FOOD FOR THOUGHT

The founder of justinguitar.com lends GT his insight as one of the world’s most successful guitar teachers. This Month: Beginner, Intermediate or Advanced?

People often wonder where they are on their guitar journey. Am I still a beginner? What makes an intermediate player? What are the essential skills for each?

There is no ‘global system’ of merit for the guitar. There are grades you can do that will give an indication for theory, scales and repertoire levels but many are classical based and those that are rock and pop based tend to vary in these aspects. That said, the accredited grade system is best if you’re looking for ‘official’ recognition of ability, not least because countless guitarists globally engage with them.

Having some understanding of this journey can be very helpful, a kind of map that you can reference and understand where paths may be leading if you choose to follow them.