The Maestro Method

Learn how to play the guitar - the right way!​

Remember when you were a young child, and you learned how to read and write? You didn’t arrive on this planet with an innate, natural ability to communicate in your native language or speak in fluent sentences. You had to take time to practice, learn and develop your skills.

Becoming a proficient guitarist is no different than learning to speak a language. You start with the basics, and then build upon that foundation with a process that guides you every step of the way.  

Without a clearly defined method for learning the guitar, you will inevitably develop bad habits. Whether you’re self-teaching, learning in a group, or even trying to teach your children to play the guitar, you need a trusted source of information which clearly explains how to become a master of the instrument.

The Maestro Method Curriculum

Our program is structured to make it easy for our students to engage with the curriculum and make real progress. 

From the opening levels designed for those just starting to learn the guitar, to advanced classes which will develop your level of understanding, the Maestro Method curriculum is the best way to truly become a proficient guitarist.

Beginner

Level 1A, Level 1B & Level 2

These opening books will act as the basis for all of your education with Maestro Melody. You’ll learn the fundamentals of sound and music, explore the anatomy of the guitar, and learn scales, chords and arpeggios in the first position.

Apprentice

Level 3A, Level 3B & Level 4

The Apprentice levels will build on the foundations laid in the first levels of the curriculum. You’ll deepen your understanding of music fundamentals, read simple chord charts, and gain the knowledge to enjoy the guitar for the rest of your life.

Advanced

Level 5 & Level 6

For those planning to push themselves even further, the Advanced levels take things up a notch. You’ll be able to play in all twelve keys through the seventh position and develop your knowledge of the guitar neck.

Artist

Level 7 & Level 8

The Artist modules are designed for the exceptional guitarist. At the completion of these modules – and the curriculum itself – you will be in a position to take your love and passion for the guitar in any direction, whether professionally or for personal enjoyment.

Curriculum Information by Level

The first few lessons of Maestro Melody are designed to give the student a fundamental background and education by answering the big questions. It teaches the basic tools to help you communicate musically and to begin putting the right foot forward. You will be amazed how enlightening the classes are.

The book begins by answering questions:

  • How to study
  • Understanding the difference between music, and the music industry
  • What is sound?
  • What is music?
  • What makes music sound the way it sounds?
  • What is a scale, where did it come from and why do we use them?
  • The difference between true musical understanding and banging a few chords
  • Where chords come from – and how to build them on your own
  • Anatomy of the guitar
  • Tuning and knowing the guitar and its parts
  • Proper right and left-hand technique
  • Left and right-hand coordination and synchronization

The curriculum then teaches the major scales in the circle of 5ths, arpeggios, and chords for 8 of the 12 keys. Each new scale offers a new song, ear training, visualizing the fretboard.

Level 1B is the second half of level 1. It picks up where 1A left off and teaches the 7 flat keys in the circle of 4ths.

At the end of the beginning guitar classes, Level 1A and 1B, the student will be able to read basic music for guitar in all 12 keys in the 1st position. They will play the lead (melody) guitar part and the rhythm (chords) guitar part for a dozen songs. They will gain confidence in not only knowing and understanding music fundamentals but be able to play the guitar. Best of all, you will have fun and be proud of your accomplishments.

Here is what you will learn in Maestro Melody’s Level Two:

  • Sight Reading in relative minor keys
  • Note recognition in relative minor keys of Am, Em, Bm, F#m, C#m, G#m
  • Learn Songs utilizing realized keys
  • Timing Accuracy
  • Clapping and counting
  • Playing songs evenly, steady and musical
  • Positions
    1st and 2nd
  • Proficiency with scales, arpeggios and chords
  • Sight reading studies
  • Instrument Proficiency
  • Left and right hand coordination and synchronization
  • Alternate picking
  • Basic Strumming techniques
  • Intervallic relationships in given positions through sight reading, writing and ear training
  • Using dynamics effectively

Having passed Level Two, you are able to play, in the given keys, basic leads and chords. Likewise, you have deepened your understand of basic music fundamentals. You can now read and write simple melodies and simple chord charts.

We love this art form and know the joy it can bring. You can begin to experience the happiness once you have achieved even a small level of proficiency.

