RockschoolGuitar2012SyllabusNEW PDF

International Music and Performance Arts Exam Board
GUITAR
Syllabus Guide
2012 - 2018
www.rockschool.co.uk
Copyright 2014 Rock School Ltd Guitar Syllabus Guide 2012-2018 | 1
Table of Contents
3 Introduction
4 Debut
6 Grade 1
8 Grade 2
10 Grade 3
12 Grade 4
15 Grade 5
18 Grade 6
21 Grade 7
24 Grade 8
27 Technical Work
29 Sight Reading
30 Quick Study Piece
31 Ear Tests
33 Assessment Criteria
35 Exam Regulations

INTRODUCTION
W Examination Structure
elcome to the Rockschool 2012-2018 syllabus
for Guitar. This syllabus guide is designed The examination structure for the grade
to give teachers, learners and candidates examinations is shown below:
practical information on the graded examinations 1st - pieces or technical exercises
run by Rockschool. 2nd - technical exercises or pieces
3rd - Sight Reading or Improvisation
The Rockschool website, www.rockschool.co.uk has detailed & Interpretation or Quick Study Piece
information on all aspects of our examinations, including 4th - Ear Tests
examination regulations, detailed marking schemes and 5th - General Musicianship Questions
assessment criteria as well as notated and audio examples
to help you prepare for the examination. Examination Timings
Examination Timings for Grade Exams
This Syllabus Guide covers the following examinations: & Performance Certificates
Graded Examinations Debut Grade 8 Debut: 15 minutes
Performance Certificates Debut Grade 8 Grade 1: 20 minutes
Band Exams Grades 3, 5 and 8 Grade 2: 20 minutes
Grade 3: 25 minutes
Examinations Grade 4: 25 minutes
Rockschool offers two types of graded music examina- Grade 5: 25 minutes
tion; Grade Examinations and Performance Certificate. Grade 6: 30 minutes
Grade 7: 30 minutes
GRADE EXAMINATIONS Grade 8: 30 minutes
Grade Examinations are available at every grade Debut
- Grade 8 and consist of the following elements: Examination Timings for Band Exams
3 Performance Pieces: Debut - Grade 8 Grade 3: 40 minutes
Technical Exercises: Debut - Grade 8 Grade 5: 40 minutes
Sight Reading: Debut to Grade 5 or Improvisation Grade 8: 45 minutes
& Interpretation: Grade 1 Grade 5
Quick Study Piece: Grade 6 - 8 Free Choice Pieces
Ear Tests: Debut - Grade 8 Candidates are able to play a number of free
General Musicianship Questions: Debut - Grade 8 choice pieces in the examination:
Grade Examinations: 2 free choice pieces
These elements fall into two categories: Prepared work Performance Certificates: 3 free choice pieces
and Unprepared work. Prepared work consists of the
three pieces and technical exercises. Unprepared work Visit www.rockschool.co.uk for grade specific criteria. For
consists of Sight Reading or Improvisation & Interpreta- guitar and drums, Hot Rock offer examination graded
tion, (Quick Study Piece at Grades 6 - 8), Ear Tests and pieces with specially tailored backing tracks in specific
General Musicianship Questions. graded books.
PERFORMANCE CERTIFICATES Notation

Performance Certificates are available at every grade All notated work is to be played as written. There should
Debut - Grade 8 and consist of the following elements: be no changes or arrangement (unless previously agreed
5 performance Pieces: Debut - Grade 8 with Rockschool). Each piece is specifically written for
the grade to assess key notation issues regarding pitch,
BAND EXAMS rhythm and technique. n
Band Exams are available for Guitar, Bass and Drums at
grades 3, 5 and 8 and consist of the following elements:
5 Performance Pieces: Grades 3, 5 and 8

DEBUT
T
he Debut Guitar exam is for candidates who is correct for the candidate by asking them to play along
have been learning a short time and have to the backing track for the first few bars. Once the
learnt the basic skills. There are two types of correct level has been agreed, the examiner will begin
exam available at Debut, Grade Exam or Performance again and conduct all three pieces. Note that this is only
Certificate. Please see the Examinations section for an done for the first piece.
explanation of the differences.
TECHNICAL WORK
Grade Exam At Debut there are three groups of technical work.
Prepared work: candidates play 3 pieces that last a The examiner will ask a selection from each group and
maximum of 1 minute and Technical Exercises cover before you start the section you will be asked whether
the preliminary areas. you would like to play the exercises along with the click or
Unprepared work: candidates are required to use their hear a single bar of click before you commence the test.
guitar for a simple sight reading test, which is rhythmic
reading and two ear tests that begin to develop melodic Tempo: 70 bpm
recall and rhythmic sense. The final part of the exam Group A: Scales
is a set of 5 simple questions based on the candidates Major: C
choice of piece. These are designed to explore simple Minor pentatonic: A, E
theory and instrument knowledge
Group B: Chords
Exam Structure Open position chords. Individual chords will be
The Debut exam lasts 15 minutes and will be taken strummed once as directed by the examiner
in the following structure. Major: A, D, C, G
1st item - Pieces or Technical Exercises. Minor: A, E
The candidate chooses to play either their pieces
or their technical exercises first. Group C: Riff
2nd item - Technical Exercises or Pieces. In the exam you will be asked to play the riff from the
The candidate will perform the element not Grade Debut book to a backing track. The riff shown in
chosen above. bar 1 should be played in the same shape in bars 24.
3rd item - Sight Reading. The candidate is given a The root note of the pattern to be played is shown in
simple previously unseen test to practice and play. the music in each of the subsequent three bars.
4th item - Ear Tests. The candidate responds to two
simple tests. One is melodic and one is rhythmic. SIGHT READING
5th item - General Musicianship Questions. Tempo: 70 bpm
The candidate answers 5 questions related to a At Debut you will be offered a previously unseen Sight
piece of their choice. Reading test that is in the form of a four bar rhythm
played on the lowest-sounding E string. An example is
PIECES shown in the Debut grade book.
At Debut the pieces last up to a maximum of 1 minute.
This is so the candidate can remain focused and con- The test is made up of half and quarter notes, will be
centrate on the basic requirements of notation, values, in 4/4. The examiner will allow 90 seconds preparation
sound, control and sync. The pieces contain simple posi- and practice time and will offer the option of practising
tion work and work across strings is simple and paced. with or without a metronome. The candidate will then
perform the test for the examination.
Setting the Level of the Backing Track
Before playing the first piece all the way through, the
examiner will make sure the volume of the backing track

