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The Intermediate Guitarist Checklist: The Skills and Techniques Every Intermediate Guitar Player Should Be Able to Do

Becoming an intermediate guitarist marks a significant milestone in your musical journey. At this stage, you have moved beyond basic chords and strumming patterns and are now ready to delve deeper into the intricacies of guitar playing. This comprehensive checklist will guide you through the essential skills and techniques every intermediate guitarist should master to elevate their playing to the next level.


1. Mastering Chord Variations

🗹 1.1 Major and Minor Barre Chords

Barre chords are a cornerstone of intermediate guitar playing. These chords involve using one finger to press down multiple strings across the fretboard, creating movable chord shapes that can be played anywhere on the neck. The E-shaped and A-shaped barre chords are particularly essential. E-shaped barre chords are based on the open E major and E minor shapes and are played with the root on the 6th string. Similarly, A-shaped barre chords are based on the open A major and A minor shapes, with the root on the 5th string. Mastering these barre chords will allow you to play any major or minor chord across the fretboard, greatly expanding your chord vocabulary.

🗹 1.2 Seventh Chords

Seventh chords add depth and complexity to your playing. They are commonly used in jazz, blues, and rock music. Major seventh (Maj7) chords consist of a major triad plus a major seventh interval, creating a lush, dreamy sound. Minor seventh (m7) chords combine a minor triad with a minor seventh interval, producing a more mellow tone. Dominant seventh (7) chords, featuring a major triad and a minor seventh interval, are crucial in blues and rock for their tension-filled sound. Understanding and incorporating these seventh chords into your playing will add richness and variety to your music.

🗹 1.3 Suspended and Add Chords

Suspended and add chords introduce tension and release in your music. Suspended chords, such as sus2 and sus4, replace the third of the chord with either a second or a fourth, respectively. This creates a sense of unresolved tension that is perfect for building anticipation. Add chords, like add9 and add11, involve adding an additional note to the basic triad without replacing any of the original notes, creating a fuller and more complex sound. These chords are particularly useful for adding color and interest to your chord progressions.

2. Improving Fingerstyle and Picking Techniques

🗹 2.1 Fingerpicking Patterns

Fingerpicking involves using your fingers to pluck individual strings rather than strumming. This technique is essential for genres like folk, classical, and some rock. Common fingerpicking patterns include Travis picking, which alternates bass notes with melody notes, and arpeggios, where the notes of a chord are played sequentially. Practicing these patterns will improve your dexterity and allow you to create intricate, melodic accompaniments.

🗹 2.2 Hybrid Picking

Hybrid picking combines the use of a pick and fingers, allowing for greater versatility and speed. In hybrid picking, you hold a pick between your thumb and index finger while using your other fingers to pluck additional strings. This technique is particularly useful for playing fast, complex passages and for seamlessly transitioning between picked and plucked notes. Regular practice of hybrid picking exercises will enhance your overall picking technique and expand your expressive capabilities.

🗹 2.3 Alternate Picking

Alternate picking involves consistently alternating downstrokes and upstrokes with your pick. This technique is crucial for playing fast, intricate passages cleanly and efficiently. By practicing alternate picking, you can improve your speed and accuracy, enabling you to tackle more complex solos and riffs. Start slow, focusing on evenness and precision, and gradually increase your speed as your proficiency improves.

3. Developing Scales and Modes Proficiency

🗹 3.1 Major and Minor Scales

Understanding and practicing major and minor scales is fundamental for any guitarist. These scales form the basis of Western music and are essential for soloing, improvisation, and composition. Practice these scales in various positions across the fretboard to develop a thorough understanding of their structure and to improve your finger placement and dexterity.

🗹 3.2 Pentatonic Scales

Pentatonic scales are five-note scales that are widely used in rock, blues, and jazz. The major pentatonic scale consists of the root, second, third, fifth, and sixth notes, while the minor pentatonic scale includes the root, minor third, fourth, fifth, and minor seventh notes. These scales are incredibly versatile and are a staple in soloing and improvisation. Mastering pentatonic scales will give you a strong foundation for creating melodic and memorable solos.

