Theory Basics - Mapping Notes - Guitar Course
Guitar Lessons with Sam Bell
Theory Basics - Mapping Notes
Lessons Included in this Course
Course Content Overview
This comprehensive course provides a structured approach to learning the guitar fretboard and the fundamentals of music theory. Here’s a breakdown of the lesson contents:
- **Finding Notes on the E String**: Learn to identify every note on the low E string, a crucial skill for understanding root notes and building chords.
- **Finding Notes on the A String**: Master the notes on the A string, essential for building strong rhythm guitar skills and understanding common chord progressions.
- **Finding Notes on the D & G Strings**: Unlock the potential of the middle strings for creating richer harmonies and melodic phrases.
- **Finding Notes on the B & E Strings**: Discover the role of the high B and E strings in lead guitar, solos, and melody lines.
- **Tones & Semitones**: Understand the fundamental building blocks of Western music and how they create scales and chords.
- **Constructing the Major Scale**: Learn the formula for building the major scale in any key, a cornerstone of music theory.
- **E Major Pentatonic Scale**: Master the E major pentatonic scale, a versatile tool for soloing in rock, blues, and pop music.
- **Basic Intervals**: Explore the world of intervals and learn how they form the basis of all chords and melodies.
- **Third & Fifth Intervals**: Dive deeper into the most common intervals to understand their harmonic function and use them in your playing.
- **Basic Intervals Applied to a Scale**: Learn how to apply your knowledge of intervals to scales, opening up new melodic possibilities.
- **Taking It Further**: Discover how to apply these concepts creatively and continue your journey into the world of music theory.
This Course is Ideal for Players Who...
This course is perfect for a wide range of guitarists, from complete beginners to more experienced players looking to fill in the gaps in their knowledge. It is ideal for:
- **Beginner guitarists** who want to start their journey with a solid foundation in music theory and fretboard knowledge.
- **Intermediate players** who can play chords and scales but want to understand the theory behind them.
- **Self-taught guitarists** who want to formalize their understanding of music theory and break free from relying solely on tab.
- **Aspiring songwriters and composers** who want to learn the building blocks of music to create their own original songs.
- **Guitarists who feel stuck in a rut** and want to unlock new creative possibilities on the fretboard.
What will I achieve from completing this course?
Theory Basics - Mapping Notes is more than just a collection of lessons; it’s a structured, practical, and engaging learning experience. Here’s why this course is so effective:
- **Practical Application**: This course focuses on applying theory directly to the guitar, so you’re not just learning abstract concepts but using them to make music.
- **Expert Instruction**: Sam Bell is a world-class guitarist and an experienced educator who breaks down complex topics into easy-to-understand lessons.
- **Structured Learning Path**: The course is logically structured to build your knowledge progressively, ensuring you have a solid foundation before moving on to more advanced topics.
- **Fretboard Mastery**: By the end of this course, you will have a comprehensive map of the fretboard in your head, allowing you to navigate it with ease and confidence.
- **Boost Your Creativity**: Understanding music theory is the key to unlocking your creative potential as a guitarist, and this course provides you with that key.
WE CAN HELP...
1-ON-1 COACHING
Access to thousands of lessons is great, but without a plan you can feel like you’re practicing in circles. Book your FREE 1-on-1 video call with a Licklibrary pro to fix your technique, build a practice plan, get motivated, or overcome any challenge. It's all included in your membership!
Theory Basics - Mapping Notes by Sam Bell
The "Theory Basics - Mapping Notes" course designed by Sam Bell offers a comprehensive and engaging introduction to fundamental guitar theory and techniques. Each lesson is tailored to build the guitarist's understanding of musical structures directly on their instrument, making the complex concepts of music theory accessible and immediately applicable.
Finding Notes on the E String
Starting with the E string, Sam Bell teaches how to identify each note along this crucial guitar string. This lesson is fundamental as the E string provides the root notes for many chords and scales. Learning these notes improves the ability to quickly form chords and transition between scales, enhancing overall playing speed and confidence.
Finding Notes on the A String
Similarly, the lessons progress to the A string, where students learn to locate notes effectively. Mastery of the A string notes aids in developing strong rhythm guitar skills, as many popular rock and blues progressions rely on these notes for their base.
Finding Notes on the D & G Strings
Understanding the notes on the D and G strings opens up a range of possibilities for playing melodies and richer harmonies. These strings are often used in the composition of chord inversions and playing multiple notes in harmony, crucial for creating diverse musical textures.
Finding Notes on the B & E Strings
The B and high E strings are highlighted next, where students learn their unique role in playing lead guitar. Notes on these strings are pivotal for solos and melody lines, making this knowledge invaluable for aspiring lead guitarists.
Tones & Semitones
Sam Bell explains the building blocks of Western music—tones and semitones. Understanding how these intervals contribute to scale and chord structures is essential for every guitarist looking to compose or improvise music.
Constructing the Major Scale
The construction of the major scale is taught in a clear, step-by-step approach, emphasizing its importance in numerous musical genres. This knowledge is crucial for improvisation and understanding the relationship between scales and chords.
E Major Pentatonic Scale
Focusing on the E major pentatonic scale, this lesson provides students with a powerful tool for soloing over a variety of musical backdrops. The pentatonic scale is a staple in genres such as rock, blues, and jazz.
