music_note note reading: how to read musical notes on a staff

This is very helpful not only for guitar, but, since many instruments employ the same system of notation as guitar, this skill could some day enable you to learn piano, flute, clarinet, or one of several other instruments.

music_note how to read and write guitar tablature ("tabs."):

This is a language of notation specific to guitar, which most players know how to use. Mastery of this system will allow you to download songs from the internet and be able to play them without any instruction.

music_note music theory:

Many people can play the guitar, but most guitarists aren't aware of the mathematical connections which make certain chords sound good together. That is why All County Guitar offers instruction in music theory as it relates to the songs you learn. You will understand why certain songs are written in particular keys, and why various chords and notes sound good together. A working knowledge of music theory can also prepare you for:

music_note lead guitar playing ("soloing"):

A working knowledge of music theory (keys, scales, etc.) can prepare you to be a good accompanist -- in other words, to play "lead guitar" and be the soloist in your band.

music_note songwriting:

Once you understand how chords and notes are combined to sound good together, you can write your own songs! Dan has helped many of his students to write their own songs, and many of his former students are now recording alone or with bands.

music_note ear training:

One of the skills which Dan uses a great deal in his teaching is the ability to play a song on the basis of hearing a recording of it. And, once you gain a working knowledge of music theory, you, too, can learn to play the songs you hear on CD's and your computer -- without waiting for anyone to teach them to you!