Electric Guitar Exams
These officially accredited and internationally recognised exams offer a formal recognition of the specific talents of electric guitar players.
Exam Levels
Nine
exam grades are available, ranging from Preliminary Grade (for beginners)
up to Grade 8 (for aspiring professional musicians).
A range of Electric Guitar Teaching
Diplomas and Electric Guitar Performance
Diplomas are also available.
Exam Content
The exams are designed to develop the skills an electric guitarist needs to play in a rock band or pop group. Topics covered in the grade exams include: scales, improvisation and lead playing; chords and rhythm playing; specialist techniques; popular music theory and aural abilities. There is no requirement to read traditionally notated music.
Download an Exam Information Booklet to see the requirements of each grade.
What Happens During An Exam?
The examiner will begin by asking you to play a selection of scales and (from Grade 3 onwards) arpeggios. He will then request a selection of chords. The examiner will then show you a chord chart and ask you to play through it using an appropriate rhythm.
Next the examiner will show you another chord chart - but this time he will play through it once whilst you listen, then you should improvise some lead guitar over further playings. After this, the examiner will ask you a few spoken questions to test your knowledge of the instrument.
The exam will conclude with the examiner testing your 'ear for music' by giving you a selection of aural assessments. At Grades 6-8, you will be asked to perform your specialism.
Exam Handbooks
RGT publishes a course handbook to accompany each exam which provides full explanations and examples of all the information required for each grade. These are available from many good music/book stores or online at www.BooksForGuitar.com.
Benefits of Taking an RGT Exam
- Gain a useful and internationally recognised qualification.
- Find out, via a reliable and independent assessment, what standard your playing is.
- Achieve your playing potential by setting yourself a clear target to aspire to.
- Preparing for the exam will help you develop all aspects of your playing in a structured way, increase your knowledge of guitar techniques and music theory.
Introduction to RGT Electric Guitar Exams
You can see more videos on our Electric Guitar Videos page.
Exam Accreditation
RGT electric guitar exams are organised in partnership with London College of Music Exams (one of the world's most respected music examination boards, established since 1887) and certificated by Thames Valley University, resulting in a recognised standard by which the skills and abilities of electric guitarists can be assessed.
All RGT graded exams are accredited by the Qualifications & Curriculum Authority (QCA) and have been placed on the National Qualifications Framework. UCAS points towards university entrance are awarded from Grade 6 onwards.
The RGT electric guitar exams are endorsed by a range of eminent guitarists from the fields of rock, pop, jazz, & blues including Sir Paul McCartney, David Gilmour, Hank Marvin, Ronnie Wood, John Etheridge, Mick Green, Glenn Tilbrook, Dave Kelly and Gordon Giltrap.