EAR TESTS Performance Certificate

There are two tests which are, Melodic The candidate chooses to play 5 pieces lasting
Recall and Rhythmic Recall. a maximum of 1 minute each.
Melodic Recall Free Choice Piece/Own Choice Piece

Tempo: 85bpm There is an option of playing free choice pieces
The examiner will play you two half notes one after the in the examination.
other. You will tell the examiner whether the second Grade exam: 2 free choice pieces
note is higher or lower in pitch than the first note. You Performance certificate: 3 free choice pieces
will hear the test twice. Each time the test is played it is
preceded by a one bar vocal count-in. Answers can be Criteria for own free choice pieces can be found by visit-
higher/lower or up/down. ing the website www.rockschool.co.uk. If there is any doubt
or questions about the appropriateness of the chosen
Rhythmic Recall piece, you can email it to info@rockschool.co.uk and a
Key: Low E string member of the Rockschool team will advise you. n
Tempo: 80 bpm
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.
Each time the test is played it is preceded by a
one bar count-in. There will be a short gap for you to
practise. Next you will hear a vocal count-in and you will
then play the rhythm to the drum backing.
GENERAL MUSICIANSHIP QUESTIONS

In this part of the exam you will be asked five questions.
Four of these questions will be about general music
knowledge and the fifth question will be asked about
your instrument.
Music Knowledge
For this section of the exam the candidate chooses the
piece to answer 5 questions on. The examiner will ask
you four music knowledge questions and one instru-
ment knowledge question.
In Debut you will be asked to identify:
The music stave and the TAB
The treble clef
Half and quarter note values
Instrument Knowledge
In Debut you will be asked to identify:
One of the following parts of your guitar:
neck, body, tuning-pegs or bridge

GRADE 1
T
he Grade 1 Guitar exam is for candidates who to the backing track for the first few bars. Once the
have been learning between six months one correct level has been agreed, the examiner will begin
year and have mastered the key basic skills. There again and conduct all three pieces. Note that this is only
are two types of exam available at Grade 1, Grade Exam done for the first piece.
or Performance Certificate. Please see the Examinations
section for an explanation of the differences. TECHNICAL WORK
At Grade 1 there are three groups of technical work.
Grade Exam The examiner will ask a selection from each group and
Prepared work: candidates perform 3 pieces that last a before you start the section you will be asked whether
maximum of 1 minute 15 seconds and demonstrate a you would like to play the exercises along with the click or
selection of Technical Exercises. hear a single bar of click before you commence the test.
Unprepared work: candidates are required to play either
a 4 bar sight reading test, or a 4 bar Improvisation and Tempo: 70 bpm
Interpretation test. There are also two ear tests that Group A: Scales
continue to develop melodic recall and rhythmic sense Major: C
and the final part of the exam is a set of 5 simple ques- Natural minor: A
tions based on the candidates choice of piece. These are Minor pentatonic: A, E
designed to explore theory and instrument knowledge. Major pentatonic: G

Exam Structure Group B: Chords
The Grade 1 exam lasts 20 minutes and will be Powerchords: two-note chords to be played
taken in the following structure. in a continuous sequence.
1st item - Pieces or Technical Exercises. Major: A, D, E, C, G: individual chords will be
The candidate chooses to play either their strummed once as directed by the examiner.
pieces or their technical exercises first. Minor: A, D, E individual chords will be strummed
2nd item - Technical Exercises or Pieces. once as directed by the examiner.
The candidate will perform the element not
chosen above. Group C: Riff
3rd item - Sight Reading or Improvisation and Tempo: 70 bpm
Interpretation. The candidate is given a simple In the exam you will be asked to play the riff from the
previously unseen test to practice and play. Grade 1 book to a backing track. The riff shown in bar
4th item - Ear Tests. The candidate responds to two 1 should be played in the same shape in bars 24. The
simple tests. One is melodic and one is rhythmic. root note of the pattern to be played is shown in the
5th item - General Musicianship Questions. music in each of the subsequent three bars.
The candidate answers 5 questions related to
a piece of their choice. SIGHT READING OR IMPROVISATION
& INTERPRETATION
PIECES At Grade 1 you will be offered the choice between
At Grade 1 the pieces last up to a maximum of 1 Sight Reading or Improvisation & Interpretation. This is
minute 15 seconds. The length of piece is designed so a previously unseen test. An example is shown in the
the candidate can remain focused and concentrate on Grade 1 book.
the requirements of notation, values, evenness of sound,
technical control and sync.