🗹 3.3 Modes and Their Applications

Modes are scales derived from the major scale but starting from different notes, each creating a unique sound and mood. The most common modes include Ionian (major), Dorian, Phrygian, Lydian, Mixolydian, Aeolian (natural minor), and Locrian. Each mode has its distinct character and is useful in different musical contexts. Understanding and practicing these modes will allow you to add variety and depth to your playing, particularly in improvisation and composition.

4. Enhancing Rhythm and Timing

🗹 4.1 Understanding Time Signatures

Time signatures indicate how many beats are in each measure and what note value constitutes one beat. Common time signatures include 4/4, 3/4, and 6/8. Understanding these time signatures and practicing playing in different meters will improve your rhythm and timing, making you a more versatile and reliable musician.

🗹 4.2 Syncopation and Swing

Syncopation and swing are rhythmic techniques that add complexity and interest to your playing. Syncopation involves placing emphasis on normally unaccented beats, creating a sense of unpredictability. Swing, often used in jazz and blues, involves playing eighth notes in a triplet feel, giving the music a "lilting" quality. Incorporating these elements into your playing will enhance your rhythmic versatility and creativity.

🗹 4.3 Using a Metronome

Practicing with a metronome is essential for developing a strong sense of timing and rhythm. A metronome provides a consistent tempo, helping you to internalize the beat and play more precisely. Start slow and gradually increase the tempo as you become more comfortable. Regular metronome practice will significantly improve your timing and make you a more confident and reliable player.

5. Exploring Advanced Strumming Patterns

🗹 5.1 Incorporating Muting Techniques

Muting techniques, such as palm muting and fret-hand muting, are essential for creating dynamic and varied strumming patterns. Palm muting involves lightly resting the palm of your strumming hand on the strings near the bridge to dampen the sound, creating a more percussive and controlled tone. Fret-hand muting involves using your fretting hand to lightly touch the strings, preventing them from vibrating. Practicing these techniques will allow you to add texture and nuance to your strumming.

🗹 5.2 Complex Strumming Rhythms

Advanced strumming patterns often involve complex rhythms and syncopations. Practice strumming exercises that incorporate different rhythmic patterns and accents to improve your coordination and timing. Experiment with combining downstrokes, upstrokes, and muted strums to create interesting and dynamic rhythms.

🗹 5.3 Dynamic Strumming

Dynamic strumming involves varying the intensity and volume of your strumming to create expressive and engaging music. Practice playing softly and gradually increasing the intensity, as well as accenting specific beats or notes. This will help you develop a more nuanced and expressive strumming style, enhancing your overall musicality.

6. Introduction to Lead Guitar Techniques

🗹 6.1 Bending and Vibrato

Bending and vibrato are essential techniques for adding expression to your lead playing. Bending involves pushing or pulling the string to change the pitch, creating a smooth transition between notes. Vibrato involves rapidly bending and releasing the string to create a slight variation in pitch, adding a vocal-like quality to your playing. Practice these techniques slowly and focus on control and pitch accuracy to develop a strong and expressive lead guitar style.

🗹 6.2 Hammer-ons and Pull-offs

Hammer-ons and pull-offs are techniques used to play notes smoothly and quickly without picking each one. A hammer-on involves "hammering" your finger onto the fretboard to produce a note, while a pull-off involves pulling your finger off the string to let the previous note ring out. These techniques are crucial for playing fast, fluid passages and adding legato to your solos. Practice them in conjunction with scales and licks to integrate them seamlessly into your playing.

🗹 6.3 Slides and Legato

Slides and legato playing add smoothness and fluidity to your solos. A slide involves moving your finger along the string to a different fret without lifting it off, creating a seamless transition between notes. Legato playing combines hammer-ons, pull-offs, and slides to create a smooth, connected sound. Incorporate these techniques into your practice routine to develop a more expressive and fluid lead guitar style.

7. Building Improvisation Skills

🗹 7.1 Creating Melodic Phrases

Improvisation is a key skill for any guitarist, allowing you to create spontaneous and expressive solos. Start by creating simple melodic phrases using scales and modes, focusing on phrasing, timing, and expression. Experiment with different note choices, rhythms, and dynamics to develop your unique improvisational voice.

