Performance Pieces

The pieces from the grade book have been created to allow demonstration of suitable technical and performance elements appropriate for the level of qualification.

The pieces in the grade book can be used for both the Grade Exam and Performance Certificate. At Debut they are short, typically up to one minute in duration. The expectation and length of pieces are designed so candidates can demonstrate the required assessment criteria.

Featured Repertoire:

• Bob Dylan – Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door
• Bill Withers - Ain’t No Sunshine
• Jason Mraz - I’m Yours
• The Lumineers – Ho Hey
• The Beatles – Eleanor Rigby
• Ben E. King – Stand By Me

Technical Exercises

At Debut there are three groups of technical work: Scales, Chords and Acoustic Riff.

All exercises need to be played in straight feel, in the keys, octaves and tempos shown. Candidates may use their book during the exam for all groups.

Group A needs to be played to a click. The examiner will play the click at the given tempo and candidates should begin to play after four clicks.

Group B is played as a continuous sequence, with each chord announced by the examiner.

Group C is played to a backing track.

GROUP A – Scales
Tempo: 65bpm
Rhythms: Quarter Notes
Range: One octave

• C major

• E minor pentatonic

• A minor pentatonic

GROUP B – Arpeggios/Broken Chords
Open position chords. Individual chords will be strummed once as directed by the examiner.

• Major: A, D, C G

• Minor: Am, Em

GROUP C – Acoustic Riff
The riff shown in bar 1 should be played in the same shape in bars 2–4. The root note of the pattern to be played is shown in the music in each of the subsequent three bars.

Supporting Tests

Sight Reading

At Debut candidates will be offered the choice between Sight Reading or Improvisation & Interpretation. Both are previously unseen and examples of each are given in the grade book.

• Duration: 4 bars

• Rhythms: Whole (semibreves), half (minims) and quarter (crotchets)

• Key: C major

• Pitches and Instrumental Compass: C&D on the second string

• Tempo: q=65

Candidates will have 90 seconds to practise after which the examiner will play the backing track twice. The first time is to practise and the second time is to perform the final version for the exam. During the practice time, candidates will be given the option of a metronome click throughout or a one bar count-in at the beginning.

The backing track is continuous so once the first playthrough has finished the count-in of the second playing will start immediately.

Improvisation and Interpretation

Duration: 4 bars
Key: C major
Tempo: q=65
Improvisation Requirement: Diatonic single-note melodies only

Candidates will have 90 seconds to practise after which the examiner will play the backing track twice. The first time is to practise and the second time is to perform the final version for the exam. During the practice time, candidates will be given the option of a metronome click throughout or a one bar count-in at the beginning.

The backing track is continuous so once the first playthrough has finished the count-in of the second playing will start immediately.

Ear Tests

There are two Ear Tests in this grade. The examiner will play each test twice.

Test 1: Melodic Recall
Candidates will hear two half notes one after the other and will be asked whether the second note is higher or lower in pitch than the first note.
The test will be played twice. Each time the test is played it is preceded by a one bar vocal count-in.
The tempo is q=85.

Test 2: Rhythmic Recall
Candidates will hear a two-bar rhythm played to a drum backing on the lowest-sounding E string.
The test will be played twice. Candidates will be asked to play the rhythm back, before identifying the rhythm from two printed examples shown to them by the examiner.
Each time the test is played it is preceded by a one bar count-in. There will be a short gap for candidates to practise. Next candidates will hear a vocal count-in and will then need to play the rhythm to the drum backing. The tempo is q=85.

Rhythmic Recall
The examiner will play you a two bar rhythm played to a drum backing on the lowest-sounding E string. You will hear the test twice. You will be asked to play the rhythm back. You will then be asked to identify the rhythm from two printed examples shown to you.

General Musicianship Questions

Candidates will be asked five questions. Four of these questions will be about general music knowledge and the fifth question asked will be about the candidate’s instrument.

Music Knowledge:

The examiner will ask the candidate four music knowledge questions based on a piece of performed in the exam. Candidates will nominate the piece of music about which the questions will be asked.

In Debut candidates will be asked to identify:

• The music stave and the TAB

• The treble clef

• Half and quarter note values

Instrument Knowledge
The examiner will also ask candidates one question regarding their instrument.

In Debut candidates will be asked to identify:

• One of the following parts of the guitar: neck, body, tuning-pegs or bridge

Performance Pieces

The pieces in the grade book can be used for both the Grade Exam and Performance Certificate. At Grade 2 they are becoming longer, typically one to two minutes in duration. The expectation and length of pieces are designed so candidates can demonstrate the required assessment criteria.

Featured Repertoire:

• Bradley Cooper & Lady Gaga – Shallow
• Taylor Swift – We Are Never Getting Back Together
• Passenger – Let Her Go (simplified)
• KT Tunstall – Other Side of the World
• Otis Redding – Sitting On The Dock Of The Bay
• R.E.M – Everybody Hurts

Technical Exercises

At Grade 2 there are three groups of technical work: Scales, Chords and Acoustic Riff
All exercises need to be played in straight feel, in the keys, octaves and tempos shown. Candidates may use their book during the exam for all groups.

