ROCK LIKE THE PROS TM

Beginning Class Guitar Method Second Edition

By Terry Carter

Rock Like The Pros Beginning Class Guitar Method is great for

The beginning guitarist

Those ready to take their playing to the next level

This 15 week method is proven to get you to:

Know more chords

Learn a variety of styles and songs
Learn to read music
Swing into the Blues
Learn to fingerpick
Learn TAB
Learn to improvise
Learn to ROCK!!!

Each chapter includes a recommended listening section

Check out VIDEOS and MP3s of the lessons at:

www.rocklikethepros.com
Distributed by:

ISBN: 978-0-9826151-2-6

Rock Like The Pros is a registered Trade Mark of Terry Carter

Edited by Jimmy Cheesman & Heather Carter

Photos by Adrienne Ewen-Foster
Cover design by Jeff Chamberlain

No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means without prior written permission from the
Writer and Publisher.

All Rights Reserved

Terry Carter 2012 www.rocklikethepros.com

Terry Carter 2012
ROCK LIKE THE PROS TM

Beginning Class Guitar Method

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Chapter One: Pages

Types of Guitars............................................................................................................................... 2
Parts of the Guitar ...............................................................................................................3
The Basics .....................................................................................................................................4-5
The Essentials................................................................................................................................... 6
Simple Rhythms (whole, half, & quarter notes) .............................................................................. 7
Understanding Chord Diagrams....................................................................................................... 8
Introduction to One Finger Chords (major, minor, & seventh) ....................................................... 9
Basic Strumming with One Finger Chords .............................................................................. 10-13
Shine On......................................................................................................................................... 14

Chapter Two:
Music Reading 1st String: E, F, & G Notes............................................................................... 16-18
Open Position Chords (major, minor, seventh, minor seventh, add & sus).................................... 19
Strumming with Open Position Chords .................................................................................... 20-21
Turning Point .................................................................................................................................. 22

Chapter Three:
Learn How to Read TAB ................................................................................................................ 24
Music Reading 2nd String Notes B, C, & D .............................................................................. 25-27
Intermediate Rhythms (whole, half, quarter, & eighth notes)........................................................ 28
Walking the Blues - One String Shuffle in A ................................................................................. 29
Heavens Gate................................................................................................................................. 30

Chapter Four:
Music Reading Strings 1-2 Review ................................................................................................ 32
The Blues Form............................................................................................................................... 33
Getting Started with the Blues Shuffle in A ................................................................................... 34
Blues Shuffle in A Variation #1................................................................................................... 35
My Baby.......................................................................................................................................... 36

Chapter Five:
Rhythms with Rests (whole, half, quarter, and eighth note rests) ................................................. 38
Cruisin (Duet strings 1-2) .............................................................................................................. 39
Minor Pentatonic Scale and Blues Scale ........................................................................................ 40
Blowin Away................................................................................................................................. 41
Meditatio #1 in A Minor ........................................................................................................... 42-43

Chapter Six:
Music Reading 3rd String: G & A Notes................................................................................... 45-47
Learn Power, 5th & Bar Chords ...................................................................................................... 48
Songs Using Power Chords Burning Rubber, Rebelling Youth, Running Wild........................... 49
Feelin the Pentatonic #1 - River Blues .......................................................................................... 50

Terry Carter 2012 www.rocklikethepros.com

 Chapter Seven:
Music Reading 3rd String: Americano Songs (Yankee Doodle, Aura Lee)..................................... 52
Shattered Hopes .............................................................................................................................. 53
Strumming Blues Shuffle in A........................................................................................................ 54
Country Strolling (P.I.M.A. fingerstyle pattern) ............................................................................. 55

Chapter Eight:
Music Reading Strings 1-3 Review ................................................................................................ 57
Redwood ......................................................................................................................................... 58
Blues Shuffle in A Variation #2................................................................................................... 59
Poison Apple................................................................................................................................... 60

Chapter Nine:
Twilight Night (Duet strings 1-3) ................................................................................................... 62
Feelin the Pentatonic #2 Gold Rush ........................................................................................... 63
Brentwood....................................................................................................................................... 64
Meditatio #2 in C Major ................................................................................................................. 65

Chapter Ten:
Understanding Sharps & Flats ........................................................................................................ 67
Music Reading 4th String: D, E, & F Notes .............................................................................. 68-70
Working Dog .................................................................................................................................. 71
Octave Jump Blues in A ................................................................................................................. 72