Here is what you will learn in Maestro Melody’s Level Three:

  • Sight Reading
  • Note recognition in keys of F, Bb, Eb, Ab, Db, Gb
  • Including use of relative minors Dm, Gm, Cm, Fm, Bbm, Ebm
  • Circle of 4ths (learning flat keys)
  • Learn Songs utilizing realized keys
  • Timing Accuracy
  • Clapping and counting
  • Playing songs evenly, steady and musical
  • Positions
  • 1st and 2nd
  • Proficiency with scales, arpeggios and chords
  • Sight reading studies
  • Instrument Proficiency
  • Left and right hand coordination and synchronization
  • Alternate picking
  • Basic Strumming techniques
  • Intervallic relationships in given positions through sight reading, writing and ear training
  • Using dynamics effectively

At the end of this level, the student will be able to play in the given keys; basic leads, chords, deepen understand basic music fundamentals, read and write simple melodies and read simple chord charts.

Here is what you will learn in Maestro Melody’s Level Four:

Adding color to music; songs, melodies and chords in all 12 keys

add 2
sus 4
flat 5 (diminished)
sharp 5 (augmented)
6th
Maj and dominant 7th chords
Using color in songs

Instrument Proficiency

At the end of this level the student will understand what the each color tone does to the sound of the chord, the melody and the song, be able to properly execute and add color tones in all keys, deepen understanding of music fundamentals, develop sight reading, understand and apply written lead sheets and chord charts with color tones.

At successful completion of Levels 1 through 4, the student will have the knowledge, understanding and skills to enjoy music for the rest of their life with their guitar. They will have an understanding of music that far surpasses the average guitarist. They will be equipped to pursue performance in small venues (church, restaurants, lounges, parties, Etc.). Play and entertain at family and friend gatherings, campfires, Etc.No further theory and harmony education is necessary for the new guitarist to enjoy their instrument.

If you are pursuing a career as a guitarist or wish to go on to college for guitar performance, teaching or music application on the guitar then you should continue your studies through Level 8.

If your desire is to develop a particular style of playing at a high level (Rock, Pop, Jazz, Etc.) you should continue your studies through Level 8 and then continue mastering your chosen style.

Here is what you will learn in Maestro Melody’s Level Five:

Sight Reading

In 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th positions utilizing all skills, 12 keys and relative minors, fingerings, scales, chords, and arpeggios

Learn Songs utilizing realized keys

Instrument Proficiency

Left and right hand coordination and synchronization

Alternate picking

Strumming techniques

Finding most efficient position when learning a new song

All Major and relative minor chords in above positions

Adding color tones to all keys in above positions

Using dynamics effectively

At the end of this level, the student will be able to play in the given keys; basic leads, chords, deepen understand basic music fundamentals, read and write simple melodies and read simple chord charts.

  • Sight Reading
  • In 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th positions and the entire neck utilizing all skills, 12 keys and relative minors, fingerings, scales, chords, and arpeggios
  • Learn Songs utilizing realized keys
  • Instrument Proficiency
  • Left and right hand coordination and synchronization
  • Alternate picking
  • Strumming techniques
  • Finding most efficient position when learning a new song
  • Chord building in all Major and relative minor chords in above positions
  • Adding color tones to all keys in above positions

At the end of this level the student will know where to find, understand and be able to play in all 12 keys through  the entire neck; utilizing leads, chords and further deepen understanding of the guitar neck.

Here is what you can expect in Maestro Melody’s Level Seven:

Modes

  • Ionian-1
  • Dorian-2
  • Phrygian-3
  • Lydian-4
  • Mixolydian-5
  • Aolian-6
  • Locrian-7

Instrument Proficiency

  • Sight reading studies utilizing modes
  • Exercises reinforcing modes
  • Utilizing all keys and positions
  • Build new chords utilizing the modes

At the end of this level the student will understand and be able to identify the modes. They should be able to perform in all modes in all 12 keys throughout the entire neck; utilizing leads, chords and deepen understand of the guitar neck.

Below is the outline for Level Eight, your final level:

Advanced level  

Chord formations

Color Tones

Logical Chord line

Movement

Chord Progressions

Harmony

Improvisation

At the end of this level the student will perform advanced chord and melody lines. They should be able to perform in all 12 keys throughout the entire neck; utilizing leads, chords and chord melody.

They should be a proficient and confident guitarist. They should hear any genre of music and easily understand how to achieve that particular sound.

At this point the guitarist should pursue music that moves them, music that they have passion for. You are now a high level musician/guitarist.

You can go on to college, begin your performance business, solo, duo or with a group (if you haven’t already), join a show, write music, or anything else you have interest in pursuing.

If you have passion for a particular style/genre of music, check out our Guitar Styles page. Feel free to talk to us about your direction going forward. We are here to help. Play the music you love, experiment with it and through trial and error, take the music someplace new, someplace else; Bring a new music to the world (or just enjoy your music) for the rest of your life.