Basic Intervals
An understanding of basic intervals, such as thirds and fifths, is developed through practical applications. Sam Bell demonstrates how these intervals are the foundation for constructing chords and creating melodic lines.
Third & Fifth Intervals
Deeper exploration into third and fifth intervals helps students understand their harmonic functions. These intervals are essential for crafting more complex chords and melodies.
Basic Intervals Applied to a Scale
Applying basic intervals to scales shows students how to expand their melodic horizons. This lesson enhances the ability to create varied and interesting solos by combining scale knowledge with intervallic understanding.
Taking It Further
The course concludes with advanced concepts and encourages students to apply their knowledge creatively in various musical contexts. This fosters an explorative learning environment where students can grow beyond the basics.
Performance by the Tutor
Each lesson is complemented by a performance from Sam Bell, demonstrating the practical use of the techniques in a musical context. Watching these performances helps students see the direct application of theoretical concepts, providing a clearer understanding of how these techniques enhance musical expression and improvisation.
Guitar Techniques Used
At the end of each section, students are introduced to various guitar techniques that complement the theoretical knowledge gained. This integration of theory and practice ensures a well-rounded learning experience.
Techniques List:
This course not only provides a solid foundation in guitar theory but also equips students with the skills necessary for expressive and dynamic guitar playing.
Related Guitar Courses
Start playing electric guitar with Jamie Humphries at Lick Library. Learn chords, riffs and essential techniques for beginners.
Learn how chords and scales work together with Stuart Bull at Lick Library. Improve fretboard understanding and soloing confidence.
Master rock and metal scales with Richard Shaw at Lick Library. This guitar course unlocks modes, pentatonics, powerful soloing and riffs across the fretboard.
Explore advanced pentatonic concepts with Alex Machacek at Lick Library. Learn modern approaches to scales for creative rock and fusion soloing.
Unlock fretboard mastery with Lick Library’s Fretboard Freedom Master Plan by Nick Jennison. Learn guitar theory, scales, modes and shapes to solo confidently anywhere.
Build confident, expressive solos with Improvise Without Fear by Richard Shaw on Lick Library. Learn guitar improvisation, phrasing, melody and dynamics without relying on scales.
Learn to solo with modes using Danny Gill at Lick Library. Understand modal sounds and applications for creative rock and fusion improvisation.
Learn to make the fretboard work for you with Matthew Von Doran at Lick Library. Improve navigation, patterns and musical understanding.
Explore fusion guitar with Stuart Bull and Tom Quayle at Lick Library. Learn advanced phrasing, harmony and modern improvisation concepts.
Explore modern guitar concepts with Tom Quayle at Lick Library. Learn advanced harmony, phrasing and creative ideas for contemporary and fusion guitar playing.
Lick Library guitar lesson with Sam Bell’s 30 Minute Practice Routine, a focused daily practice system to build technique, timing and confidence fast for all players.
Learn the CAGED system from scratch with Danny Gill at Lick Library. Understand chord shapes and fretboard navigation to unlock confident guitar playing.
Master rhythm theory with Sam Bell at Lick Library. Learn timing, subdivisions and groove concepts to improve feel and precision on guitar.
Learn harmony and theory basics with Danny Gill at Lick Library. Build a strong understanding of chords, scales and essential music theory for guitar.
Transform your playing with triads taught by Sofie Veie at Lick Library. Learn shapes, movement and creative uses across the fretboard.
Develop your theory knowledge with Danny Gill at Lick Library. Explore chords, scales and harmony to improve songwriting and improvisation skills.
Improve your guitar playing fast with Danny Gill at Lick Library. Learn quick, effective lessons designed to build skills in short practice sessions.
Learn the mechanics of electric guitar with Lee Hodgson at Lick Library. Build strong foundations in technique, tone and practical playing skills.
Learn structured guitar development with Rick Graham at Lick Library. Improve technique, phrasing and musical direction.
Master guitar modes with Nick Jennison at Lick Library. Learn how modes work, how they sound and how to apply them musically in real playing.
Learn rock improvisation with Sam Bell at Lick Library. Develop phrasing, scales and lead guitar confidence.
Train technique with Sam Bell’s Guitar Gym at Lick Library. This guitar course uses Mixolydian workouts to build speed, legato, tapping, bends and expressive solos.
Start your rock guitar journey with Week 1 of Lick Library’s Rock Guitar in 6 Weeks. Learn fundamental chords, rhythm techniques, and classic rock riffs perfect for beginners.
Complete the Pro Concepts series with Michael Casswell at Lick Library. Refine advanced guitar skills and professional approaches to playing and tone.
Learn practical music theory for guitar with Nick Jennison at Lick Library. Master scales, chords, modes and harmony to unlock the fretboard and play with confidence.
Explore the art of improvisation with Rick Graham at Lick Library. Learn creative phrasing, technique and modern approaches to lead guitar.
Learn the Ionian mode with Danny Gill at Lick Library. Develop melodic rock phrasing and major key solo ideas inspired by Slash.
Learn the Mixolydian mode with Danny Gill at Lick Library. Explore rock phrasing and melodic ideas inspired by Eddie Van Halen’s style.
Improve alternate picking with Danny Gill at Lick Library. Build speed, accuracy and control with focused guitar practice routines.
Train your guitar in minor keys with Lick Library’s Levi Clay Guitar Fit routine, building speed, control and expression using proven modern guitar techniques.