Chapter Eleven:
Music Reading Strings 1-4 Review ................................................................................................ 74
Horizons Sun................................................................................................................................... 75
Meditatio #3 in G Major ........................................................................................................... 76-77

Chapter Twelve:
Coronation (Duet strings 1-4) ......................................................................................................... 79
Bayliner........................................................................................................................................... 80
Groovin The Blues......................................................................................................................... 81

Chapter Thirteen:
Music Reading 5th String: A, B, & C Notes.............................................................................. 83-84
Lay Me Out ..................................................................................................................................... 85
Blues Shuffle in A Variation #3................................................................................................... 86

Chapter Fourteen:
Music Reading Strings 1-5 Review ................................................................................................ 88
Blues Shuffle in E ........................................................................................................................... 89
Meditatio #4 in E Minor ........................................................................................................... 90-91
Power Chord Canon in D................................................................................................................ 92

Chapter Fifteen:
Music Reading 6th String: E, F, & G Notes .............................................................................. 94-95
Rolling Thru Town ......................................................................................................................... 96
Fur Elise .......................................................................................................................................... 97
Greasy Blues in E ........................................................................................................................ 98
Moveable Bar Chords 6th and 5th Strings ................................................................................ 99-100

www.rocklikethepros.com Terry Carter 2012

 Music Symbols To Know
A variety of symbols, articulations, repeats, hammer on's, pull off's, bends, and slides.

U . >

& & & & &
Fermata: Hold note Staccato: Play note short Accent: Play note loud Accented Staccato: Vibrato:
Play loud & short Rapid "shaking"
of note.

gg j v
& ggg & & & &

ggg
Arpeggiated Chord: Grace Note: Mute: Down Stroke: Up Stroke:
Play the notes in fast Fast embellishment "Muffle" sound of Pick string(s) with Pick string(s) with
succession from low note played before strings either with an downward motion an upward motion
to high strings the main note left or right hand

2

& & & & &

Tie: Ledger Lines: Slash Notation: 1 Bar Repeat: 2 Bar Repeat:
Play first note but do Extend the staff Repeat notes & Repeat notes & Repeat notes
not play second note higher or lower. rhythms from rhythms from & rhythms from
previous measure previous measure previous 2 measures
that it is tied to

Repeat Sign: Repeat Sign: 1st Ending: 2nd Ending:

Play this part the first time only Play this part the second time

.
(Beginning) (End)

& .. .. .
1 2

& . .

D.C. al Fine - D.C. means go to the beginning of the tune and stop when you get to Fine

D.C. al Coda - D.C. means go to the beginning of the tune and jump to Coda fi when you see this sign

D.S. al Fine - D.S. means go to the Sign% and stop when you get to Fine

D.S. al Coda - D.S. means go to the Sign %and jump to the Coda fi when you see

Sim... - Play the same rhythm, strum pattern, or picking pattern as the previous measure

Etc... - Continue the same rhythm, strum pattern, or picking pattern as the previous measure

Terry Carter 2012

 Music Symbols To Know (pg. 2 of 2)

& & &

5 7 7 5 5 7 5

Hammer On: Pull Off: Hammer On & Pull Off:

Pick first note then hammer Pick first note then Pick first note, hammer on to
on to the next note without pull off to the next the next note, and pull off to
picking it. note without picking it. the last note all in one motion.

#
& & &
1/2 full 1 1/2

7 7 7

1/2 Step Bend: Whole Step Bend: Step & 1/2 Bend:
Bend the first note a Bend the first note a Bend the first note
1/2 step or 1 fret. whole step or 2 frets. 1 1/2 steps or 3 frets.

& & &

5 7 7 5 5 7 5

Forward Slide: Backward Slide: Forward/Backward Slide:

Pick first note and Pick first note and Pick first note, slide up to
slide up to higher note. slide back to lower note. next note and then slide back.