Group A needs to be played to a click. The examiner will play the click at the given tempo and candidates should begin to play after four clicks.

Group B power chords need to be played as a continuous sequence to a click. Major & minor and major 7/minor 7 chords are played as individual chords, each announced by the examiner.

Group C is played to a backing track.

GROUP A – Scales
Tempo: q=80bpm
Rhythms: Quarter Notes
Range: One octave

• C major

• G major

• E natural minor

• A natural minor

• G minor pentatonic

• G major pentatonic

• C minor pentatonic

• C major pentatonic

GROUP B – Chords
Power chords. Three-note chords to be played in a continuous sequence
Tempo: q=80bpm
Rhythms: Quarter Notes

• Power Chords: E5, G5, A5, C5

Open position chords. Individual chords will be strummed once as directed by the examiner.

• Major & minor: F, Bm

• Major 7: A maj7, C maj7, D maj7

• Minor 7: A min7, D min7, E min7

GROUP C – Acoustic Riff
The riff shown in bar 1-2 should be played in the same shape but transposed as shown in bars 3-8. The root note of the pattern to be played is shown in the subsequent bars.

Supporting Tests

Sight Reading

At Grade 2 candidates will be offered the choice between Sight Reading or Improvisation and Interpretation. Both are previously unseen and examples of each are given in the grade book
Tempo: q=70

Duration: 4 bars
Rhythms: Quarter notes (crotchets) eighth notes (quavers) and rests

Key: G major or E natural minor
Pitches:

• D, E, F# – 4th (D) string

• G, A – 3rd (G) string

• B, C, D – 2nd (B) string

Instrumental compass: Open/first/second position

Candidates will have 90 seconds to practise after which the examiner will play the backing track twice. The first time is to practise and the second time is to perform the final version for the exam. During the practice time, candidates will be given the option of a metronome click throughout or a one bar count-in at the beginning.

The backing track is continuous so once the first play-through has finished the count-in of the second playing will start immediately.

Improvisation and Interpretation

Tempo: q=80-90
Duration: 4-6 bars
Key: G major or E minor

Improvisation Requirement: Rhythmic chords or melodic lead (candidate choice)

Candidates will have 90 seconds to practise after which the examiner will play the backing track twice. The first time is to practise and the second time is to perform the final version for the exam. During the practice time, candidates will be given the option of a metronome click throughout or a one bar count-in at the beginning.

The backing track is continuous so once the first playthrough has finished the count-in of the second playing will start immediately.

Ear Tests

There are two Ear Tests in this grade. The examiner will play each test twice.

Test 1: Melodic Recall
Candidates will hear a two-bar melody with a drum backing using the C minor pentatonic scale. The first note of the melody will be the root note and the first interval will be ascending. Candidates will need to then play back the melody on their instrument.
The test will be played twice. Each time the test is played it is preceded by a one bar vocal count-in.
The tempo is q=90.

Test 2: Rhythmic Recall
Candidates will hear a two-bar rhythm played to a drum backing on the lowest-sounding E string.

The test will be played twice. Candidates will be asked to play the rhythm back, before identifying the rhythm from two printed examples shown to them by the examiner.
Each time the test is played it is preceded by a one bar count-in. There will be a short gap for candidates to practise. Next candidates will hear a vocal count-in and will then need to play the rhythm to the drum backing. The tempo is q=90.

General Musicianship Questions

Candidates will be asked five questions. Four of these questions will be about general music knowledge and the fifth question asked will be about the candidate’s instrument.

Music Knowledge
The examiner will ask candidates four music knowledge questions based on a piece of music that they have played in the exam. Candidates will nominate the piece of music about which the questions will be asked.

In Grade 2 candidates will be asked to identify:

• The pitch name of notes

• The meaning of the time signature marking

• Whole, half, quarter, eighth and 16th note values

• Rest values

• The construction of a major or minor chord

Instrument Knowledge

The examiner will also ask one question regarding the instrument. In Grade 2 candidates will be asked to identify:

• Three of the following parts of the guitar: neck, fretboard, body, tuning-pegs, nut, bridge or soundhole

• Names of all open strings

Performance Pieces

The pieces in the grade book can be used for both the Grade Exam and Performance Certificate. At Grade 3 they are becoming longer, typically in the region of two minutes in duration. The expectation and length of pieces are designed so candidates can demonstrate the required assessment criteria.

Featured Repertoire:

• Take on the World - You Me at Six
• The Man Who Sold the World - David Bowie / Nirvana Unplugged
• Weather With You - Crowded House
• Landslide - Dixie Chicks
• Wild Wood - Paul Weller
• High Horse - Kasey Musgraves

Technical Exercises

At Grade 3 there are four groups of technical work: Scales, Arpeggios, Chords and Acoustic Riff.

All exercises need to be played in straight feel, in the keys, octaves and tempos shown. Candidates may use their book during the exam for all groups.

Group A & B need to be played to a click. The examiner will play the click at the given tempo and candidates should begin to play after four clicks.

Group C is played as directed by the examiner.

Group D is played to the backing track.

