Learn the basics of guitar with the Swallow Hill Music Core Guitar Program

The Core Guitar Program allows adults to discover (or rediscover) music in a relaxed and fun group environment.

With an emphasis on actually playing, you’ll start strumming and singing from day one. All styles and genres of music are covered — from traditional to modern — building up an accessible repertoire of songs and skills. Each class level seamlessly progresses into the next.

Not sure at which level you should start? Check out the full descriptions of our levels. Or start playing now with our Video of the Week!

Core Guitar Levels

Not sure which class you should start? See the full descriptions below — we offer 7 levels of classes from 1-A to 4. Or if you’d like, call our front office to set up a 30-minute evaluation, during which one of our Core Guitar faculty will meet with you and asses the best level for you to enter into our program.

Level 1-A

Get introduced to the basics of guitar: melody, harmony and rhythm all in our fun, relaxed group environment. Learn pop, rock, blues, indie, and traditional tunes to build up an accessible repertoire of songs and skills. You’ll be playing a song by the end of the first class. For the very beginner. Browse 1-A Classes

Level 1-B

Learn new songs, strumming patterns, and playing techniques to build on the skills introduced in Guitar 1-A. You’ll learn new right hand techniques and more advanced first position chords while building your repertoire of songs. Browse 1-B Classes

Level 2-A

Review the basic chords and strums while introducing hammer-ons, easy scales, alternating bass, arpeggios, melody exercises, and tablature. Browse 2-A Classes

Level 2-B

Strengthen your fingerpicking skills, get an introduction to simple bass runs and review the skills from Guitar 2-A. Continue to work on fill patterns such as hammer-ons and scales while strengthening your tab reading skills. Browse 2-B Classes

Level 3-A

Study movable barre chords, fingerpicking, basic flatpicking, theory, and lead play. Develop your dexterity, dynamics and create more interesting arrangements to songs. Start finding your sound and feel comfortable with your guitar. Browse 3-A Classes

Level 3-B

Focus on any number of skills including arranging, performing, theory, swing chords, jamming skills, lead playing, or fingerstyle work. Feel free to take this class multiple times. The repertoire changes every session! Browse 3-B Classes

Level 4

Now that you’ve completed Guitar 1-3 you are ready to start playing as an ensemble and focus on singing and musicianship. Work on harmonies, arrangements, solo breaks and performing together. Students can bring in songs to be picked by the group to perform. Bass players and other instruments welcome. Students can repeat this class endlessly; the material always changes. Browse level 4 Classes