work songs out yourself.

  1. Learning songs by earA repeatable method: find the key, the bass, then the chords.Builds on: Ear training: recognising intervals, Major keys and diatonic chords

Writing your own

Progressions, melodies and honest review.

  1. Writing a progression and a melodyCompose sixteen bars, record them and review honestly.Builds on: Making melodic phrases, Progressions and transposing, Call and response improvisation

Craft and voice

Transcribing, arranging and finding your own sound.

  1. Transcribing a melodyWrite down what you hear: notes first, rhythm second, check third.Builds on: Learning songs by ear
  2. Arranging a song for solo guitarCombine bass, melody, chords and a lead fill into one performance.Builds on: Song structure and form, Your first fingerstyle arrangement, Call and response improvisation
  3. Developing your own styleLearn from your influences, then make choices that are yours.Builds on: Writing a progression and a melody, Arranging a song for solo guitar
  4. Writing a complete pieceGrow a 16-bar idea into a three-minute piece with sections, contrast and development.Builds on: Writing a progression and a melody, Song structure and form, Arranging a song for solo guitar

Practical checkpoint

Module 8 checkpoint: one piece, start to finish

Learn one song entirely by ear, then write and record a 16-bar original piece. Review both recordings using the checklist from the recording lesson.

You are ready for the next module when you can honestly say:

  • I learned a short song by ear without looking up the chords first.
  • I wrote a chord progression and a melody that fit it.
  • I recorded my playing and wrote down three things to improve.

6 lessons in this module are not complete yet. You can still attempt the checkpoint whenever you like.