GROUP A – Scales
Tempo: 90 bpm
Rhythms: Quarter Notes
Range: Two octaves

To be prepared in the following keys: G, A & B:

• Major

• Natural minor

• Minor pentatonic

• Major pentatonic

• Blues

GROUP B – Arpeggios
Tempo: 90 bpm
Rhythms: Quarter Notes
To be prepared in the following keys: G, A & B:

• Major

• Minor

GROUP C – Chords
Partial barre chords
Two partial barre voicings for each chord type – played as directed by the examiner.

• Major minor: G, Am, Bm, C

Dominant 7 Chords
Individual chords will be strummed once and then picked (arpeggiated) – as directed by the examiner.

GROUP D – Acoustic Riff
The riff shown in bar 1-2 should be transposed and played as indicated in bars 3-8. The root note of the pattern to be played is shown in the subsequent bars.

Supporting Tests

Sight Reading

At Grade 3 candidates will be offered the choice between Sight Reading or Improvisation and Interpretation. Both are previously unseen and examples of each are given in the grade book

Tempo: q =80
Duration: 4 bars
Rhythms: Quarter notes (crotchets) eighth notes (quavers), ties & rests
Key: G major or A natural minor – diatonic notes only
Compass: Open/first position/second position

Candidates will have 90 seconds to practise after which the examiner will play the backing track twice. The first time is to practise and the second time is to perform the final version for the exam. During the practice time, candidates will be given the option of a metronome click throughout or a one bar count-in at the beginning.

The backing track is continuous so once the first playthrough has finished the count-in of the second playing will start immediately.

Improvisation and Interpretation

Tempo: q=80-90
Duration: 4-6 bars
Key: G major or A minor

Improvisation Requirement: Rhythmic chords or melodic lead (candidate choice)
Candidates will have 90 seconds to practise after which the examiner will play the backing track twice. The first time is to practise and the second time is to perform the final version for the exam. During the practice time, candidates will be given the option of a metronome click throughout or a one bar count-in at the beginning.

The backing track is continuous so once the first playthrough has finished the count-in of the second playing will start immediately.

Ear Tests

There are two Ear Tests in this grade. The examiner will play each test twice.

Test 1: Melodic Recall
Candidates will hear a two-bar melody with a drum backing using the G minor pentatonic scale. The first note of the melody will be the root note and the first interval will be ascending. Candidates will need to then play back the melody on their instrument.
The test will be played twice. Each time the test is played it is preceded by a one bar vocal count-in. The tempo is q=85.

Test 2: Rhythmic Recall
Candidates will hear a two-bar rhythm played to a drum backing on the lowest-sounding E string.

The test will be played twice. Candidates will be asked to play the rhythm back, before identifying the rhythm from two printed examples shown to them by the examiner.
Each time the test is played it is preceded by a one bar count-in. There will be a short gap for candidates to practise. Next candidates will hear a vocal count-in and will then need to play the rhythm to the drum backing. The tempo is q=90.

General Musicianship Questions

Candidates will be asked five questions. Four of these questions will be about general music knowledge and the fifth question asked will be about instrumental & technical knowledge.

Music Knowledge
The examiner will ask four music knowledge questions based on a piece of music played by the candidate in the exam. Candidates will nominate the piece of music about which the questions will be asked.
In Grade 3 candidates will be asked to identify:

• Names of pitches

• The meaning of the time signature marking

• Whole, half, quarter, eighth, triplet eight-notes and 16th note values

• Rest values

• The construction of a dominant 7 chord

Instrument/Technical Knowledge

The examiner will also ask one question regarding the instrument/technical knowledge.
In Grade 3 candidates will be asked to identify:

• Three of the following parts of the guitar: neck, fretboard, body, tuning-pegs, nut, bridge or sound hole

• Two kinds of legato fretting hand technique

• Names of all open strings

Performance Pieces

The pieces in the grade book can be used for both the Grade Exam and Performance Certificate. At Grade 4 they are typically in the region of two to two and a half minutes in duration. The expectation and length of pieces are designed so candidates can demonstrate the required assessment criteria.

Featured Repertoire:

• Nothing Else Matters – Metallica
• Use Me – Bill Withers
• Ironic – Alanis Morissette
• Layla – Eric Clapton
• Road Trippin’ – Red Hot Chili Peppers
• Sweet Home Chicago – Robert Johnson

Technical Exercises

At Grade 4 there are four groups of technical work: Scales, Arpeggios, Chords and Acoustic Riff

All exercises need to be played in straight feel, in the keys, octaves and tempos shown. Candidates may use their book during the exam for all groups.
Group A & B need to be played to a click. The examiner will play the click at the given tempo and candidates should begin to play after four clicks.

Group C 7th chords need to be played as a continuous sequence to a click. Major & minor full barre shapes are played as individual chords, each announced by the examiner.

