��� Prayag Sangeet Samiti – First Year Guitar Syllabus

��� Theory (Lekhank / Written Exam)

��� Basic Knowledge of:

Introduction to Guitar: Parts of the instrument

Types of Guitars: Acoustic, Classical, Electric (basic awareness)

Tuning the guitar (standard EADGBE tuning)

Staff Notation:

Names of the lines and spaces (Treble clef)

Notes on all strings up to the 5th fret

Time signatures (4/4, 3/4, 2/4)

Note values: Whole, Half, Quarter, Eighth

Bar line, Double bar line, Repeat sign

5.Basic Indian Notation System (Sargam and its equivalents)

��� Definitions:

Scale

Octave

Chord

Arpeggio

Melody and Harmony

��� Practical (Abhyas / Performance Exam)

��� Exercises:

Open string exercises (plucking each string with correct finger technique)

Basic finger exercises on fretboard for developing dexterity

Simple scale patterns in C major and G major

��� Scales:

Major Scale: C Major (2 octaves), G Major (1 octave)

Minor Scale: A Minor (natural) – 1 octave

��� Songs / Melodies:

2–3 simple songs based on C and G major scales (like “Twinkle Twinkle,” “Happy Birthday” or simple Hindi melodies)

1 Indian song in Sargam or notation

��� Chords:

Basic open chords: C, G, D, A, E, Am, Em, Dm

Chord switching exercises

2 basic strumming patterns

��� Rhythm Practice:

Playing in 4/4 and 3/4 time

Simple rhythm clapping and guitar accompaniment

��� Theory (Lekhank / Written Paper)

��� Concepts & Definitions:

Structure of the Major and Minor Scales (whole-step/half-step pattern)

Key Signatures (C, G, D, A, E majors and their relative minors)

Chord Families (I-IV-V and vi in major keys)

Circle of Fifths – introduction

Tonic, Subdominant, Dominant – functions in harmony

Time Signatures – 2/4, 3/4, 4/4, 6/8

Musical Terms – Legato, Staccato, Crescendo, Diminuendo, Repeat Signs, Fermata

Notation of simple pieces using Western Staff and Indian (Sargam) systems

��� Practical (Abhyas / Performance Paper)

��� Scales:

Major Scales: C, G, D, A – 2 octaves

Natural Minor Scales: A minor, E minor – 1 to 2 octaves

Pentatonic Scale: C Major Pentatonic

(Scales to be practiced with alternate picking, in ascending and descending forms)

��� Exercises:

Finger independence exercises using 1st to 4th fingers

Simple chromatic exercises (1-2-3-4 / 4-3-2-1 patterns)

Position shifting drills

��� Chords:

Open chords: A, B7, C, D, E, F, G, Am, Dm, Em

Introduction to barre chords (basic F major)

Chord progressions: I-IV-V-I, I-vi-IV-V in C and G major

Strumming patterns: Waltz, 4-beat, calypso style

��� Melody Playing:

2–3 notated solo pieces based on C, G, D major scales

1 Hindi or Western melody in staff or Sargam notation

��� Songs (with accompaniment):

One song using chord progression with singing (optional)

Playing melody + chords together in simple compositions

��� Additional Practical:

Basic sight-reading from staff notation

Ear training: Identifying basic intervals (perfect 4th, 5th, octave)

Guitar tuning (manual and digital tuner)

Prayag Sangeet Samiti – Third Year Guitar Syllabus

This year emphasizes advanced scale knowledge, chord progressions, rhythm variation, and introduction to lead playing and improvisation. Students are expected to show improved technical control, timing, and musical expression.

��� Theory (Lekhank / Written Paper)

��� Concepts:

Major, Natural Minor, Harmonic Minor scales – construction and use

Relative and Parallel Scales

Key Signature Identification (up to 3 sharps/flats)

Chord Construction: Major, Minor, Dominant 7th, Major 7th, Minor 7th

Inversions of chords

Basic Modes: Introduction to Ionian, Dorian, Aeolian (names and feel)

Tablature Reading and Staff Notation interpretation

Time Signatures: 2/4, 3/4, 4/4, 6/8 – rhythm writing

��� Musical Terms:

Tempo Markings (Allegro, Andante, Largo, etc.)

Dynamics (p, mf, f, cresc., dim.)