is correct for the candidate by asking them to play along

Sight Reading
Key: A minor
In this part of the exam you will be asked five questions.
Tempo: 70 bpm
Four of these questions will be about general music
At Grade 1 the sight reading test is in the form of a
knowledge and the fifth question will be asked about
melody consisting of half and quarter notes in 4/4. The
your instrument.
test is 4 bars long. The examiner will allow 90 seconds
preparation and practice time and will offer the option
Music Knowledge
of practising with or without a metronome. The candi-
date will then perform the test for the examination.
you four music knowledge questions and one instrument
Improvisation & Interpretation
knowledge question.
Key: C major or A minor
Tempo: 70-80 bpm
In Grade 1 you will be asked to identify:
At Grade 1 the candidate has the choice of playing a
The treble clef
lead line or rhythm (chord) line. The test is 4 bars long
The time signature
and the candidate will have 30 seconds preparation
Whole, Half, quarter and eighth note values
time. The examiner will offer the metronome as a guide
The difference between a major and minor chord
or throughout this time. The candidate will then have a
complete practice run through with the backing track
and then on the repeat, the test will be examined.
One of the following parts of your guitar: neck,
EAR TESTS fretboard, body, tuning-pegs, nut pickups or bridge
There are two tests which are, Melodic
One main guitar other than that you are playing
Recall and Rhythmic Recall.
Names of the open strings
Melodic Recall
Tempo: 85 bpm
Performance Certificate
The candidate chooses to play 5 pieces lasting a
The examiner will play you three notes in sequence.
maximum of 1 minute 15 seconds each.
You will tell the examiner whether the second note is
higher or lower in pitch than the first note and whether
the third note is higher or lower than the second. You
Free Choice Piece/Own Choice Piece
There is an option of playing free choice pieces in
will hear the test twice. Each time the test is played it is
the examination.
preceded by a one bar vocal count-in. Answers can be
Grade exam: 2 free choice pieces
higher then lower or up then down (as appropriate).
Performance certificate: 3 free choice pieces
Rhythmic Recall
Candidates also have the opportunity of playing from
Key: Low E string
the Hot Rock Guitar Grade 1.
Tempo: 90 bpm
Criteria for own free choice pieces can be found by visit-
ing the website www.rockschool.co.uk. If there is any doubt
hear the test twice. You will be asked to play the rhythm
back. You will then be asked to identify the rhythm from
piece, you can email it to info@rockschool.co.uk and a
two printed examples shown to you. The test is made
member of the Rockschool team will advise you. n
up of quarter and eighth notes and quarter note rests.

Each time the test is played it is preceded by a one bar
count-in. There will be a short gap for you to practise.
Next you will hear a vocal count-in and you will then
play the rhythm to the drum backing.

GRADE 2
T
he Grade 2 Guitar exam is for candidates who is correct for the candidate by asking them to play along
have been learning approximately one year to to the backing track for the first few bars. Once the
eighteen months and have established the key correct level has been agreed, the examiner will begin
basic skills along with solid basic techniques. There are again and conduct all three pieces. Note that this is only
two types of exam available at Grade 2, Grade Exam or done for the first piece.
Performance Certificate. Please see the Examinations
section for an explanation of the differences. TECHNICAL WORK
At Grade 2 there are three groups of technical work.
maximum of 1 minute 30 seconds and demonstrate a you would like to play the exercises along with the click or
selection of Technical Exercises. hear a single bar of click before you commence the test.
a 4 bar sight reading test or a 4 bar Improvisation and Tempo: 80 bpm
Interpretation test. There are also two ear tests that Group A: Scales
develop melodic recall and rhythmic sense and the final Major: C, G
part of the exam is a set of 5 simple questions based on Natural minor: A, E
the candidates choice of piece. These are designed to Minor pentatonic: C, G
explore theory and instrument knowledge. Major pentatonic: C, G

Exam Structure Group B: Chords
The Grade 2 exam lasts 20 minutes and will be 1: Powerchords: three-note chords to be played
taken in the following structure. in a continuous sequence.
1st item - Pieces or Technical Exercises. 2: Major: C, F, G individual chords will be strummed
The candidate chooses to play either their pieces once as directed by the examiner.
or their technical exercises first. 3: Minor 7th: A, D, E individual chords will be
2nd item - Technical Exercises or Pieces. strummed once as directed by the examiner.
The candidate will perform the element not 4: Major 7th: A, C, D individual chords will be
chosen above. strummed once as directed by the examiner.
3rd item - Sight Reading or Improvisation and
Interpretation. The candidate is given a simple Group C: Riff
previously unseen test to practice and play. Tempo 80 bpm
4th item - Ear Tests. The candidate responds to two In the exam you will be asked to play the riff from the
simple tests. One is melodic and one is rhythmic. Grade 2 book to a backing track. The riff shown in bars
5th item - General Musicianship Questions. 1and 2 should be played in the same shape in bars 38.
The candidate answers 5 questions related to The root note of the pattern to be played is shown in
a piece of their choice. the music in each of the subsequent bars.
PIECES SIGHT READING OR IMPROVISATION

At Grade 2 the pieces last up to a maximum of 1 min- & INTERPRETATION
ute 30 seconds. The length of piece is designed so even- At Grade 2 you will be offered the choice between
ness the candidate can remain focused and concentrate Sight Reading or Improvisation & Interpretation. This is
on the requirements of notation accuracy, basic technical a previously unseen test. An example is shown in the
control, articulation, sound and sync. Grade 2 book.