Group D is played to the backing track

GROUP A – Scales
Tempo: q=80 bpm
Rhythms: Eighth Notes
Range: Two octaves
Two fingerings, to be prepared in the following keys: A, Bb, B and C
Both fingerings must be prepared for each scale type and key

• Major

• Natural minor

• Minor pentatonic

• Major pentatonic

• Blues

GROUP B – Arpeggios
Tempo: q=80 bpm
Rhythms: Eighth Notes
To be prepared in the following keys: A, Bb, B & C

• Major 7

• Minor 7

• Dominant 7

GROUP C – Chords
Full barre chords

Individual chords will be strummed once and then picked (arpeggiated) – as directed by the examiner

• 6th String root: A major, A minor

• 5th string root: D major, D minor

7 Chords
Tempo: q=80 bpm
7th chords played as a continuous sequence to a click
A maj 7, A dom7, D maj 7, D dom7, Dm7, G dom7, Am7

GROUP D – Acoustic Riff
The riff shown in bar 1-2 should be transposed and played as indicated in bars 3-8. The root note of the pattern to be played is shown in the subsequent bars.

Supporting Tests

At Grade 4 candidates will be offered the choice between Sight Reading or Improvisation and Interpretation. Both are previously unseen and examples of each are given in the grade book.

Sight Reading

At this level there is an element of improvisation in the sight reading test*

Tempo: q=80-90
Duration: 8 bars
Rhythms: Half notes, quarter notes, eighth notes, ties and rests
Key: D major, G major, D minor or A minor

*Improvisation element: two bars, melody only

Candidates will have 90 seconds to practise after which the examiner will play the backing track twice. The first time is to practise and the second time is to perform the final version for the exam. During the practice time, candidates will be given the option of a metronome click throughout or a one bar count-in at the beginning.
The backing track is continuous so once the first playthrough has finished the count-in of the second playing will start immediately.

Improvisation and Interpretation

At this level there is an element of sight reading in the Improvisation & Interpretation test*

Tempo: q=90-100
Duration: 4-6 bars
Key: G major or A minor
Improvisation requirement: Rhythmic chords and melodic lines (as shown on score)

*Sight reading element: two bars, rhythmic strumming only

Candidates will have 90 seconds to practise after which the examiner will play the backing track twice. The first time is to practise and the second time is to perform the final version for the exam. During the practice time, candidates will be given the option of a metronome click throughout or a one bar count-in at the beginning.

The backing track is continuous so once the first playthrough has finished the count-in of the second playing will start immediately.

Ear Tests

There are two Ear Tests in this grade. The examiner will play each test twice.

Test 1: Melodic Recall
Candidates will hear a two-bar melody with a drum backing using the C major pentatonic or B minor pentatonic scale. The first note of the melody will be the root note and the first interval will be descending. Candidates will need to then play back the melody on their instrument.

The test will be played twice. Each time the test is played it is preceded by a one bar vocal count-in.

The tempo is q=90.

Test 2: Harmonic Recall

Candidates will hear a tonic chord followed by a two-bar sequence in the key of C major played to a bass and drum backing.

The sequence will be drawn from the I, IV and V chords and may occur in any combination. Candidates will be asked to play the chord sequence to the drum backing in the rhythm shown in the example from the Grade book. This rhythm will be used in all examples of this test given in the exam. Candidates will then be asked to identify the sequence they have played to the examiner. The test will be played twice.

Each time the test is played the sequence is: count-in, tonic, count-in, chords. There will be a short gap to practise after second playing. Candidates will then hear the count-in and tonic for the third time followed by a vocal count-in then must play the chords to the drum backing. Candidates should then identify the chords. The tempo is q=90.

General Musicianship Questions

Candidates will be asked five questions. Four of these questions will be about general music knowledge and the fifth question asked will be about instrumental & technical knowledge.

Music Knowledge
The examiner will ask four music knowledge questions based on a piece of music performed in the exam. Candidates will nominate the piece of music about which the questions will be asked.
In Grade 4 candidates will be asked to identify:

• Names of pitches

• The meaning of the time signature marking and the key signature marking

• Repeat marks, first and second time bars, D.C., D.S., al Coda and al Fine markings

• Whole, half, quarter, eighth, triplet eight-notes and 16th note values

• Whole, half, quarter, eighth, triplet eight-notes and 16th note rests and rest combinations

• The construction of major 7, minor 7 or dominant 7 chords

Technical Knowledge

The examiner will also ask one question regarding a technical consideration of the piece, in relation to:

• Picking hand: Strumming or picking technique for a short phrase (up to one bar) – demonstration is acceptable

• Fretting hand: Fretting position and fingering used to play a short phrase (up to one bar) – demonstration is acceptable

The examiner will choose the section of music and will ask for a brief explanation as to why the technique was appropriate for the chosen section.

Performance Pieces

The pieces in the grade book can be used for both the Grade Exam and Performance Certificate. At Grade 5 they remain typically in the region of two to two and a half minutes in duration. The expectation and length of pieces are designed so candidates can demonstrate the required assessment criteria.

Featured Repertoire:

• Fire & Rain - James Taylor
• Blackbird - The Beatles
• Tears in Heaven - Eric Clapton
• Songbird - Eva Cassidy
• Put Your Records On - Corinne Bailey Rae
• Wanted Dead or Alive - Bon Jovi

Technical Exercises

At Grade 5 there are four groups of technical work: Scales, Arpeggios, Chords and Acoustic Riff

All exercises need to be played in straight feel, in the keys, octaves and tempos shown. Candidates may use their book during the exam for all groups.