& & &

7 7 7

Slide Into Note: Slide Off Note: Slide Into Note then
Slide from 2-3 Slide off 2-5 Slide Off Note
frets below note frets after note

Terry Carter 2012

ROCK LIKE THE PROS TM

Beginning Class Guitar Method

CHAPTER ONE

Introduction

Types of Guitars
Parts of the Guitar
The Basics
The Essentials
Simple Rhythms (whole, half, and quarter notes)

Chords & Strumming

Understanding Chord Diagrams

Introduction to One Finger Chords
Basic Strumming with One Finger Chords
The D Chord
Learn the Song: Shine On

Recommended Listening (Artist & Album)

Folk/Rock Styles:
The Beatles Let It Be
Tom Petty Full Moon Fever

Check out VIDEOS and MP3s of the lessons at:

www.rocklikethepros.com

Terry Carter 2012 1

2 Terry Carter 2012
Terry Carter 2012 3
4 Terry Carter 2012
Terry Carter 2012 5
 The Essentials
It is important to learn & memorize these terms and symbols
because they not only apply to guitar but to all music.

Treble Clef or "G" Clef

Staff

& 44
1

Time Signature Measure or Bar

Bar Line End
Measure Numbers

q=120 Tempo Marking

Top Number: How Many Beats Per Measure
Rehearsal Marks

& 44 c

Bottom Number: What Kind of Note Gets the Beat

Common Time: Same as 4/4 Time

Notes On The Staff - There are seven notes in music (A, B, C, D, E, F, G) and they move up and down

alphabetically on the staff

&


E F G A B C D E F G A B C D E F G A B C

How To Remember The Notes:

Notes in the spaces

Notes on the lines

&
E (every) G (good) B (boy) D (does) F (fine) F A C E

6 Terry Carter 2012

 Simple Rhythms
Ex. 1 - 1

The 3 main rhythms in this lesson are whole notes, half notes, and quarter notes.

Whole Note Half Note Quarter Note

& | |
rings out for 4 beats rings out for 2 beats rings out for 1 beat

1a

& 44 | | | |
1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4

& 44 |
1b

| | | | | | |
1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4

& 44 |
1c

| | | | |
1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4

& 44
1d

1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4

& 44 |
1e

| | |
1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4

& 44 |
1f
| | |
1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4

& 44 |
1g
| | |
1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4

& 44 |
1h
| | |
1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4

Terry Carter 2012 7

 Understanding Chord Diagrams
Low High String Names
E A D G B E
6 5 4 3 2 1 String Numbers

Nut
1st Fret

2nd Fret Frets

3rd Fret

Strings

C
Name of the Chord

Do Not Play String x ` ` Open String (no finger on string)

5 2nd String, 1st Fret

5 4th String, 2nd Fret

Where to Place Fingers

5 5th String, 3rd Fret

What Fingers of the

3 2 1 Left Hand to Use

8 Terry Carter 2012

 One Finger Open Position Chords
Plus A Few More
A chord is when two or more notes are played at the same time. Major, minor, and seventh chords are
some of the most widely used chords in all styles of music including rock, pop, folk, blues, jazz, R&B,
hip hop, and country. Major Chords have a bright or "happy" sound to them, Minor Chords (indicated
by "min" "m" or "mi") have a dark or "sad" sound to them, and Seventh Chords have a "bluesy" sound.
The chords below are called open position chords because each chord contains at least one open string.

One Finger Chords:

G C E G7 E min
xxx ` ` x xx ` `
5 5
x x x `` xxx ` `
5 xx x ` ` `

5
3 1 1 1

Here Are The "Big Kid" Versions Of The Chords Above:

G C E G7 E min
`` x ` 5` ` 5`` ` `` 5 ` `` `
55 5 55 55 55 55
21 3 32 1 231 32 1 23

Here Are A Few More To Know:

G D A min
5
`` xx `
555
x`
55 5`
5 55
21 34 132 231
Alternate 'G' Chord

Terry Carter 2012 9

 Basic Strumming With
One Finger Chords
Now that we have learned the one finger chord shapes, it is time to incorporate right hand strum patterns. If
there is no chord written in a measure, then you use the same chord as the previous measure. Each exercise
uses rhythmic notation, which shows the type of note to be strummed: whole notes, half notes, or quarter notes.
Rhythmic notation does not indicate any specific pitch. The exercise is over when you come to the double

&
bar line.
END

Ex. 1 - 2 In this exercise you play the "G" chord using whole notes for the entire exercise. Whole notes
get held and ring for 4 beats. The indicates that you strum the guitar with a down stroke
(towards the floor). It is very important that you count. Counting will help keep an even
tempo and help the flow of the song. Count in your head, out loud, or by tapping your foot.
G
x xx``

5





& 44 |
3

| | |
1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4

Ex. 1 - 3 This exercise uses half notes. Half notes get held for two beats each, therefore you will strum
on beats one and three of each meausre. You will only use down strokes for this exercise.
C
x xx` `
5

4








1

&4 | | | | | | | |
1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4

TIP: Begin memorizing the chord names and shapes. The chords will become easier once your fingers
develop muscle memory for each chord.

