Specialty & Technique Guitar Classes

We’ll expand our guitar vocabulary through the riff-based songs of the guitar era. For electric or acoustic guitars. You’ll probably need some Guitar 3 or 4-level experience or equivalent.

Approach music theory from a guitarist’s perspective and unlock the fretboard as a creative tool for improvisation and musical communication. Explore chord and scale construction, triads, inversions, progressions, and fretboard relationships through the lens of jazz, folk, rock, blues, and contemporary styles. Develop the fundamentals and practical vocabulary needed to craft solos and jam confidently with others. If you are looking to deepen your understanding of music theory and become a more expressive and versatile guitarist, this is the class for you!

Approach music theory from a guitarist’s perspective and unlock the fretboard as a creative tool for improvisation and musical communication. Explore chord and scale construction, triads, inversions, progressions, and fretboard relationships through the lens of jazz, folk, rock, blues, and contemporary styles. Develop the fundamentals and practical vocabulary needed to craft solos and jam confidently with others. If you are looking to deepen your understanding of music theory and become a more expressive and versatile guitarist, this is the class for you!

Approach music theory from a guitarist’s perspective and unlock the fretboard as a creative tool for improvisation and musical communication. Explore chord and scale construction, triads, inversions, progressions, and fretboard relationships through the lens of jazz, folk, rock, blues, and contemporary styles. Develop the fundamentals and practical vocabulary needed to craft solos and jam confidently with others. If you are looking to deepen your understanding of music theory and become a more expressive and versatile guitarist, this is the class for you!

Approach music theory from a guitarist’s perspective and unlock the fretboard as a creative tool for improvisation and musical communication. Explore chord and scale construction, triads, inversions, progressions, and fretboard relationships through the lens of jazz, folk, rock, blues, and contemporary styles. Develop the fundamentals and practical vocabulary needed to craft solos and jam confidently with others. If you are looking to deepen your understanding of music theory and become a more expressive and versatile guitarist, this is the class for you!

Approach music theory from a guitarist’s perspective and unlock the fretboard as a creative tool for improvisation and musical communication. Explore chord and scale construction, triads, inversions, progressions, and fretboard relationships through the lens of jazz, folk, rock, blues, and contemporary styles. Develop the fundamentals and practical vocabulary needed to craft solos and jam confidently with others. If you are looking to deepen your understanding of music theory and become a more expressive and versatile guitarist, this is the class for you!

We play and sing Rock Pop Acoustic, with a lot of laughter thrown in. Being one of 15+ guitars and a rhythm section will help you Relinquish Performance Anxiety. You may love it so much, you'll be Reluctant to Plan Activities that would keep you away. If you're Ready to Play Along, join us on Thursday nights. You'll have a great time while improving your technique and building your repertoire. "mysteriously named ... totally charming...a serious musicianship class masquerading as a social club.” - No Depression Magazine

Aprende los estilos, ritmos y música de todo Latino América, México, Centroamérica, Sudamérica y también de España. Esta clase requiere traer una guitarra clásica de cuerdas de nylon.

Are you a guitarist eager to dive into the world of Chicago blues? This class is your first step toward learning the essential skills needed to join a live blues band. Rooted in the legacy of folk-blues legend Big Bill Broonzy, who helped bring urban electric blues to the world, this course will introduce you to the core techniques used by the iconic players of Chicago blues, including Muddy Waters, Magic Sam, Jimmy Reed, and many others. In this class, you’ll learn: Essential blues chord progressions and rhythms to build a solid foundation Lead techniques like bends, slides, and simple licks that form the backbone of Chicago blues solos Comping techniques for rhythm guitar, including double-stops and chord voicings used by the greats Intros, turnarounds, and endings that capture the feel of classic Chicago blues An introduction to playing with others in a jam session setting, getting you ready for the group dynamics of a live performance By the end of the session, you’ll be ready to step into a blues band live program. Whether you're strumming rhythm or taking your first steps into lead playing, this class will prepare you for the ultimate blues band experience. Come join us and get ready to let the good times roll!

Take the fingerpicking, deep boogie rhythms, and regional styles of the country blues you’ve learned in level 1, and concentrate on open tunings and bottleneck slide. Spend four weeks in open D tuning and four weeks in open G tuning, which will be taught in class. Tunes by Blind Willie McTell, Charlie Patton, Robert Johnson and others will be covered. Students will become comfortable in both Open G and Open D tunings and advance their slide lead playing and improvisational skills. Bring a slide to class

Ever dreamed of playing classical guitar but seemed daunted by the word "classical". Fear not, this class will introduce you to the basics of classical guitar through simple exercises and short pieces. Nylon string guitars and ability to read music ARE NOT REQUIRED. All songs will be presented in tab. This class is a hybrid offering - students may attend either in person or by Zoom.

This class will be offered in a hybrid format. Students can choose to participate online or in person. Use your fingers to bring out melody and harmony in your approach to playing guitar. This class will broaden your understanding and application of melody and chord theory as well as help you develop a rich repertoire in this style. Learn to bring your ring finger into the mix. Styles and alternate tunings will be examined including, blues, traditional folk, Celtic, singer-songwriters, and classical music.