Group A & B need to be played to a click. The examiner will play the click at the given tempo and candidates should begin to play after four clicks.

Group C needs to be played as a continuous sequence to a click.

Group D is played to the backing track.

GROUP A – Scales
Tempo: q=80 bpm
Rhythms: Eighth Notes

Range: Two octaves

• Major

• Natural minor

• Harmonic minor

• Minor pentatonic

• Major pentatonic

• Blues

GROUP B – Arpeggios
Tempo: q=80 bpm
Rhythms: Eighth notes
Range: Two octaves

• Major

• Minor

To be prepared as follows:
Root 6th (E) string: key of F, G & A
Root 5th (A) string: key of B, C & D

GROUP C – Chords

Tempo: q=80bpm
Major and minor triads

Three inversions on the top three strings in the key of C, as written in the grade book.
To be played in a continuous sequence to click.

GROUP D – Acoustic Riff
Tempo: q=85 bpm

The riff shown in bar 1-2 should be transposed and played as indicated in bars 3-8. The root note of the pattern to be played is shown in the subsequent bars. Candidates must perform the riff to the backing track as supplied in the audio downloads

Supporting Tests

At Grade 5 candidates will be offered the choice between Sight Reading or Improvisation & Interpretation. Both are previously unseen and examples of each are given in the grade book.

Sight Reading

At this level there is an element of improvisation in the sight reading test*

Tempo: q=90
Duration: 8 bars
Rhythms: Half notes, quarter notes, eighth notes, ties and rests
Key: F major or G major, E minor or G minor

*Improvisation element: two bar ending, melody only

Candidates will have 90 seconds to practise after which the examiner will play the backing track twice. The first time is to practise and the second time is to perform the final version for the exam. During the practice time, candidates will be given the option of a metronome click throughout or a one bar count-in at the beginning.

The backing track is continuous so once the first playthrough has finished the count-in of the second playing will start immediately.

Improvisation and Interpretation

At this level there is an element of sight reading in the Improvisation & Interpretation test*

Tempo: q=90-100
Duration: 4-6 bars
Key: A major, G major, E minor or G minor
Improvisation requirement: Rhythmic chords and melodic lines (as shown on score)

*Sight reading element: Two bars, rhythmic strumming only

Candidates will have 90 seconds to practise after which the examiner will play the backing track twice. The first time is to practise and the second time is to perform the final version for the exam. During the practice time, candidates will be given the option of a metronome click throughout or a one bar count-in at the beginning.

The backing track is continuous so once the first playthrough has finished the count-in of the second playing will start immediately.

Ear Tests

There are two Ear Tests in this grade. The examiner will play each test twice.

Test 1: Melodic Recall
Candidates will hear a two-bar melody with a drum backing using the D major pentatonic or A minor pentatonic scale. The first note of the melody will be the root note and the first interval will be descending. Candidates will need to then play back the melody on their instrument.
The test will be played twice. Each time the test is played it is preceded by a one bar vocal count-in.
The tempo is q=90

Test 2: Harmonic Recall
Candidates will hear a tonic chord followed by a two-bar sequence in the key of G major played to a bass and drum backing.

The sequence will be drawn from the I, IV, V and vi chords and may occur in any combination. Candidates will be asked to play the chord sequence to the drum backing in the rhythm shown in the example from the grade book. This rhythm will be used in all examples of this test given in the exam. Candidates will then be asked to identify the sequence they have played to the examiner. The test will be played twice.

Each time the test is played the sequence is: count-in, tonic, count-in, chords. There will be a short gap to practise after second playing. Candidates will then hear the count-in and tonic for the third time followed by a vocal count-in then must play the chords to the drum backing. Candidates should then identify the chords. The tempo is q=80.

General Musicianship Questions

Candidates will be asked five questions. Four of these questions will be about general music knowledge and the fifth question asked will be about instrumental & technical knowledge.

Music Knowledge

The examiner will ask four music knowledge questions based on a piece of music performed in the exam. Candidates will nominate the piece of music about which the questions will be asked.

In Grade 5 candidates will be asked to identify:

• Names of pitches

• The meaning of the time signature marking and the key signature marking

• Repeat marks, first and second time bars, D.C., D.S., al Coda and al Fine markings

• Whole, half, quarter, eighth, triplet eight-notes and 16th note values

• Whole, half, quarter, eighth, triplet eight-notes and 16th note rests and rest combinations

• The construction of major 7, minor 7 or dominant 7 chords

• To explain the meaning of a sus2 or sus4 chord

Technical Knowledge

The examiner will also ask one question regarding a technical consideration of the piece, in relation to:

• Picking hand: Strumming or picking technique for a short phrase (up to one bar) – demonstration is acceptable

• Fretting hand: Fretting position and fingering used to play a short phrase (up to one bar) – demonstration is acceptable

The examiner will choose the section of music and will ask candidates to give a brief explanation as to why the technique was appropriate for the chosen section.

Performance Pieces

The pieces in the grade book can be used for both the Grade Exam and Performance Certificate. At Grade 6 they are longer, typically in the region of two and a half to three minutes in duration. The expectation and length of pieces are designed so candidates can demonstrate the required assessment criteria.