10 Terry Carter 2012

 Basic Strumming With One Finger Chords

Ex. 1 - 4 This exercise uses quarter notes which get held for one beat. You will strum the "E" chord on
every beat.

E
x xx ` `
5

4
















1

&4
1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4

Ex. 1 - 5 This strum pattern uses two quarter notes and a half note. You will strum on beats 1, 2, 3, and
let the chord ring for beat 4. You will use down strokes for the entire exercise.
G7
xx x``
5

4












&4 | | | |
1

1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4

Ex. 1 - 6 This exercise uses half notes and switches between two chords. This progression starts on the
"C" chord, goes to the "G7" chord, and returns to the "C" chord.

C G7 C
xx x`` x xx` `
x xx` `
5 5 5

4








1 1 1

&4 | | | | | | | |
1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4

Terry Carter 2012 11

 Basic Strumming With One Finger Chords

Ex. 1 - 7 This chord progression will help you get used to switching strings with your first finger.
Follow the repeat signs and play this exercise twice.

E C G7 C
x xx ` ` x xx` ` xx x`` x xx` `
Repeat Sign 5 5 5 5 Repeat Sign
(Beginning) (End)

4 .











..
1 1 1 1

&4 . | | | |
1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4

Ex. 1 - 8 This exercise uses quarter notes and will give you practice switching from the "C" chord to
the "G7" chord. Make sure to count and follow the repeat signs.

C G7 C G7
x xx` ` xx x`` x xx` ` xxx``
5 5 5 5

4




1



1



1



.
&4 . ..
1

1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4

Ex. 1 - 9 This three chord exercise gives you practice switching strings and frets. Make sure you use
your third finger to play the "G" chord. In the last measure the rhythm changes to a whole note.

C G G7 C
x xx` ` x x x`` xx x`` xxx` `
5 5 5
5

4










1 3 1 1

&4 | | | |
1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4

12 Terry Carter 2012

 Basic Strumming With One Finger Chords

Ex. 1 - 10 This exercise is one we have seen before but the chord boxes have been removed and requires
you to have the chord shapes memorized.

C G7 C G7
4








.
&4 .| | | | | | | | ..

1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4

Ex. 1 - 11 This exercise requires you to switch chords every measure. When playing look ahead a beat,
so when it is time to switch chords you are mentally ready to make the change.

C E C G
4 .











..
&4 . | | | |
1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4

Ex. 1 - 12 Adding the "D Major" chord. This example uses the "D" chord mixed in with some of the
other one finger chords you have been working on.

G C G D
x x x`` x xx` ` x x x`` x x`
5 555
5 5

4

1

1 3 2
& 4 .. | ..
3 3

| | |
1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4

Terry Carter 2012 13

 Shine On
Ex. 1 - 13

(In the style of Let It Be)

This song starts off with the one finger chords (except the "D" chord). The strum pattern starts off with

v
half notes and then moves to quarter notes and then hits its main rhythm by the Chorus which includes
up strokes ( ). You can play any of the 3 strum patterns for the entire song. Don't miss the repeat signs.
If the one finger chords are too easy try the full open position chords shown in the chorus.
q=60
Intro G D E min C G D C G
xxx` ` xx` x xx` ` ` xxx` ` xxx` ` xx` xxx` ` xxx` `
555 5 5 55 5
5 5 5

4




&4 | | | |
3 132 1 3 132 1 3
Sim...

Slash Notation means to continue playing the previous strum pattern

1 (2) 3 (4) 1 (2) 3 (4)

Verse
G D E min C G D C G
xxx` ` xx` x xx` ` ` x x x` ` xx x` ` xx ` x x x` ` xx x` `
55 5 5 555 5
5 5 5

.








& .
3 132 1 3 132 1 3

Sim...

5
1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 Sim...