Sight Reading
Key: C or G major GENERAL MUSICIANSHIP QUESTIONS
Tempo: 70 bpm In this part of the exam you will be asked five questions.
At Grade 2 the sight reading test is in the form of a mel- Four of these questions will be about general music
ody consisting of half, quarter eighth notes and quarter knowledge and the fifth question will be asked about
note rests in 4/4. The test is 4 bars long. The examiner your instrument.
will allow 90 seconds preparation and practice time
and will offer the option of practising with or without a Music Knowledge
metronome. The candidate will then perform the test for For this section of the exam the candidate chooses the
the examination. piece to answer 5 questions on. The examiner will ask
Improvisation & Interpretation ment knowledge question.
Key: G major or E minor
Tempo: 80-90 bpm In Grade 2 you will be asked to identify:
At Grade 2 the candidate has the choice of playing a The pitch name of notes
lead line or rhythm (chord) line. The test is 4 bars long The meaning of the time signature marking
and the candidate will have 30 seconds preparation Whole, Half, quarter, eighth and sixteenth
time. The examiner will offer the metronome as a guide note values
or throughout this time. The candidate will then have a Rest values
complete practice run through with the backing track The construction of a major or minor chord
and then on the repeat, the test will be examined.
EAR TESTS In Grade 2 you will be asked to identify:
There are two tests which are, Melodic One of the following parts of your guitar: neck,
Recall and Rhythmic Recall. fretboard, body, tuning-pegs, scratch plate, nut,
Qpickups, jack socket or bridge
Melodic Recall The location of the volume and tone controls
Key: C Minor pentatonic on your guitar
Tempo: 85 bpm Names of all open strings
The examiner will play you a two bar melody with a
drum backing. The first note of the melody will be the Performance Certificate
root note and the first interval will be ascending. You will The candidate chooses to play 5 pieces lasting a
play the melody back on your instrument. You will hear maximum of 1 minute 30 seconds each.
the test twice.
Each time the test is played it is preceded by a Free Choice Piece/Own Choice Piece
one bar count-in. There will be a short gap for you to There is an option of playing free choice pieces in
practise. Next you will hear a vocal count-in and you will the examination.
then play the rhythm to the drum backing. Grade exam: 2 free choice pieces
Rhythmic Recall
Key: E string Candidates also have the opportunity of playing from
Tempo: 90 bpm the Hot Rock Guitar Grade 2.
a drum backing on the lowest-sounding E string. You will Criteria for own free choice pieces can be found by visit-
hear the test twice. You will be asked to play the rhythm ing the website www.rockschool.co.uk. If there is any doubt
back. You will then be asked to identify the rhythm from or questions about the appropriateness of the chosen
two printed examples shown to you. The test is made piece, you can email it to info@rockschool.co.uk and a
up of quarter and eighth notes and quarter note rests. member of the Rockschool team will advise you. n
Each time the test is played it is preceded by a
practise. Next you will hear a vocal count-in and you will
then play the rhythm to the drum backing.

GRADE 3
T
he Grade 3 Guitar exam is for candidates who Setting the Level of the Backing Track
have been learning approximately eighteen Before playing the first piece all the way through, the
months to two years and have established the examiner will make sure the volume of the backing track
basic skills, preliminary techniques and the begin- is correct for the candidate by asking them to play along
nings of stylistic awareness through articulation and to the backing track for the first few bars. Once the
the introduction of solo and improvisation work. correct level has been agreed, the examiner will begin
There are two types of exam available at Grade 3, again and conduct all three pieces. Note that this is only
Grade Exam or Performance Certificate. Please see done for the first piece.
the Examinations section for an explanation of the
differences. TECHNICAL WORK
At Grade 3 there are four groups of technical work.
maximum of 2 minutes and demonstrate a selection of you would like to play the exercises along with the click or
Technical Exercises. hear a single bar of click before you commence the test.
a 4 bar sight reading test or a 4 bar Improvisation and Tempo: 90 bpm
Interpretation test. There are also two ear tests that Group A: Scales (two octaves in eighth notes)
develop melodic recall and rhythmic sense and the Major: G, A, B
final part of the exam is a set of 5 questions based on Natural minor: G, A, B
the candidates choice of piece. These are designed to Minor pentatonic: G, A, B
explore theory and instrument knowledge. Major pentatonic: G, A, B
Blues: G, A, B
Exam Structure
The Grade 3 exam lasts 25 minutes and will be taken Group B: Arpeggios (one octave in quarter notes)
in the following structure. Major: G, A, B
1st item - Pieces or Technical Exercises. Minor: G, A, B
or their technical exercises first. Group C: Chords
2nd item - Technical Exercises or Pieces. 1: Major and minor barre chords to be played in
The candidate will perform the element not a continuous sequence.
chosen above. 2: Dominant 7th: A, C, D, E Individual chords will
3rd item - Sight Reading. The candidate is given be strummed once and then picked (arpeggiated).
a previously unseen test to practice and play.
4th item - Ear Tests. The candidate responds to two Group D: Riff
tests. One is melodic and one is rhythmic. Tempo: 90 bpm
5th item - General Musicianship Questions. In the exam you will be asked to play the riff from the
The candidate answers 5 questions related to Grade 3 book to a backing track. The riff shown in bars
a piece of their choice. 1and 2 should be played in the same shape in bars 38.
The root note of the pattern to be played is shown in
PIECES the music in each of the subsequent bars.
At Grade 3 the pieces last up to a maximum of 2
minutes. The length of piece is designed so the candidate SIGHT READING OR IMPROVISATION
can remain focused and concentrate on the require- & INTERPRETATION
ments of notation accuracy, quality of sound, stylistic At Grade 3 you will be offered a choice between Sight
techniques and articulation, control, preliminary solo and Reading or Improvisation & Interpretation.This is a previous-
improvisation elements and sync. ly unseen test. An example is shown in the Grade 3 book.