Featured Repertoire:

• River Man – Nick Drake
• More than words – Extreme
• Heartbeats – José González
• Kiss From a Rose – Seal
• Shape of My Heart – Sting
• Ain’t Misbehavin’ – Fats Waller

Technical Exercises

At Grade 6 there are five groups of technical work: Scales, Modes, Arpeggios, Chords and Stylistic Study.

All exercises need to be played in straight feel, in the keys, octaves and tempos shown. Candidates may use the book during the exam for all groups.

Group A, B & C need to be played to a click. The examiner will play the click at the given tempo and candidates should begin to play after four clicks.

Group D needs to be played as directed by the examiner.

Group E is played to the backing track.

GROUP A – Modes
Tempo: q=100 bpm
Rhythms: Eighth Notes

• Major pentatonic exercise

• Minor pentatonic exercise

To be prepared as follows:
Root 6th (E) string: key of F#
Root 5th (A) string: key of B

GROUP B – Arpeggios
Tempo: q=80 bpm
Rhythms: Eighth notes
Range: Two octaves

• Major 7

• Minor 7

• Dominant 7

To be prepared as follows:
Root 6th (E) string: key of F, G & A
Root 5th (A) string: key of B, C & D

GROUP C – Chords
To be strummed then arpeggiated.

• Minor 7b5

• Diminished 7

To be prepared as follows:

Root 6th (E) string: keys of G, G#/Ab, A, A#/Bb, B

Root 5th (A) string: keys of C, C#/Db, D, D#/Eb, E

GROUP D – Stylistic Studies
Candidates must prepare their choice of stylistic study from the grade book and perform it to the backing track. Please note: the chosen style for the stylistic study will inform the Quick Study piece.

Styles:

• Rock & Pop

• Blues & Country

• Acoustic Specialist

Supporting Tests

Quick Study Pieces

At this grade candidates will be asked to prepare and play a short Quick Study Piece (QSP). The QSP chosen will be a previously unseen example, but similar to those provided as exemplar material in the grade book.

Candidates will be shown the test and played the track with the notated parts played. Any bars that require improvisation will not be demonstrated. Candidates will then have three minutes to study the test. The backing track will be played twice more. Candidates will be allowed to practise during the first playing of the backing track, with the notated parts now absent, before playing it to the examiner on the second playing of the backing track.

The style of the QSP is determined by the stylistic study selected by the candidate in the technical exercise section. The QSP is in the form of a lead sheet and candidates must create their own interpretation of the music in the parts where instructed to do so.

Styles:

• Rock & Pop

• Blues & Country

• Acoustic Specialist

Ear Tests

There are two Ear Tests in this grade. The examiner will play each test twice.

Test 1: Melodic Recall
Candidates will hear a two-bar melody with a drum backing using the D major pentatonic, D minor pentatonic or G natural minor scale. The first note of the melody will be either the root note or fifth and the first interval will be either ascending or descending. Candidates will need to then play back the melody on their instrument.

The test will be played twice. Each time the test is played it is preceded by a one bar vocal count-in.

The tempo is q=90.

Test 2: Harmonic Recall
Candidates will hear a tonic chord followed by a four-bar sequence in the key of D major played to a bass and drum backing. The sequence will be drawn from the I, ii, iii, IV, V and vi chords and will incorporate a dominant7 (V7) chord. Candidates will be asked to play the chord sequence to the drum backing in the rhythm shown in the example from the grade book. This rhythm will be used in all examples of this test given in the exam. Candidates will then be asked to identify the sequence they have played to the examiner. The test will be played twice.

Each time the test is played the sequence is: count-in, tonic, count-in, chords. There will be a short gap to practise after second playing. Candidates will then hear the count-in and tonic for the third time followed by a vocal count-in then must play the chords to the drum backing. Candidates should then identify the chords. The tempo is q=90.

General Musicianship Questions

Candidates will be asked five questions. Four of these questions will be about general music knowledge and the fifth question asked will be about instrumental & technical knowledge.

Music Knowledge

The examiner will ask four music knowledge questions based on a piece of music performed in the exam. Candidates will nominate the piece of music about which the questions will be asked.

In Grade 6 candidates will be asked to identify:

• The names of pitches

• Any expressive musical marking found in the piece such as palm muting, accents, staccato, legato, vibrato

• Any dynamic marking found in the piece

• One type of scale that can be used appropriately in the solo section of the piece you have played and its relation to the underlying harmony of the piece (if relevant) or:

• How you developed a section of the piece (if relevant) or:

• A stylistic feature of the piece characteristic of its genre

Technical Knowledge

The examiner will also ask the candidate one question regarding a technical consideration of their piece, in relation to:

• Picking hand: Strumming or picking technique for a short phrase (up to one bar) – demonstration is acceptable

• Fretting hand: Fretting position and fingering used to play a short phrase (up to one bar) – demonstration is acceptable

The examiner will choose the section of music and will ask for a brief explanation as to why the technique was appropriate for the chosen section.

Performance Pieces

The pieces in the grade book can be used for both the Grade Exam and Performance Certificate. At Grade 7 they are longer, typically up to three minutes in duration. The expectation and length of pieces are designed so candidates can demonstrate the required assessment criteria.