Slur, Tie, Hammer-on, Pull-off

��� Practical (Abhyas / Performance Paper)

��� Scales (All 2 octaves unless specified):

Major Scales: C, G, D, A, E

Minor Scales: A minor (natural & harmonic), E minor

Chromatic Scale: One octave from any root

C Major & A Minor Pentatonic – with patterns across the fretboard

��� Exercises:

Finger speed and dexterity drills

Legato (hammer-ons, pull-offs)

Basic string skipping and alternate picking

��� Chords & Progressions:

Barre chords: E- and A-shape barre forms

Chords with 7ths: G7, D7, A7, Am7, Em7, etc.

Progressions: I-IV-V7-I, ii-V-I, I-vi-ii-V

Strumming Patterns:

Waltz (3/4)

Calypso

6/8 swing feel

Reggae-style (offbeat)

��� Songs / Performance Pieces:

2 melodies with staff notation or tablature

1 Hindi or English popular song using chords and strumming

1 composition combining melody and chords

1 duet or ensemble piece (optional if multiple students)

��� Improvisation & Creativity:

Basic improvisation using C major scale or A minor pentatonic

Introduction to phrasing, dynamics, and bends (optional)

��� Additional Requirements:

Guitar tuning by ear and tuner

Demonstration of rhythm clapping in different time signatures

Sight-reading of a simple melody (in staff or tab)

��� Prayag Sangeet Samiti – Fourth Year Guitar Syllabus

This level focuses on developing technical precision, musical expression, theoretical understanding of harmony, and basic composition or improvisation skills. Students move toward semi-professional competence.

��� Theory (Lekhank / Written Paper)

��� Musical Knowledge:

Scale Types: Major, Natural Minor, Harmonic Minor, Melodic Minor

Pentatonic Scales: Major and Minor patterns

Blues Scale: Formula and feel

Chord Building:

Triads: Major, Minor, Diminished, Augmented

7th chords: Dominant 7th, Major 7th, Minor 7th, Diminished 7th

Suspended chords: sus2, sus4

Cadences: Perfect, Plagal, Imperfect, Interrupted

Modulation: Basics of changing keys (Closely related keys)

Tempo, Dynamics, Articulations: Extended markings and their applications

Reading and Writing in both Staff Notation and Tablature

��� Practical (Abhyas / Performance Paper)

��� Scales (Minimum 2 octaves each):

Major: C, G, D, A, E, F

Minor: A minor (natural & harmonic), E minor, D minor

Blues Scale: A and E blues (1 octave)

Chromatic Scale: Full fretboard exercise

��� Chords:

Barre Chords: Mastery of E- and A-shape barre forms

Extended chords: maj7, m7, dom7, diminished, sus2, sus4

Arpeggios: Major and minor triad arpeggios

Progressions:

I–IV–V–I

ii–V–I in C and G

I–vi–IV–V (pop progression)

Basic Blues Progression in A and E

��� Exercises:

String skipping, legato, alternate picking

Basic tapping and bending techniques (light introduction)

Basic fingerstyle or plucking techniques

��� Song Performance:

2 melodies with improvisational elements

1 Indian song in Sargam/notation (melody with chords)

1 Western or Hindi popular song using chords and lead (solo + rhythm)

1 duet/ensemble piece (optional)

��� Improvisation:

Improv using A minor pentatonic, A blues, and C major scales

Phrasing, sliding, bending, vibrato, and rhythmic variation

��� Sight Reading & Aural Skills:

Reading melodies in treble clef (simple to moderate)

Ear training: Identify major/minor intervals and basic chord types

��� Other Requirements:

Tuning the guitar by ear and with a tuner

Basic understanding of guitar maintenance (strings, action, cleaning)

Rhythm clapping of 2/4, 3/4, 4/4, 6/8, and syncopated rhythms

��� Prayag Sangeet Samiti – Fifth Year Guitar Syllabus

This year marks an advanced stage, emphasizing technical mastery, complex improvisation, composition, and performance readiness for professional or teaching roles.