Sight Reading practise. Next you will hear a vocal count-in and you will
Key: G major or A minor then play the rhythm to the drum backing.
Tempo: 75-85 bpm
At Grade 3 the sight reading test is in the form of a mel- GENERAL MUSICIANSHIP QUESTIONS
ody consisting of half, quarter eighth notes and quarter In this part of the exam you will be asked five questions.
note rests in 4/4. The test is 4 bars long. The examiner Four of these questions will be about general music
will allow 90 seconds preparation and practice time knowledge and the fifth question will be asked about
and will offer the option of practising with or without a your instrument.
metronome. The candidate will then perform the test for
the examination. Music Knowledge
Improvisation & Interpretation piece to answer 5 questions on. The examiner will ask
Key: G major or A minor you four music knowledge questions and one instru-
Tempo: 80-90 bpm ment knowledge question.
At Grade 3 the candidate has the choice of playing a
lead line or rhythm (chord) line. The test is 4 bars long. In Grade 3 you will be asked to identify:
The candidate will have 30 seconds preparation time The pitch name of notes
and the examiner will offer the metronome as a guide The meaning of the time signature marking
or throughout this time. The candidate will then have a Whole, Half, quarter, eighth and sixteenth
complete practice run through with the backing track note values
and then on the repeat, the test will be examined. Rest values
The construction of a major or minor chord
EAR TESTS
There are two tests which are, Melodic Instrument Knowledge
Recall and Rhythmic Recall. In Grade 3 you will be asked to identify:
One of the following parts of your guitar: neck,
Melodic Recall fretboard, body, tuning-pegs, scratch plate, nut,
Key: G Minor pentatonic pickups, jack socket or bridge
Tempo: 85 bpm The location of the volume and tone controls
The examiner will play you a two bar melody with a on your guitar
drum backing. The first note of the melody will be the The location of the volume/gain controls on
root note and the first interval will be ascending. You will the amp
play the melody back on your instrument. You will hear
the test twice. Performance Certificate
The candidate chooses to play 5 pieces lasting
Each time the test is played it is preceded by a one bar a maximum of 2 minutes each.
count-in. There will be a short gap for you to practise
after you have heard the test for the second time. Next Free Choice Piece/Own Choice Piece
you will hear a vocal count-in and you will then play the There is an option of playing free choice pieces
melody to the drum backing. in the examination.
Rhythmic Recall Performance certificate: 3 free choice pieces
Key: E string
Tempo: 90 bpm Candidates also have the opportunity of playing from
The examiner will play you a two bar rhythm played to the Hot Rock Guitar Grade 3.
hear the test twice. You will be asked to play the rhythm Criteria for own free choice pieces can be found by visit-
back. You will then be asked to identify the rhythm from ing the website www.rockschool.co.uk. If there is any doubt
two printed examples shown to you. The test is made or questions about the appropriateness of the chosen
up of and 1/8th notes and and 1/8 note rests. piece, you can email it to info@rockschool.co.uk and a
Each time the test is played it is preceded by a member of the Rockschool team will advise you. n

GRADE 4
T
he Grade 4 Guitar exam is for candidates who instrumental techniques, developing solo and improvisa-
have been learning approximately two - two tion elements and sync.
and half years and have mastered the basic
skills, preliminary techniques and have acquired the Setting the Level of the Backing Track
beginnings of stylistic awareness. Grade 4 devel- Before playing the first piece all the way through, the
ops further stylistic conviction and understanding examiner will make sure the volume of the backing track
through developed solo and improvisation work and is correct for the candidate by asking the candidate to
use of varied sounds. There are two types of exam play along to the backing track for the first few bars.
available at Grade 4, Grade Exam or Performance Once the correct level has been agreed, the examiner
Certificate. Please see the Examinations section for an will begin again and conduct all three pieces. Note that
explanation of the differences. this is only done for the first piece.
Grade Exam TECHNICAL WORK

Prepared work: candidates perform 3 pieces that last a At Grade 4 level there are four groups of technical
maximum of 2 minutes 15 seconds and demonstrate a work. The examiner will ask a selection from each group
selection of Technical Exercises. and before you start the section you will be asked
Unprepared work: candidates are required to play either whether you would like to play the exercises along with
an 8 bar sight reading test or an 8 bar Improvisation and the click or hear a single bar of click before you com-
Interpretation test. There are also two ear tests that de- mence the test.
velop descending melodic recall and rhythmic sense and
the final part of the exam is a set of 5 questions based Tempo: 80 bpm
on the candidates choice of piece. These are designed Group A: Scales (two octaves in eighth notes)
to explore theory and instrument knowledge. Prepared in two fingerings from the 6th string.
The examiner will ask for the same scale in the
Exam Structure two fingerings.
The Grade 4 exam lasts 25 minutes and will be taken Major: A, B, C, D
in the following structure. Natural minor: A, B, C, D
1st item - Pieces or Technical Exercises. Minor pentatonic A, B, C, D
The candidate chooses to play either their pieces Major pentatonic A, B, C, D
or their technical exercises first. Blues: A, B, C, D
2nd item - Technical Exercises or Pieces.
The candidate will perform the element not Group B: Arpeggios (one octave in eighth notes)
chosen above. Major 7th: A, B, C, D
3rd item - Sight Reading. The candidate is given Minor 7th: A, B, C, D
a previously unseen test to practice and play. Dominant 7th: A, B, C, D
4th item - Ear Tests. The candidate responds to
two tests. One is melodic and one is rhythmic. Group C: Chords to be prepared on
5th item - General Musicianship Questions. both E and A strings
The candidate answers 5 questions related to Major 7t:h: B, C, D,
a piece of their choice. Minor 7th: B, C, D,
Dominant 7th: B, C, D,
PIECES Individual chords will be strummed once and
At Grade 4 the pieces last up to a maximum of 2 min- then picked (arpeggiated).
utes 15 seconds. The pieces are over two pages and are
designed so the candidate can retain focus and concen-
tration. Emphasis is on notation accuracy, stylistic sound
and articulation, technical control including execution of