Featured Repertoire:

• Wake up Dreamin’ – Joe Bonamassa

• Teardrop – Newton Faulkner

• Our Spanish Love Song – Pat Metheny

• Angie – Bert Jansch

• Night After Sidewalk – Kaki King

• Desafinado – Antônio Carlos Jobim

Technical Exercises

At Grade 7 there are four groups of technical work: Scales & Modes, Arpeggios, Chords and Stylistic Study.

All exercises need to be played in straight feel, in the keys, octaves and tempos shown. Candidates may use the book during the exam for all groups.

Group A & B need to be played to a click. The examiner will play the click at the given tempo and candidates should begin to play after four clicks.

Group C is played as directed by the examiner

Group D is played to backing track

GROUP A – Scales & Modes

Tempo: q=100 bpm

Rhythms: Eighth Notes

Range: Two octaves

• Lydian mode

• Phrygian mode

• Jazz melodic minor

To be prepared as follows:

Root 6th (E) string: G, G#/Ab, A, A#/Bb, B

Root 5th (A) string: C, C#/Db, D, D#/Eb, E

GROUP B – Arpeggios

Tempo: q=100 bpm
Rhythms: Eighth notes

• Major 9

• Minor 9

• Dominant 9

To be prepared as follows:

Root 6th (E) string: G, G#/Ab, A, A#/Bb, B

Root 5th (A) string: C, C#/Db, D, D#/Eb, E

GROUP C – Chords

To be strummed then picked (arpeggiated).

• Major 9

• Minor 9

• Dominant 9

GROUP D – Stylistic Studies

Candidates must prepare their choice of stylistic study from the grade book and perform it to the backing track. Please note: the chosen style for the stylistic study will inform the Quick Study piece.

Styles:

• Rock & Pop

• Blues & Country

• Acoustic Specialist

Supporting Tests

Quick Study Piece

At this grade candidates will be asked to prepare and play a short Quick Study Piece (QSP). The QSP chosen will be a previously unseen example, but similar to those provided as exemplar material in the grade book.

Candidates will be shown the test and played the track with the notated parts played. Any bars that require improvisation will not be demonstrated. Candidates will then have three minutes to study the test. The backing track will be played twice more. Candidates will be allowed to practise during the first playing of the backing track, with the notated parts now absent, before playing it to the examiner on the second playing of the backing track.

The style of the QSP is determined by the stylistic study selected by the candidate in the technical exercise section. The QSP is in the form of a lead sheet and candidates must create their own interpretation of the music in the parts where instructed to do so.

Styles:

• Rock & Pop

• Blues & Country

• Acoustic Specialist

Ear Tests

There are two Ear Tests in this grade. The examiner will play each test twice.

Test 1: Melodic Recall
Candidates will hear a two-bar melody with a drum backing using the D major pentatonic, D minor pentatonic or G natural minor scale. The first note of the melody will be either the root note or fifth and the first interval will be either ascending or descending. Candidates will need to then play back the melody on their instrument.

The test will be played twice. Each time the test is played it is preceded by a one bar vocal count-in.

The tempo is q=90.

Test 2: Harmonic Recall

Candidates will hear a tonic chord followed by a four-bar sequence in the key of A major played to a bass and drum backing. The sequence will be drawn from the I, ii, iii, IV, V and vi chords. The ii, iii, and vi chords can be either minor or minor 7th chords. Candidates will be asked to play the chord sequence to the drum backing in the rhythm shown in the example from the grade book. This rhythm will be used in all examples of this test given in the exam. Candidates will then be asked to identify the sequence they have played to the examiner, including any chord extensions. The test will be played twice.

Each time the test is played the sequence is: count-in, tonic, count-in, chords. There will be a short gap to practise after second playing. Candidates will then hear the count-in and tonic for the third time followed by a vocal count-in then must play the chords to the drum backing. Candidates should then identify the chords. The tempo is q=90.

General Musicianship Questions

Candidates will be asked five questions. Four of these questions will be about general music knowledge and the fifth question asked will be about instrumental & technical knowledge.

Music Knowledge

The examiner will ask four music knowledge questions based on a piece of music performed in the exam. Candidates will nominate the piece of music about which the questions will be asked.

In Grade 7 candidates will be asked to identify:

• Names of pitches

• Any expressive musical marking found in the piece such as palm muting, accents, staccato, legato, vibrato, natural and artificial harmonics

• Any dynamic marking found in the piece

• One type of scale that can be used appropriately in the solo section of the piece you have played and its relation to the underlying harmony of the piece (if relevant) or:

• How you developed a section of the piece (if relevant) or:

• A stylistic feature of the piece characteristic of its genre

Technical Knowledge

The examiner will also ask the candidate one question regarding a technical consideration of their piece, in relation to:

• Picking hand: Strumming or picking technique for a short phrase (up to one bar) – demonstration is acceptable

• Fretting hand: Fretting position and fingering used to play a short phrase (up to one bar) – demonstration is acceptable

The examiner will choose the section of music and will ask for a brief explanation as to why the technique was appropriate for the chosen section.