🗹 7.2 Using Backing Tracks

Practicing with backing tracks is an excellent way to develop your improvisation skills. Backing tracks provide a musical context for your solos, helping you to develop a sense of timing and harmony. There are many resources available online where you can find backing tracks in various styles and keys. Regularly practicing with backing tracks will improve your ability to create cohesive and musical solos.

🗹 7.3 Improvisation Exercises

There are many exercises you can use to improve your improvisational skills. One effective method is to limit yourself to a small number of notes or a specific scale and focus on creating interesting and melodic phrases. Another exercise is to play along with a metronome or backing track and improvise using different rhythmic patterns and accents. These exercises will help you develop creativity, timing, and musicality in your improvisation.

8. Music Theory Basics for Guitarists

🗹 8.1 Understanding Chord Progressions

Chord progressions are the foundation of most songs, providing the harmonic structure and direction. Understanding common chord progressions, such as I-IV-V and ii-V-I, and their variations will help you to write and play more musically. Practice recognizing and playing these progressions in different keys to develop a deeper understanding of how chords function in music.

🗹 8.2 The Circle of Fifths

The circle of fifths is a visual representation of the relationships between different key signatures. It is a valuable tool for understanding key changes, chord relationships, and scales. Familiarize yourself with the circle of fifths and practice using it to identify key signatures, modulate between keys, and understand chord progressions.

🗹 8.3 Key Signatures and Modulations

Understanding key signatures and modulations is crucial for playing and composing music. Key signatures indicate the sharps and flats used in a piece of music, while modulations involve changing from one key to another. Practice identifying and playing in different key signatures and experiment with modulating between keys to develop a deeper understanding of harmonic relationships.

9. Recording and Performance Skills

🗹 9.1 Setting Up a Home Recording Studio

Setting up a home recording studio allows you to record your music and practice more effectively. Basic equipment includes a computer, audio interface, microphone, headphones, and recording software. Invest in good quality gear and take the time to learn how to use it effectively. Recording yourself regularly will help you to identify areas for improvement and track your progress over time.

🗹 9.2 Basics of Live Performance

Performing live is an essential skill for any guitarist, whether you are playing in a band or as a solo artist. Key aspects of live performance include stage presence, audience interaction, and preparation. Practice performing in front of others, even if it’s just for friends or family, to build confidence and improve your performance skills.

🗹 9.3 Overcoming Stage Fright

Stage fright is a common challenge for many musicians. Techniques for managing and overcoming stage fright include deep breathing, visualization, and positive self-talk. Remember that everyone makes mistakes, and the most important thing is to keep playing and enjoy the experience. Regularly performing in front of others will help you to build confidence and reduce anxiety over time.

10. Maintenance and Care of Your Guitar

🗹 10.1 Regular Cleaning and String Changing

Regular maintenance is essential for keeping your guitar in good condition. This includes cleaning the body and neck, changing strings regularly, and keeping the hardware in good shape. Develop a routine for cleaning your guitar and changing strings to ensure it always sounds and plays its best.

🗹 10.2 Neck and Fretboard Maintenance

The neck and fretboard are critical areas of your guitar that require regular maintenance. Clean the fretboard with appropriate cleaners and condition it periodically to prevent dryness and wear. Check the neck for any signs of warping or damage and address any issues promptly to maintain playability.

🗹 10.3 Tuning and Intonation Adjustments

Proper tuning and intonation are essential for your guitar to sound its best. Regularly check and adjust the tuning and intonation using a tuner and make any necessary adjustments to the bridge and saddle. Ensuring your guitar is in tune and properly intonated will make your playing sound more professional and polished.


Did you pass the checklist?

Mastering the skills and techniques outlined in this checklist will significantly enhance your playing as an intermediate guitarist. From chord variations and picking techniques to scales, modes, and improvisation, each element is crucial for your development. Additionally, understanding music theory, honing your performance skills, and maintaining your guitar are essential for your growth as a musician. Keep practicing, stay patient, and enjoy the journey from intermediate to advanced guitar playing. With dedication and perseverance, you will continue to progress and achieve your musical goals.

-Ryan

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