Home · Lessons · Music Theory
Music Theory
Keys, chords and rhythm — taught on the guitar, not the blackboard. Learn the why behind what your hands already do.
Theory you can hear
Most guitarists learn shapes first and understanding never — then hit a wall when a song changes key or a solo needs more than one box. This path fills the gap without drowning you in notation.
We work directly on your fretboard: how keys are built, why chord progressions pull where they do, and how rhythm notation maps to strumming and picking. Every concept lands in a song you already like, so nothing stays abstract.
Six to eight sessions take most players from “I just play the shapes” to naming chords on the fly, transposing for a singer, and writing progressions with intent.
What’s included
A practical syllabus — no exams, no filler. Each topic comes with tab, diagrams and a play-along drill.
- Keys & the fretboard map — major and minor keys, the circle of fifths made visual, and finding any key anywhere on the neck.
- Chord construction — triads, sevenths and extensions built note by note, so you can voice any chord three ways.
- Rhythm reading — note values, time signatures and syncopation, drilled with a metronome until they’re reflex.
- Progressions & songwriting — why the classics resolve the way they do, and how to borrow chords without breaking the song.
How it runs
Sixty minutes, once a week, in person in Nashville or online anywhere. Here’s the shape of every session.
Play first
We start with your guitar in your hands — this week’s drill, your questions, and whatever got stuck since last time.
One new idea
A single concept per session, taught on the neck with songs as proof. You’ll play it before you leave the room.
Take-home drill
A short practice loop, tab and a recording of the session’s key moments — three focused tasks for the week.
“I played for ten years without knowing what key I was in. Eight weeks with Aria and I’m calling changes on stage.”
— Marcus T., rhythm guitarist, NashvilleKeep going
Theory pairs naturally with these paths — most students take two side by side.
Ready to understand your instrument?
First session is a no-pressure assessment — bring your guitar and your hardest question.
Book your first lesson