We will use the genre of jazz to explore general fretboard theory. This class is for any guitarist that is interested in understanding their instrument and fundamental music theory in a deeper manner. No matter what genre of music you play this class will help you become a stronger musician, not just a guitarist. Class topics will include: chord theory, scale/mode application, basic rhythmic concepts, and chord progression. THIS CLASS IS A PREREQUISITE to Jazz Guitar 1. Contact Tony Do Rosario with any questions at tdorosario@oldtownschool.org

This class is a continuation of Introduction to Jazz Guitar. At this level, we will work on a bebop blues, bebop rhythm changes, and select standards from the American song book. We will use bebop melodies to develop our rhythmic vocabulary. Come explore the basic frameworks of improvisation and accompaniment over classic jazz progressions. REGISTRATION IS LIMITED TO THOSE WHO HAVE COMPLETED INTRO to JAZZ GUITAR. Contact Tony Do Rosario with any questions at tdorosario@oldtownschool.org

A class designed to bring your jazz guitar skills to a higher level. We welcome those who have taken Jazz Guitar 1 and are ready to increase their musical vocabulary in terms of harmony and melody. We’ll concentrate on great American Standards as well as variations of Blues. REGISTRATION IS LIMITED TO THOSE WHO HAVE COMPLETED INTRO, JAZZ GUITAR 1. Contact Tony Do Rosario at tdorosario@oldtownschool.org It’s a lifelong journey and we invite you to repeat level as much as necessary before moving on to Jazz Guitar 2.

A class designed to bring your jazz guitar skills to a higher level. We welcome those who have taken Jazz Guitar 1 and are ready to increase their musical vocabulary in terms of harmony and melody. We’ll concentrate on great American Standards as well as variations of Blues. REGISTRATION IS LIMITED TO THOSE WHO HAVE COMPLETED INTRO, JAZZ GUITAR 1. Contact Tony Do Rosario at tdorosario@oldtownschool.org It’s a lifelong journey and we invite you to repeat level as much as necessary before moving on to Jazz Guitar 2.

Jazz is an American folk music. Play it yourself on the guitar. In this repertoire driven class, hone your skills by learning both traditional standards and modern compositions. We are learning a musical language that is spoken throughout the world. Students are invited to repeat this class as much as they desire. REGISTRATION IS LIMITED TO THOSE WHO HAVE COMPLETED INTRO, JAZZ GUITAR 1 & JAZZ GUITAR 1.5. Contact Tony Do Rosario at tdorosario@oldtownschool.org

Jazz is an American folk music. Play it yourself on the guitar. In this repertoire driven class, hone your skills by learning both traditional standards and modern compositions. We are learning a musical language that is spoken throughout the world. Students are invited to repeat this class as much as they desire. REGISTRATION IS LIMITED TO THOSE WHO HAVE COMPLETED INTRO, JAZZ GUITAR 1 & JAZZ GUITAR 1.5. Contact Tony Do Rosario at tdorosario@oldtownschool.org

Jazz is an American folk music. Play it yourself on the guitar. In this repertoire driven class, hone your skills by learning both traditional standards and modern compositions. We are learning a musical language that is spoken throughout the world. Students are invited to repeat this class as much as they desire. REGISTRATION IS LIMITED TO THOSE WHO HAVE COMPLETED INTRO, JAZZ GUITAR 1 & JAZZ GUITAR 1.5. Contact Tony Do Rosario at tdorosario@oldtownschool.org

An ongoing class in the advanced study of Jazz for the guitarist. We will build repertoire, further develop improvisation skills and advance rhythmic variations. Participants should have gone thru Jazz Guitar 2 several times or should audition with the instructor tdorosario@oldtownschool.org

This intermediate level class introduces the music of traditional blues’ great artists. From the ragtime/blues style of Big Bill Broonzy and Blind Blake to the Delta/Chicago grind of Robert Johnson and Muddy Waters. Learn such techniques as: fingerpicking (ragtime, shuffle rhythm), open tuning, bottleneck slide, basic improvising, and more. This is some of the most satisfying music steel string pickers can get their fingers on!

This intermediate level class introduces the music of traditional blues’ great artists. From the ragtime/blues style of Big Bill Broonzy and Blind Blake to the Delta/Chicago grind of Robert Johnson and Muddy Waters. Learn such techniques as: fingerpicking (ragtime, shuffle rhythm), open tuning, bottleneck slide, basic improvising, and more. This is some of the most satisfying music steel string pickers can get their fingers on!

This class covers how to play the minor and major scales across the entire fingerboard, various modes and exotic scales, technique building exercises, how to decipher musical notation on the guitar, explanation of how to play “jazz chords”, writing songs in minor keys, and of course, the theory of the universe.

This class covers how to play the minor and major scales across the entire fingerboard, various modes and exotic scales, technique building exercises, how to decipher musical notation on the guitar, explanation of how to play “jazz chords”, writing songs in minor keys, and of course, the theory of the universe.

Learn the acoustic and electric guitar styles of The Beatles, including chords, riffs and melodies from the Fab Four's greatest songs (including some solo tunes)!