G D E min C G D C G
xx x` ` xx` x xx` ` ` x xx` `
5 55 5 xxx` ` xx `
55 5 5
xx x` ` xx x` `

5 5 5

&
3 132 1 3 132 1 3

Chorus
E min D C G G D C G
` ` `` xx` x ` 5` `` `` xx ` x ` 5` ``
55 5 55 5 5 5
5 55 55 55 5 55 5 5 5
5 55


v

v

v

v Sim...
& ..
23 132 32 1 21 34 21 34 132 32 1 21 34

13
1 (+) 2 + 3 (+) 4 + 1 (+) 2 + 3 (+) 4 + Sim...

14 Terry Carter 2012

ROCK LIKE THE PROS TM

Beginning Class Guitar Method

CHAPTER TWO

Reading

Learn 1st String Notes: E, F, & G

Play Exercises & Songs using E, F, & G Notes

Chords & Strumming

Learn Open Position Chords: Major, Minor, Seventh, Minor Seventh, Add & Sus
Strumming with Open Position Chords
Learn the Song: Turning Point

Recommended Listening (Artist & Album)

Rock/Pop Styles:
Green Day International Superhits!
Led Zeppelin Led Zeppelin

Check out VIDEOS and MP3s of the lessons at:

www.rocklikethepros.com

Terry Carter 2012 15

 Music Reading 1st String
E, F, & G Notes
E F G
` 5
5
w w 1 w 3
&
E F G

We begin our first lesson in music reading by learning the E, F, and G notes on the "E" or the first string.
The "E" note is played by playing the first string open with no finger on it. The "F" note is located on
the first fret of the first string and played with the first finger. The "G" note is located on the third fret of
the first string and is played with the third finger.

Ex. 2 - 1 This exercise uses the E, F, & G notes and is played using whole notes. The note names have
been written under each note to help you learn and identify the notes. It is important to see the
visual difference of where each note lies on the staff. MAKE SURE TO COUNT!!!

4 w w w w w
&4
E F G F E
1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4

Ex. 2 - 2 The E, F, and G notes are mixed up in this example but still only use whole notes so you should
only play a note on beat 1 and let the note ring out for beats 2, 3, & 4.

w w w w w w w
& 44
1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4

TIP: It is a good idea to go through the exercise and say the notes before you attempt to play them.

16 Terry Carter 2012

 Music Reading: E, F, & G Notes

Ex. 2 - 3 This exercise uses half notes, so you will play a note on beats 1 and 3. Make sure to hold the
half notes for two full beats and don't cut the note short.

& 44
1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4

Ex. 2 - 4 This exercise is similar to Ex. 2-3 except that it starts on the "G" note. Notice the exercise mainly
uses half notes except in the last measure which uses a whole note.

4 w
&4
1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4

Ex. 2 - 5 This exercise uses quarter notes so you will play a note on every beat.

4
&4
1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4

Ex. 2 - 6 This exercise uses quarter notes and starts on the "G" note. It is important to count and not
lose your place in the music.

4
&4
1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4

Terry Carter 2012 17

 Music Reading: E, F, & G Notes

Ex. 2 - 7 This rhythm uses a combination of quarter notes and half notes. In each measure you will play
on beats 1, 2, & 3 and let the last note ring out for beat 4.

4 w
&4
1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4

Ex. 2 - 8 The Mix Up - This song will contain the E, F, & G notes in no particular order while using
several different rhythms.

4
&4
1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4

Ex. 2 - 9 The Great Escape - Notice the repeat signs at the beginning and the end of the song, so play
through the song twice.

4
& 4 .. ..
1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4

Ex. 2 - 10 Desert Skies - Make sure to play twice because of the repeat signs.

4
.
&4 . ..
1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4

18 Terry Carter 2012

 Open Position Chords
Major, Minor, Seventh, Minor Seventh, Add, & Sus
We have practiced the one finger chords, so now it's time to focus our attention on the complete set of Major, Minor,
Seventh, Minor Seventh, Add, & Sus open position chords. These chords are some of the most widely used chords
in all styles of music including rock, pop, folk, jazz, country, R&B, and hip-hop. These are called open position chords
because each chord (except the "F") contains at least one open string. These chords will require you to use at least
three fingers per chord.