Group D: Riff Melodic Recall

Tempo: 100 bpm Key: C Major pentatonic or B Minor pentatonic
In the exam you will be asked to play the riff from the Tempo: 90 bpm
Grade 4 book to a backing track. The riff shown in bars The examiner will play you a two bar melody with a
1and 2 should be played in the same shape in bars 38. drum backing. The first note of the melody will be the
The root note of the pattern to be played is shown in root note and the first interval will be descending. You
the music in each of the subsequent bars. will play the melody back on your instrument. You will
hear the test twice.
SIGHT READING OR IMPROVISATION
& INTERPRETATION count-in. There will be a short gap for you to practise
At Grade 4 you will be offered a choice between Sight
after you have heard the test for the second time. Next
Reading or Improvisation & Interpretation. This is a
you will hear a vocal count-in and you will then play the
previously unseen test and an example is shown in the
melody to the drum backi
Grade 4 book.
Harmonic Recall
Sight Reading
Key: C major
Key: D and G major, D and A minor
Tempo: 90 bpm
Tempo: 80-90 bpm
The examiner will play you a tonic chord followed by a
At Grade 4 there is an element of improvisation. This
two bar chord sequence in the key of C major played
is in the form of a two bar ending. The piece will be
to a bass and drum backing. The sequence will be drawn
composed in the style of rock, funk or blues and will
from I, IV and V chords and may occur in any combina-
have chord symbols throughout. At Grade 4 the nota-
tion. You will be asked to play the chord sequence to the
tion consists of half, quarter eighth notes and quarter
drum backing in the rhythm shown in the Grade 4 book.
and eighth note rests in 4/4. The test is 8 bars long. The
This rhythm will be used in all examples of this test given
examiner will allow 90 seconds preparation and practice
in the exam. You will then be asked to identify the chord
time and will offer the option of practising with or with-
sequence you have played to the examiner. You will hear
out a metronome. The candidate will then perform the
the test twice.
test for the examination.
Each time the test is played the sequence is: count-in,
tonic, count-in, chords. There will be a short gap for you
to practise after you have heard the test for the second
Key: D or G major, D or A minor
time. You will hear the count-in and tonic for the third
Tempo: 90-100 bpm
time followed by a vocal
In Grade 4, the improvisation and interpretation test
count-in then you will play the chords to the drum
contains a small amount of sight reading. This consists of
backing.
a two bar section of rhythm (chord) notation at the be-
ginning of the test. You will be asked to play the chords
in the rhythms indicated and complete the test using an
improvised line made up of chords and lead lines where
Music Knowledge
indicated. This is played to a backing track of eight bars.
The candidate will have 30 seconds preparation time
and the examiner will offer the metronome as a guide
or throughout this time. The candidate will then have a
complete practice run through with the
backing track and then on the repeat, the test will
be examined.
EAR TESTS
Recall and Rhythmic Recall.


The pitch name of notes
The meaning of the time signature and key
Qsignature marking
Repeat marks, first and second time bars, D.C.,
D.S., al Coda and al Fine markings
Whole, half, quarter, eighth note, triplet eighth
notes and 16th note values
Whole, half, quarter, eighth note and 16th note
rests and rest combinations
The construction of major, minor or dominant
7 chords
One type of scale that can be used appropriately
in the solo section of the piece you have played
Any part or control on your guitar
The function of the volume and tone controls
on your guitar
The tone settings for the piece you have played
on the amp and why you have chosen these settings
a maximum of 2 minutes 15 seconds each.

There is an option of playing free choice pieces
in the examination.
Criteria for own free choice pieces can be found by

visiting the website www.rockschool.co.uk. If there is any
doubt or questions about the appropriateness of the cho-
sen piece, you can email it to info@rockschool.co.uk and a