"Blues is a Feeling!" In this class, you'll gain the skills needed to play the music and learn the styles and techniques of blues greats like Mississippi John Hurt, Big Bill Broonzy, Robert Johnson, and more. We’ll cover fingerpicking, ragtime and shuffle rhythms, blues chords, riffs, and chord progressions, as well as open tunings and slide/bottleneck styles. Prerequisite: Minimal fingerpicking experience. You should have successfully completed Core Guitar Level 3 or 4. Some written materials will be provided, including standard notation and TAB. Join us to dive into the rich world of blues!

BB developed a unique style of playing blues guitar. His use of vibrato, signature bending, favorite positions on the fretboard, touch, relaxed feel and, finally, his use of the major pentatonic scale, the "pretty notes" as he called them, all revolutionized and popularized blues guitar. All the above will be explored in this class.

Neil Young’s career includes a treasure trove of amazing, yet accessible guitar techniques, from syncopated folky strumming, open tunings, and howling leads. We’ll look at various classic songs including “Cinnamon Girl,” “Harvest Moon, “Old Man,” “Cowgirl In The Sand” among others.

Want to play the songs you love? This class is all about learning and jamming to popular music from across the decades—rock, pop, indie, and beyond. We’ll focus on essential strumming patterns, chord progressions, and riffs that define the sound of pop music. Along the way, you’ll pick up techniques to make your playing more dynamic and expressive. What You’ll Learn: Common chord progressions found in hit songs Strumming and rhythm techniques for different styles How to play iconic riffs and melodies Tips for singing and playing at the same time Playing in a group and building confidence Expect a mix of classics and modern favorites—think The Beatles, Taylor Swift, Fleetwood Mac, Ed Sheeran, and more! No need to read music—just bring your guitar and get ready to play.

Want to play the songs you love? This class is all about learning and jamming to popular music from across the decades—rock, pop, indie, and beyond. We’ll focus on essential strumming patterns, chord progressions, and riffs that define the sound of pop music. Along the way, you’ll pick up techniques to make your playing more dynamic and expressive. What You’ll Learn: Common chord progressions found in hit songs Strumming and rhythm techniques for different styles How to play iconic riffs and melodies Tips for singing and playing at the same time Playing in a group and building confidence Expect a mix of classics and modern favorites—think The Beatles, Taylor Swift, Fleetwood Mac, Ed Sheeran, and more! No need to read music—just bring your guitar and get ready to play.

Want to take your rhythm guitar skills to the next level? In this 8-week class, we’ll focus on songs with distinctive rhythmic qualities and break them down using standard notation—think quarter notes, eighth notes, triplets, ties, and rests. You’ll explore rhythmic motifs from popular songs across a variety of genres, giving you the tools to improve your rhythm playing while deepening your overall musical understanding. In this class, you’ll: Break down complex rhythms using standard notation Learn how to play songs with catchy and unique rhythmic patterns Build a solid foundation in timing and groove Gain confidence in applying rhythms to your guitar playing and overall musicianship Develop a deeper understanding of rhythm in music beyond the guitar

Want to take your rhythm guitar skills to the next level? In this 8-week class, we’ll focus on songs with distinctive rhythmic qualities and break them down using standard notation—think quarter notes, eighth notes, triplets, ties, and rests. You’ll explore rhythmic motifs from popular songs across a variety of genres, giving you the tools to improve your rhythm playing while deepening your overall musical understanding. In this class, you’ll: Break down complex rhythms using standard notation Learn how to play songs with catchy and unique rhythmic patterns Build a solid foundation in timing and groove Gain confidence in applying rhythms to your guitar playing and overall musicianship Develop a deeper understanding of rhythm in music beyond the guitar

In this class, we’ll focus on simple and effective guitar fills that are easy to execute but make a big impact. Our approach will teach you how to connect phrases smoothly, enhancing both your sound and your singing. Whether it’s a walk, a fingerpick, or a catchy strum, you’ll learn how to add the perfect touch to your playing without feeling overwhelmed. From ballads to swing tunes to country hits, you'll discover how to bring your songs to life with these essential guitar fills!

If you are trying to get going with flat picking single note melodies and playing great sounding bluegrass guitar runs, a trip to the doctor will fix you up. Doc Watson had a great Flatpicking guitar style because he kept it simple and close to home. This four week class will not only teach you some great Doc Watson solos, but will show you how to use his approach to create your own.

This class delves into Taylor Swift's mighty song catalogue, using songs we love to expand our skills on the guitar. Each session features a new collection of songs pulled from across all the different “Eras”. Song requests are also welcome and influence what is brought in each session. This class is perfect for Guitar 2 level + above: guitar players with a basic knowledge of open chords (including F, Bm, and Dm) and simple strum patterns.

The Johnny Cash Guitar Class is a beginning to intermediate level guitar class, focused on learning and performing songs from his vast and diverse catalog of music. We will explore the different genres and styles in which he recorded and performed, as well as his musical partnerships, collaborations and influences. Whether you’re a longtime lover, or simply have an interest to discover, the lifework of music, story, and song of Mr. Johnny Cash, this class is for you!