��� Theory (Lekhank / Written Paper)

��� Advanced Harmony & Theory:

Detailed study of modes: Ionian, Dorian, Phrygian, Lydian, Mixolydian, Aeolian, Locrian

Extended chords: 9th, 11th, 13th chords – construction and usage

Complex chord progressions: ii–V–I variations, modulation techniques

Modal interchange and borrowed chords

Form and structure of compositions (binary, ternary, rondo, sonata form basics)

Advanced notation techniques – chord symbols, slash notation, rhythm charts

History of the Guitar and Famous Guitarists (brief biographies)

Basics of music production and recording techniques

��� Practical (Abhyas / Performance Paper)

��� Scales and Modes (2 octaves and beyond):

All Major and Minor scales

All seven modes of the major scale

Blues scale and its variations

Melodic minor and harmonic minor scales

��� Chords:

Mastery of all chord types including extended chords (maj7, m7, dom7, dim7, 9ths, 11ths, 13ths)

Chord inversions and voice leading

Arpeggios for all chord types

Chord substitution techniques

��� Techniques:

Advanced picking: alternate, sweep picking, hybrid picking

Legato techniques: hammer-ons, pull-offs, slides, bends, vibrato

Basic tapping

Rhythm techniques: syncopation, odd time signatures, polyrhythms (introductory level)

��� Composition and Improvisation:

Compose a short piece (minimum 16 bars) demonstrating the use of scales, modes, and chord progressions

Improvisation over standard progressions (e.g., blues, jazz progressions)

Use of dynamics, phrasing, and articulation in solo playing

��� Performance:

Presentation of 3 ragas or melodic forms (adapted to guitar style, Indian/Western fusion)

One original composition

Two popular or classical songs with accompaniment

��� Other Requirements:

Sight reading complex pieces (staff and tablature)

Ear training: complex intervals, chord quality recognition, rhythmic dictation

Guitar maintenance and setup basics

��� Prayag Sangeet Samiti – Sixth Year Guitar Syllabus

This level is intended to develop professional-level skill, original artistic expression, and readiness for public performance, teaching, or composition work. Students are expected to master all technical, theoretical, and interpretative aspects of the instrument.

��� Theory (Lekhank / Written Paper)

��� Advanced Music Theory:

Full mastery of all modes of major, harmonic minor, and melodic minor scales

Chord Extensions and Alterations:

9th, 11th, 13th chords

Altered dominants (b9, #9, #11, b13)

Jazz Harmony Concepts: Substitutions, turnarounds, secondary dominants

Modulation Techniques: Pivot chords, chromatic modulation

Chord Melody Arrangement: Basic principles

Composition Form: 12-bar blues, 32-bar AABA, and Rondo

Music Analysis: Analyze a standard piece with form, harmony, and structure

Introduction to Indian Classical elements on guitar (if applicable)

Notational Fluency: Reading/writing of complex rhythms, full lead sheets

��� Practical (Abhyas / Performance Paper)

��� Scales & Modes (2–3 octaves):

Full fretboard mastery of:

Major, Natural Minor, Harmonic Minor, Melodic Minor

All 7 modes: Ionian to Locrian

Pentatonic (Major/Minor), Blues

Dorian and Mixolydian improvisation

��� Arpeggios:

Major 7th, Minor 7th, Dominant 7th, Diminished 7th

Sweep-picked arpeggios (basic application)

��� Chords:

All chord types + inversions and voice leading

Jazz chords: maj9, m11, dom13, altered chords

Application in comping and chord melody

��� Technical Skills:

Advanced legato and picking combinations

Fingerstyle and hybrid picking patterns

String skipping, tapping, harmonics (natural & artificial)

Odd meter rhythms (5/8, 7/8 – basic understanding)

��� Improvisation & Composition:

Soloing over jazz and pop progressions

Modal improvisation (Dorian, Mixolydian, etc.)

Compose a short original instrumental for solo guitar

Create a chord melody arrangement for a known song

��� Performance Pieces:

3 solo guitar pieces (including one original)

1 duet/ensemble piece

1 classical or Indian fusion piece (optional but preferred)

Must demonstrate different styles: pop, blues, jazz, and Indian light classical (if applicable)

��� Other Components:

Sight reading of complex lead sheets and rhythm charts

Aural Skills: Interval identification (major/minor/augmented/diminished), chord qualities, rhythm dictation

Viva on technical terms, history, and forms

��� Expected Proficiency at This Level:

Ability to compose, arrange, improvise, and teach

Stage performance capability

Readiness to pursue Diploma, Bachelor’s Degree, or begin professional teaching or studio work