GRADE 5
T
have acquired the intermediate skills and tech- Before playing the first piece all the way through, the
niques and have developed an increasing sense examiner will make sure the volume of the backing track
of stylistic conviction. This is demonstrated through in- is correct for the candidate by asking them to play along
strumental techniques, increasing rhythmic complexity to the backing track for the first few bars. Once the
and convincing solo and improvisation work. There are correct level has been agreed, the examiner will begin
two types of exam available at Grade 5, Grade Exam or again and conduct all three pieces. Note that this is only
Performance Certificate. Please see the Examinations done for the first piece.
section for an explanation of the differences.
TECHNICAL WORK
Grade Exam At Grade 5 level there are four groups of technical
Prepared work: candidates perform 3 pieces that last a work. The examiner will ask a selection from each group
maximum of 2 minutes 30 seconds and demonstrate a and before you start the section you will be asked
selection of Technical Exercises. whether you would like to play the exercises along with
Unprepared work: candidates are required to play either the click or hear a single bar of click before you com-
an 8 bar sight reading test or an 8 bar Improvisation mence the test.
and Interpretation test. There are also two ear tests
that continue to develop descending melodic recall and Tempo: 80 bpm
rhythmic sense and the final part of the exam is a set Group A: Scales (two octaves in eighth notes)
of 5 questions based on the candidates choice of piece. To be prepared in two positions. The first position is
These explore theory and instrument knowledge. to be prepared on the E string from the starting notes
F, G and A. The second position is to be prepared on
Exam Structure the A string from the starting notes B, C and D. You
The Grade 5 exam lasts 25 minutes and will be may have to make adjustments for open strings in your
taken in the following structure. fingerings of some scales.
1st item - Pieces or Technical Exercises. Major: F, G, A (6th string) B, C, D (5th string)
The candidate chooses to play either their Natural minor: F, G, A (6th string) B, C, D
pieces or their technical exercises first. (5th string)
2nd item - Technical Exercises or Pieces. Minor pentatonic: F, G, A (6th string) B, C, D
The candidate will perform the element not (5th string)
chosen above. Major pentatonic: F, G, A (6th string) B, C, D
3rd item - Sight Reading. The candidate is given (5th string)
a previously unseen test to practice and play. Blues: F, G, A (6th string) B, C, D (5th string)
4th item - Ear Tests. The candidate responds to Harmonic minor: F, G, A (6th string) B, C, D
two tests. One is melodic and one is rhythmic. (5th string)
5th item - General Musicianship Questions.
The candidate answers 5 questions related to Group B: Arpeggios (two octaves in eighth notes)
a piece of their choice. Major: F, G, A (6th string) B, C, D (5th string)
Minor: F, G, A (6th string) B, C, D (5th string)
PIECES
At Grade 5 the pieces last up to a maximum of 2 Group C: Chords
minutes 30 seconds. The pieces are over four pages. Major and minor triads played in three inversions on
Emphasis is on notation accuracy, execution of stylistic the top three strings in the key of C. To be played in a
techniques, technical control, developing solo and im- continuous sequence.
provisation elements and communication of the music.

Group D: Riff Tempo: 90 bpm

Tempo: 100 bpm The examiner will play you a two bar melody with a
In the exam you will be asked to play the riff from the drum backing The first note of the melody will be the
Grade 5 book to a backing track. The riff shown in bars root note and the first interval will be descending. You
1and 2 should be played in the same shape in bars 38. will play the melody back on your instrument. You will
The root note of the pattern to be played is shown in hear the test twice.
the music in each of the subsequent bars.
SIGHT READING OR IMPROVISATION count-in. There will be a short gap for you to practise
& INTERPRETATION after you have heard the test for the second time. Next
At Grade 5 you will be offered the choice between you will hear a vocal count-in and you will then play the
Sight Reading or Improvisation & Interpretation. This is melody to the drum backing.
a previously unseen test. An example is shown in the
Grade 5 book. Harmonic Recall
Key: G major
Sight Reading Tempo 90 bpm
Key: F and G major, E and G minor The examiner will play you a tonic chord followed by a
Tempo: 90 bpm four bar chord sequence in the key of G major played
At Grade 5 there is an element of improvisation. This is to a bass and drum backing. The sequence will be drawn
in the form of a two bar ending. The piece will be com- from the I, IV, V, and vi and may occur in any combina-
posed in the style of rock, funk or blues and will have tion. You will be asked to play the chord sequence to
chord symbols throughout. At Grade 5 the notation the drum backing in the rhythm shown in the example
consists of half, quarter eighth notes and quarter note below. This rhythm will be used in all examples of this
and eighth note rests in 4/4. The test is 8 bars long. The test given in the exam. You will then be asked to identify
examiner will allow 90 seconds preparation and practice the chord sequence you have played to the examiner.
time and will offer the option of practising with or with- You will hear the test twice.
out a metronome. The candidate will then perform the Each time the test is played the sequence is: count-in,
test for the examination. tonic, count-in, chords. There will be a short gap for you
to practise after you have heard the test for the second
Improvisation & Interpretation time. You will hear the count-in and tonic for the third
Key: A or G major, E or G minor time followed by a vocal count-in then you will play the
Tempo: 90-100 bpm chords to the drum backing.
In Grade 5, the improvisation and interpretation test
contains a small amount of sight reading. This consists of GENERAL MUSICIANSHIP QUESTIONS
a two bar section of rhythm (chord) notation at the be- In this part of the exam you will be asked five questions.
ginning of the test. You will be asked to play the chords Four of these questions will be about general music
in the rhythm indicated and complete the test using an knowledge and the fifth question will be asked about
improvised line made up of chords and lead lines where your instrument.
indicated. This is played to a backing track of eight bars.
The candidate will have 30 seconds preparation time Music Knowledge
and the examiner will offer the metronome as a guide For this section of the exam the candidate chooses the
or throughout this time. The candidate will then have a piece to answer 5 questions on. The examiner will ask
complete practice run through with the backing track you four music knowledge questions and one instru-
and then on the repeat, the test will be examined. ment knowledge question.
EAR TESTS
Recall and Harmonic Recall.
Melodic Recall
Key: D Major pentatonic or A Minor pentatonic


The names of pitches
The meaning of accidentals: # (sharp), b (flat)
and (natural) signs
The meaning of the time signature, key signature
and swing time markings
Repeat marks, first and second time bars, D.C.,
D.S., al Coda and al Fine markings
Hammer-ons, pull-offs, accents and vibrato markings
The construction of minor 7, major 7 or dominant
7 chords
One type of scale that can be used appropriately
in the solo section of the piece you have played
Any part or control on your guitar
on your guitar
The tone settings for the piece you have played
on the amp and why you have chosen these settings
The candidate chooses to play 5 pieces lasting a
maximum of 2 minutes 30 seconds each.

the examination.


