Music Theory for Classical Guitarists

Music theory is the conceptual aspects of how music works.  Like syntax and grammar in language, music theory form the rules and patterns of music.  For most questions about music that start with “why…”, the answer is likely to include music theory. Music theory is a never-ending study, and as such can get very detailed and specific.

Tip: When first starting out as a beginner, theory can be a distraction and actually demotivate us for practice.  It’s better to spend time with hands on the instrument, rather than studying the rules.  If you’re a beginner, click here.

Table of Contents:

• Getting Started with Music Theory
• Chord Theory
• Rhythm
• Musical Analysis and Form
• Other Helpful Links
• List of All Theory Articles and Tutorials

Getting Started with Music Theory for Guitar

• Lessons in Music Theory – This page has many short lessons on the basics of music theory.  It also has quizzes and games for practice and recall.
• How to Clap and Count Rhythms in Music – In this lesson you’ll learn how to vocalize and count basic rhythms.  This is a foundational skill that all serious musicians should master.
• Bridge the Gap from TAB to Music Notation – This article explains how to wade into music notation (instead of jumping in all at once).  If you’ve already aced TABs, this is a good option for you.

Chord Theory on Classical Guitar

• Why Learn Chords?  – Chords are the glue that holds guitar music together.  In all styles and genres, including classical, chords are extremely useful to know.
• How to Play from Chord Charts and Lead Sheets – Great for accompanying other players.  Also helps in memorizing guitar pieces.
• Introduction to Slash Chords – Getting slightly more advanced here.  Slash chords, also known as “inversions”, have a note other than the root in the bass.
• How Chords and Scales are Related – Outlines how guitar chords shapes are linked with the common scale shapes.  Explained how chords and scales are named.
• Introduction to Roman Numeral Analysis – This advanced lesson discusses how to label the harmony in pieces to demonstrate the relationships of chords to each other.

Rhythm in Classical Guitar Pieces

• How to Clap and Count Rhythms in Music – In this lesson you’ll learn how to vocalize and count basic rhythms.  This is a foundational skill that all serious musicians should master.
• The Eight Common Rhythms – A simplification of rhythms.  This chart condenses most rhythms we’ll encounter into just 8 common patterns.  Useful for working out complex rhythms in pieces.
• How to Use a Metronome in Guitar Practice – Tips on practicing with a metronome.  Includes a link for a free 14-day email course on metronome rhythm practice.
• All About Triplet Rhythms – Triplet rhythms discussed.  How to count and play, and how to make them more musical.

Musical Analysis and Form in Guitar Music

• Practical Analysis – When first starting a new piece of music, here are the things to note.
• Introduction to Musical Form – How to look at a piece of music and find the general “roadmap” of the sections and phrases.  Helpful for learning and memorizing music.
• The Four-Bar Musical Formula – How to play more expressively using the common musical section-length of four bars.  Each bar has a different function.
• How to Count and Play Mixed Meter – Slightly more advanced.  This article discusses different and mixed time signatures.
• Introduction to Roman Numeral Analysis – This advanced lesson discusses how to label the harmony in pieces to demonstrate the relationships of chords to each other.

Other Helpful Music Theory Links

• The Good and Bad of TABs – Discusses the pros and cons of tablature (TABs).
• Drop-D Tuning – How to play pieces in Drop-D tuning.  Also, how to tune down quickly and recognize this tuning in sheet music.
• 15 Common Musical Terms Explained – A short glossary of musical terms specific to guitarists.
• Guitar Scales – The Shapes Explained – This tutorial outlines the five primary scale shapes found on guitar.

All Articles and Tutorials About Music Theory

Below you’ll find all the CGS articles on music theory topics.