Major Chords:
G C D E A G
`` x
5` ` xx
` ` 5`` x
` ` ```
55 55 5 5 555 55 555 55 5
21 34 32 1 132 231 213 21 3
Alternate Fingering
Minor Chords:
A min D min E min
x
`
55 5 ` xx
`
555
`
55
`` `

231 231 23

Dominant Seventh Chords:

A7 B7 C7 D7 E7 G7
555 5 5` 555 55
x
` ` ` x
` x xx
` ` ` `` ``` 5
55 5
55 5 5
2 3 213 4 3241 213 2 1 32 1

Minor Seventh Chords:

A min7 D min7 E min7 B min7
55 555
x xx x
` ` ` ` ` ` ` `
55 55 555
2 1 211 12 34 2 3 4

Sus & Add Chords & The "F" Chord:

D sus4 D sus2 A sus2 A sus4 Cadd9 F
xx
`
5 55
xx
`
55
` x
`
55
`` x
`
55 5
` x
` xx
55
5 5 55 5 5
134 13 23 234 21 34 3211

Terry Carter 2012 19

 Strumming With
Open Position Chords
Now that we have learned the full open position chords, it is time to practice switching between them and
adding a strum pattern. These chord shapes can take time to master, so make sure to follow the fingerings,
practice slow, and be patient.

Ex. 2 - 11 In this exercise you play the "G" chord using whole notes for 2 measures and then switch to the
"Cadd9" chord for one measure and back to the "G" chord for the last measure. To switch from the
"G" chord to the "Cadd9" chord simply move the 1st & 2nd fingers down to strings 4 & 5 while
keeping the 3rd & 4th fingers on strings 1 & 2. Make sure to count while tapping your
foot to the beat.

G C add 9 G
`` x ` ``
55 55 5 5 55 55 55

4




21 34 21 34 21 34

&4 | | | |
1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4

Ex. 2 - 12 This exercise is similar to Ex. 2 - 11 but indrouces the "Dsus4" chord. Notice how the "Dsus4"
chord keeps the 3rd & 4th fingers down on strings 1 & 2 like the "G" and "Cadd9" chords.

G C add 9 D sus4
`` x ` xx`

55 55 5 5 55 5 55

4




21 34 21 34 134

&4 | | | |
1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4

TIP: Memorize the chord names and shapes and it will make it easier to switch between the chords.

20 Terry Carter 2012

 Strumming With Open Position Chords

Ex. 2 - 13 This exercise introduces the "D" chord. Watch the fingering it is similar to the "Dsus4" chord
but slightly different. This exercise uses half notes and is repeated twice.

G D C add 9
`` x x` x `
5 5 55 555 5 5 55

4








. ..
21 34 132 21 34

&4 .| | | | | | | |
1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4

Ex. 2 - 14 This exercise introduces the full "E minor" (Emin) chord. Minor chords have a "dark" or "sad"
sound to them compared to the major chords.

E min C add 9 G D
` ``` x ` `` xx`
55 5 5 55 5 5 55 555

4








. ..
23 21 34 21 34 132

&4 .| | | | | | | |
1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4

Ex. 2 - 15 This exercise introduces the "A" chord. There are many possible fingerings for the "A" chord
but try the one that is written. Also pay attention to the repeat signs.

D A G D
x x` x` ` `` x x`
555 555 55 55 555

4





. .. |
132 213 21 34 132

&4 .| | | |
1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4

Terry Carter 2012 21

 Turning Point
Ex. 2 -16

(In the style of Time Of Your Life)

This song starts out with simple rhythms and gradually progresses to the main rhythm by the chorus.

has repeat signs. This symbol ( ) is called a one bar repeat, which means to play the same rhythm and
For all the chords keep your 3rd & 4th fingers on the 1st & 2nd strings. Each section (except the chorus)

chord (unless a new chord is indicated) as the previous measure. The tempo for this song is
84 b.p.m. (beats per measure) and is played with a pop/rock feel.

q=84
Intro G C add9 D sus4
`` x ` xx`

55 55 5 5 55 5 55

4 .



