Does Guitar Tricks Teach Music Theory?

With so many internet-based resources for guitar lessons available on the internet, it’s difficult to find the right one. Each promises to teach you everything you need to know. Yet, you run the risk of inevitably finding out you’re missing a crucial component in your education. 

Music theory is a very important subject you need to become an astute guitarist. Does Guitar Tricks teach music theory? Let’s take a closer look.

Are There Theory-Based Lessons On Guitar Tricks?

Guitar Tricks has a roadmap system for their lessons. This is designed to teach the absolute beginner and carry them to advanced guitar skills.

Because of this, there are quite a few lessons on Guitar Tricks that deal with guitar fundamentals. A good portion of this deals with fundamental aspects of guitar technique. Another portion deals specifically with theory-based concepts.

Both of these aforementioned portions work together in a congruent fashion. In fact, the lessons build upon previously taught knowledge, just like a school. You can be sure that you’ll be learning theory while also learning how to apply it in a practical way. 

As you progress on the instrument, Guitar Tricks will continuously implement new theory-based concepts that coincide with your lessons. Ultimately, you’ll learn new skills and techniques, but also have an understanding of why/how certain things work. 

For the most part, the Core Learning System (which teaches fundamentals) is a great place for a beginner to start. You’ll be primed and ready to learn more advanced music by the time you’re through with the system. 

Let’s take a closer look at some of the particular theory concepts that are covered in Guitar Tricks. 

Does Guitar Tricks Teach Chords?

Guitar Tricks does teach chords. In fact, much of the lessons in the first fundamentals course deals with open chords.

Eventually, Guitar Tricks takes it up a notch and will teach you all of the chords within a particular key. For instance, there are lessons based on:

• Chord family in the key of G
• Chord family in the key of C
• Chord family in the key of A
• Chord family in the key of A minor

As you progress beyond the Level 1 fundamentals course, Guitar Tricks teaches more chord-based information. You’ll learn how to play:

• Barre chords
• Power chords
• Chord embellishments
• Major 7 chords

Guitar Tricks has specialized lessons relating to chord transitions and anticipation as well. Once you’re through with both Level 1 and Level 2 Fundamental courses, you’ll be equipped with the basics. 

Many people often stop their education at this point as careers have been made using these fundamentals. Of course, this is a bit of a shame. Especially considering the fact that Guitar Tricks has an excellent resource of lessons beyond these chord fundamentals. 

Does Guitar Tricks Teach Scales?

You’re probably well aware by now that Guitar Tricks does a great deal to teach you chords. What about scales? 

If you’re wanting to learn scales, you’ll be pleased to know that Guitar Tricks covers this topic quite well. Within its Level 1 Fundamental course, a good portion of time is spent on the major scale. 

You’ll learn to not only play the major scale but come to understand its importance in music. Some examples will also be given of how melodies are derived from the major scale.

If you’re curious about the pentatonic scale, fear not, because this will be covered as well. Guitar Tricks does a good job at teaching the minor pentatonic, eventually expanding it to include the blues scale notes. 

Unfortunately, very little attention is given to the major pentatonic scale in the fundamentals. These are essentially the same scales, just repositioned for a major tonality. However, as country music tends to feature this prominently, this concept likely gets taught in that lesson path.

A common technique to use in solos is to switch between the major and minor pentatonic scales. Because of this, you’re likely to run into the concept in more advanced lessons.

For the most part, the guitar scale basics are all taught in the fundamental lessons. You’ll be well equipped by the time you advance into more complex lessons.

Does Guitar Tricks Teach Rhythm? 

Rhythm is obviously a very important aspect of music. You can be sure that Guitar Tricks spends a good amount of time on this subject.

Within the Level 1 and Level 2 Fundamental lessons, Guitar Tricks will teach you how to keep time. This includes the standard 4/4 time, 6/8 time, 3/4 time, and learning to play with a swing.

Guitar Tricks takes it a step further and explains how to subdivide your rhythm. You’ll also learn a few strumming patterns that work within each time signature. 

Overall, Guitar Tricks does a fairly decent job with this. The site supplements its lesson materials with song-based lessons. These ultimately allow you to put what you learn into practice. 

Is Guitar Tricks Good For Learning Music Theory?

Guitar Tricks is a pretty decent resource for someone to learn music theory while learning the guitar. It teaches the basic essentials needed for someone to build their skills in a logical manner. 

In fact, it might not even feel like you’re learning music theory while taking the lessons. Music theory tends to have a sort of stigma that it’s going to be boring or difficult to understand. Guitar Tricks does a good job at addressing this.

By the time you work through the fundamental lessons, you’ll have an excellent foundation to work from. This will allow you to progress much faster when learning advanced concepts elsewhere on the site. 

What Is Music Theory?

Before we dive in, it’s important to give a rundown of what falls under the umbrella of music theory. By knowing this, you’ll know if Guitar Tricks (or any other resource) has the information you need to know. 

Music theory is essentially the study of the fundamental aspects of music. In other words, it is the building blocks of how music is made. These aren’t necessarily rules to follow, but give a general guideline for things to sound good.

Some of the information you’d find in a music theory course include:

• Rhythmic studies
• Harmonic studies
• Studies of scales
• Building chords
• Key signatures
• Compositional techniques

Regardless of the instrument you play, you’ll likely be taught many of these concepts if you’re taught by an instructor. Even if you aren’t formally taught, you’ll probably intuitively understand some of these concepts. 

Knowing the labels to these concepts and how to communicate them is what tends to make your education worthwhile. Quite often, learning what you might already subconsciously know unlocks many doors for you as a guitarist. It can help you dive deeper into more complex concepts.

Final Thoughts, Does Guitar Tricks Teach Music Theory?

Yes, Guitar Tricks does teach music theory throughout their online lessons.

You’ve probably heard many famous guitarists say that they don’t know any music theory. The reality likely couldn’t be further from the truth. A capable guitarist likely knows some theory, even if they didn't actively take the time to learn it.

Music theory can be difficult in its higher levels, but the basics are extremely easy to learn. It doesn’t take a college-level course to understand how music theory works. Don’t fear this important topic because any tool you have in your kit will make you a better guitarist overall.