Practice Routine for Level 5

Practice Routine for Level 5 (40 minutes)

I recommend you increase your practice time to 40 minutes. If this is too much, then try 2 x 20 minute slots per day - this can really work for many people!

I like to spend the first 5 or 10 minutes playing whatever comes to mind. It clears my head and warms my fingers up for the more focused practice to come.

Chord Practice (Strum, Pick, Strum)

• All about the chords G, C and D at this level

• Minor chords will start to be used a lot now too!

Rhythm Practice (use these in your song ASAP)

• 8ths all down strumming with embellishments from Level 5 Lesson 3 (for slower tempos)

• 8th strumming variations from Level 3 Lesson 2

Chord Sequences - If you can do these, then use this time on songs instead

• |G |C |D |C ||

• |D |C |F |G ||

• |G |D |Em |C || (The most common chord sequence!)

Song Practice - Keep 4 or 5 songs from the previous level and add:

• 'Knockin' On Heaven's Door' - the simplest song with G, C and D

• Any song that uses G, C and D is a good one, so use any of the songs recommended for this level! Repeat changing between G, C and D until it feels easy!

Now is a good time to ensure you have variety in your songs. Have you learned a riff or two yet? Can you demonstrate different strumming patterns? Can you play some songs along to the record?

Level 5 Goals

• Be able to play the chords from memory (E, A, D, Em, Am, Dm, G and C. Also the sus chords from level 4 - Dsus2, Dsus4, Asus2, Asus 4 and Esus4)

• Be able to play any of the recommended chord sequences, and as a bonus - be able to make up your own. You may wish to check out the Scales section on the website if you're into the single note playing at this level, you'll find loads more fun song options there!

• Be able to play at least 6 songs from the list. Again, keep a couple of songs from previous levels to keep your timing good, then add 2 or 3 new ones from this level!