..
&4 .| | | |
21 34 21 34 134

1 (2) (3) (4) 1 (2) (3) (4) 1 (2) (3) (4) 1 (2) (3) (4)

Verse G C add9 D sus4

`` x ` xx`
55 5 5 5 5 55 5 55

.

v
..
& . |
21 34
21 34 134

5
1 (+) 2 + 3 (+) (4) (+)

Pre-Chorus
E min7 D sus4 C add9 G
` ` xx` x ` ``
55 55 5 55 5 5 55 55 55

& .. ..
12 34 134 21 34 21 34

Chorus
E min7 G E min7 G E min7 D sus4
` ` `` ` ` `` ` ` xx`
55 5 5 55 55 55 55 55 55 55 55 5 55

v
v

&
12 34 21 34 12 34 21 34 12 34 134

13
To Intro
1 (+) 2 + 3 + 4 (+)
22 Terry Carter 2012
ROCK LIKE THE PROS TM

Beginning Class Guitar Method

CHAPTER THREE

Reading

Learn 2nd String Notes: B, C, & D

Play Exercises and Songs using the 1st & 2nd Strings

TAB

Learn How To READ TAB

Learn Beginning TAB Songs:
The Countdown
June Gloom
Warming It Up

Blues

Learn to Play: Walking The Blues - One String Shuffle in A

Chords & Strumming

Intermediate Rhythms (whole, half, quarter, and eighth notes)

Learn the Song: Heavens Gate

Recommended Listening (Artist & Album)

Pop/Rock Styles:
Bob Dylan Highway 61 Revisited
Eric Clapton From The Cradle

Check out VIDEOS and MP3s of the lessons at:

www.rocklikethepros.com

Terry Carter 2012 23

 How To Read TAB
Tablature (TAB) is a form of music reading for guitar that has been around for a long time. The
TAB staff has 6 lines and each line represents a string on the guitar. The numbers represent
the fret you play on and are located on the string you play them on. Check out the examples
below. In many books and magazines, music will be generally notated with the "normal" staff
Strings above and the TAB staff below, i.e. The Countdown.
(Numbers & Letters)
1st String, 0 Fret (open)
4th String, 2nd Fret
6th String, 1st Fret
1 E - HIGH 0 7
T 2 B 3
A 3
4
G
D 0 2
B 5
6
A
E - LOW 1
4th String, 0 Fret 2nd String, 3rd Fret 1st String, 7th Fret

Ex. 3 - 1 The Countdown

& 44 .. ..
b b

. .
1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 +

. 1 0 1
.
0 0 1 3 0 0 0 0 1 3 0 0

Ex. 3 - 2 June Gloom

& 44 .. ..
# # n #w

. .
1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 1 2 3 4

. 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
.
2 2 3 3 2 2 0 0 1 2

# # # #
Ex. 3 - 3 Warming It Up

4
&4 b n b n b n #
b n # # #
1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 +

1 2 3 4
1 2 3 4
1 2 3 4
1 2 3 4
1 2 3 4
1 2 3 4

24 Terry Carter 2012

 Music Reading 2nd String:
B, C, & D Notes
B C D
` 5
5
w w
& w
1 3

B C D

Our second lesson in music reading introduces the B, C, and D notes on the "B" or second string. The
"B" note is played by playing the second string open with no finger on it. The "C" note is located on
the first fret of the second string and played with the first finger. The "D" note is located on the third fret
of the second string and is played with the third finger.

Ex. 3 - 4 This exercise uses the B, C, & D notes and is played using whole notes. The note names have
been written under each note to help you learn and identify the notes. It is important to see the
visual difference of where each note lies on the staff. MAKE SURE YOU COUNT!!!

& 44 w w w w w
B C D C B
1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4

Ex. 3 - 5 This exercise still only uses the B, C, & D notes, which are played using half notes.

4
&4
1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4

Ex. 3 - 6 This exercise still uses the B, C, and D notes, using quarter notes.

& 44
1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4

TIP: Memorize the placement of the B, C, and D notes to make the reading easier when the 1st String
notes E, F, and G are added to the exercises.

Terry Carter 2012 25

 Music Reading: B, C, & D Notes

Ex. 3 - 7 This is a review of the six notes that we have learned: B, C, D, E, F, & G. Check out the TAB
to refresh the notes. Make sure you are playing these notes using the correct fingerings.

w w w
& 44 w w w
B C D E F G
0 1 3
T 0 1 3
A
B
Fingering: 1 3 1 3

Ex. 3 - 8 Jumpin' Rope - This song uses half notes and works on notes on both the "E" and the "B"
strings. The letters above the staff, i.e. D7, G7, A7 are the chords that go along with the melody,
and are not the same as the note names. The seventh chords help give it a "bluesy" feel.

These are the chords that go with the song. These are not the notes of the song.

& 44
w
D7 G7 D7 A7 D7

1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4

Ex. 3 - 9 Strollin' - Watch for the half notes and the whole note. This song mainly uses the notes on
the second string, but notice the "E" note on the 1st string in measure 4.