Performance Pieces

The pieces in the grade book can be used for both the Grade Exam and Performance Certificate. At Grade 8 they are longer, typically in the region of three to three and a half minutes in duration. The expectation and length of pieces are designed so candidates can demonstrate the required assessment criteria.

Featured Repertoire:

• While my Guitar Gently Weeps – The Beatles (Eric Roche arrangement)

• Kind Hearted Woman – Robert Johnson

• Tears for Jerusalem – Tommy Emmanuel

• First Rule of Thumb – Brent Mason

• Minor Swing – Django Reinhardt

• Breathing Underwater – Hiatus Kaiyote

Technical Exercises

At Grade 8 there are four groups of technical work: Scales & Modes, Arpeggios, Chords and Stylistic Study.

All exercises need to be played in straight feel, in the keys, octaves and tempos shown. Candidates may use the book during the exam for all groups.

Group A & B need to be played to a click. The examiner will play the click at the given tempo and candidates should begin to play after four clicks.

Group C is played as directed by the examiner.

Group D is played to backing track.
GROUP A – Scales & Modes

Tempo: q=100 bpm

Rhythms: Eighth Notes

Range: One Octave

• Whole Tone

• Diminished

• Altered

To be prepared as follows:

Root 6th (E) string: G, G#/Ab, A, A#/Bb, B

Root 5th (A) string: C, C#/Db, D, D#/Eb, E

GROUP B – Arpeggios
To be prepared in two positions. The first position is to be prepared on the E string from the starting notes of G-B chromatically. The second position is to be prepared on the A string from the starting notes of C-E chromatically.

• Dominant 7#5

• Dominant 7b5

• Minor 7b5

• Dominant 7#9

• Dominant 7b9

• Diminished

GROUP C – Chords

Strummed and then picked (arpeggiated)

• Dominant 7#5

• Dominant 7b5

• Dominant 7#9

• Dominant 7b9

Supporting Tests

Quick Study Piece

At this grade candidates will be asked to prepare and play a short Quick Study Piece (QSP). The QSP chosen will be a previously unseen example, but similar to those provided as exemplar material in the grade book.

Candidates will be shown the test and played the track with the notated parts played. Any bars that require improvisation will not be demonstrated. Candidates will then have three minutes to study the test. The backing track will be played twice more. Candidates will be allowed to practise during the first playing of the backing track, with the notated parts now absent, before playing it to the examiner on the second playing of the backing track.

The style of the QSP is determined by the stylistic study selected by the candidate in the technical exercise section. The QSP is in the form of a lead sheet and candidates must create their own interpretation of the music in the parts where instructed to do so.

Styles:

• Rock & Pop

• Blues & Country

• Acoustic Specialist

Ear Tests

There are two Ear Tests in this grade. The examiner will play each test twice.

Test 1: Melodic Recall

Candidates will hear a two-bar melody with a drum backing using the E major pentatonic, F minor pentatonic or B natural minor scale. The first note of the melody will be either the root note, third or fifth and the first interval will be either ascending or descending. Candidates will need to then play back the melody on their instrument.

The test will be played twice. Each time the test is played it is preceded by a one bar vocal count-in.

The tempo is q=90.

Test 2: Harmonic Recall

Candidates will hear a tonic chord followed by a four-bar sequence in the key of E major played to a bass and drum backing. The sequence will be drawn from the I, ii, iii, IV, V and vi chords. The I and IV chords can be either major or major 7th chords. Candidates will be asked to play the chord sequence to the drum backing in the rhythm shown in the example from the grade book. This rhythm will be used in all examples of this test given in the exam. Candidates will then be asked to identify the sequence they have played to the examiner, including any chord extensions. The test will be played twice.

Each time the test is played the sequence is: count-in, tonic, count-in, chords. There will be a short gap to practise after second playing. Candidates will then hear the count-in and tonic for the third time followed by a vocal count-in then must play the chords to the drum backing. Candidates should then identify the chords. The tempo is q=90.

General Musicianship Questions

Candidates will be asked five questions. Four of these questions will be about general music knowledge and the fifth question asked will be about instrumental & technical knowledge.

Music Knowledge

The examiner will ask four music knowledge questions based on a piece of music performed in the exam. Candidates will nominate the piece of music about which the questions will be asked.

In Grade 8 candidates will be asked to identify:

• Names of pitches

• Any expressive musical marking found in the piece such as palm muting, accents, staccato, legato, vibrato, natural and artificial harmonics

• Any dynamic marking found in the piece

• One type of scale that can be used appropriately in the solo section of the piece you have played and its relation to the underlying harmony of the piece (if relevant) or:

• How you developed a section of the piece (if relevant) or:

• A stylistic feature of the piece characteristic of its genre

Technical Knowledge

The examiner will also ask the candidate one question regarding a technical consideration of their piece, in relation to:

• Picking hand: Strumming or picking technique for a short phrase (up to one bar) – demonstration is acceptable

• Fretting hand: Fretting position and fingering used to play a short phrase (up to one bar) – demonstration is acceptable

The examiner will choose the section of music and will ask for a brief explanation as to why the technique was appropriate for the chosen section.