& 44

G C D7 G C D7 G
w
1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4

Ex. 3 - 10 Cinco Blues - The A7, D7, & E7 chords are the 3 chords used in a "Blues in A" song.

w
& 44

A7 D7 A7 E7 D7 A7

1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4

26 Terry Carter 2012

 Music Reading: B, C, & D Notes

Ex. 3 - 11 Whistlin' - Don't stop playing until you get to the END.

C C G C G C

& 44

C

C G

G

F

C
&

End

Ex. 3 - 12 Ode To Joy - This familiar classical song was written by Ludwig Van Beethoven. Notice
the time signature is written in COMMON TIME (Same as 4/4).

C

G

C

C

G

& c

C G C G C

&

G C G C G C C G

&

C G C G C

&

Terry Carter 2012 27

 Intermediate Rhythms
Ex. 3 - 13

The 4 main rhythms in this lesson are whole notes, half notes, quarter notes, and eighth notes.
Eighth Notes
Whole Note Half Note Quarter Note

& | |
rings out for 4 beats rings out for 2 beats rings out for 1 beat rings out for 1/2 a beat 1/8 notes connected

J
13a

& 44 | | |
13b 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 +

& 44
1 2 3 4 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 1 2 3 4 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 +

& 44 |
13c
| | |
1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 +
13d

& 44
1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 +
13e

& 44
1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 +
13f
4
&4
1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 +
13g
4
&4
1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 +
13h

& 44
1 + 2 + (3) + 4 + 1 + 2 + (3) + 4 + 1 + 2 + (3) + 4 + 1 + 2 + (3) + 4 +

28 Terry Carter 2012

Ex. 3 - 14
Walking The Blues
One String Shuffle In A
This is our first introduction to the blues, which will be explained further in upcoming chapters.
For now realize that each phrase is played on the 1st string and as you move from chord to chord,
the phrase is played the same, except it switches strings. Play this with a swing (shuffle) feel. Start
by using all downstrokes and then try alternate picking (down, up, down up, etc...). The Sim. stands
for simile and means to continue playing the previous pattern.
q=66
Swing (Shuffle) Feel

q q =q e
3

A7
### 4 .
v
v
v
v
& 4 .
Sim...

1 b n
Counting: 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + Sim...

T .
A .
B 0 0 4 4 5 5 6 7

Left Hand: 0 0 1 1 2 2 3 4 Sim...

### D A7
7

& n b n b n
5

0 0 4 4 5 5 6 7

0 0 4 4 5 5 6 7

###
E7 D7 A7 E7
& b n ..
b n n
bn b n
9

.
0 0 4 4 5 5 6 7
0 0 4 4 55 6 7
.
0 0 4 4 5 5 6 7 0 0 4 4 5 5 6 7

Terry Carter 2012 29

 Heaven's Gate
Ex. 3 - 15

(In the style of Knockin' On Heaven's Door)

This song introduces the "Amin" chord. Start playing the "G" and "C" chord using the one finger
chords and once mastered use the full open position "G" and "C" chords. Make sure to try all the
various strum patterns that happen in the Intro, Verse, and Chorus. Finally try playing the alternate
strum pattern at the bottom of the page.
q=60
G D C G D C
Intro xxx`` xx` xxx` ` xxx`` xx` xxx` `
5 55 5 55 5 5
5 5
# 4 .





..
& 4 .| | | | | |
3 132 1 3 132 1

1 (2) 3 (4) 1 (2) (3) (4) 1 (2) 3 (4) 1 (2) (3) (4)

Verse G D
G D A min C
xxx`` xx` x`
55 5
xxx`` xx` xxx` `
5 55
`
555 5
5 5
# .







..
& .| | | | | | | |
3 132 231 3 132 1

5
1 (2) 3 (4) 1 (2) 3 (4) 1 (2) 3 (4) 1 (2) 3 (4)

Chorus
G D A min G D C
xx` x` xx ` x
555
`` ` `` ` 5`
55 5 5 55 5 55 55 555 5 5

# .
















& . ..
21 34 132 231 21 34 132 32 1

9
1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4
To Verse
Alternate Strum Pattern

#

v

v

v

v
G D C

&
1 (+) 2 + 3 (+) 4 + 1 (+) 2 + 3 (+) 4 +

30 Terry Carter 2012