GRADE 6
T
have begun to develop advanced technical Before playing the first piece all the way through, the
control and a competent grasp of stylistic examiner will make sure the volume of the backing track
techniques. At Grade 6 this is shown through mature is correct for the candidate by asking them to play along
stylistic conviction, execution of rhythmic complexity, to the backing track for the first few bars. Once the
creative and stylistic solo and improvisation work correct level has been agreed, the examiner will begin
as well as a secure sense of communication and again and conduct all three pieces. Note that this is only
performance. There are two types of exam available done for the first piece.
at Grade 6, Grade Exam or Performance Certificate.
Please see the Examinations section for an explana- TECHNICAL WORK
tion of the differences. At Grade 6 level there are four groups of technical
work. The examiner will ask a selection from each group
Grade Exam and before you start the section you will be asked
Prepared work: candidates perform 3 pieces that last a whether you would like to play the exercises along with
maximum of 2 minutes 45 seconds and demonstrate a the click or hear a single bar of click before you com-
selection of Technical Exercises. mence the test.
Unprepared work: candidates are required to play a
12 bar Quick Study Piece. There are also two ear tests Tempo: 100 bpm
that develop more complex melodic recall and rhyth- Group A: Scales/Modes
mic sense and the final part of the exam is a set of 5 (two octaves in eighth notes)
questions based on the candidates choice of piece. Minor pentatonic: G, B. All 5 positions to be
These explore and demonstrate theory and instrument prepared and played.
knowledge.
Modes: To be prepared in two positions. The first posi-
Exam Structure tion is to be prepared on the E string from the starting
The Grade 6 exam lasts 30 minutes and will be notes of G-B chromatically.
taken in the following structure. The second position is to be prepared on the A string
1st item - Pieces or Technical Exercises. from the starting notes of C-E chromatically.
The candidate chooses to play either their Dorian
pieces or their technical exercises first. Mixolydian
2nd item - Technical Exercises or Pieces.
The candidate will perform the element not Group B: Arpeggios(Two octaves,
chosen above. two positions in eighth notes)
3rd item - Quick Study Piece. The candidate is The first position is to be prepared on the E string from
given a previously unseen test to practice and play. the starting notes of G-B chromatically.
4th item - Ear Tests. The candidate responds to The second position is to be prepared on the A string
two tests. One is melodic and one is harmonic. from the starting notes of C-E chromatically.
5th item - General Musicianship Questions. Major 7th
The candidate answers 5 questions related to Minor 7th
a piece of their choice. Dominant 7th
PIECES Group C: Chords

At Grade 6 the pieces last up to a maximum of 2 Two positions. The first position is to be prepared
minutes 45 seconds. The pieces are over four pages. on the E string from the starting notes of G-B
Emphasis is on notation accuracy, confident execution hromatically.
of stylistic techniques, secure technical control, maturing
solo and improvisation elements and a clear sense of
ownership and communication of the music.

The second position is to be prepared on the A string Harmonic Recall

from the starting notes of C-E chromatically. Chords Key: D major
should be strummed and then picked (arpeggiated). Tempo: 90 bpm
Minor 7b5 The examiner will play you a tonic chord followed by a
Diminished four bar chord sequence in the key of D major played
Group D: Stylistic Study from the I, ii, iii, IV, V and vi chords and may occur in any
You will prepare a technical study from one group combination. The test will also contain V7. You will be
of styles from the list below. Your choice of style will asked to play the root notes of the chord sequence to
determine the style of the Quick Study Piece. Each study the drum backing in the rhythm shown in the Grade
concentrates on two stylistic techniques. 6 book. This rhythm will be used in all examples of this
Rock/Metal: tapping and legato test given in the exam. You will then be asked to identify
Funk: staccato phrasing and 16th-note strumming the chord sequence you have played to the examiner.
Jazz/Latin/Blues: string bends and double-stops You will hear the test twice..
QUICK STUDY PIECE tonic, count-in, chords. There will be a short gap for you
At Grade 6 you will be asked to prepare and play to practise after you have heard the test for the second
a short Quick Study Piece. The style of your QSP is time. You will hear the count-in and tonic for the third
determined by the stylistic study you selected in the time followed by a vocal count-in then you will play the
technical exercise section. You will be shown the test and chords to the drum backing.
played the track with the notated parts played. Any bars
that require improvisation will not be demonstrated. GENERAL MUSICIANSHIP QUESTIONS
You will then have three minutes to study the test. The In this part of the exam you will be asked five questions.
backing track will be played twice more. You are allowed Four of these questions will be about general music
to practise during the first run through of the backing knowledge and the fifth question will be asked about
track, with the notated parts now absent, before playing your instrument.
it to the examiner on the second playing of the backing
track. The QSP is in the form of a lead sheet and it is up Music Knowledge
to you to create your own interpretation of the music in For this section of the exam the candidate chooses the
the parts marked for improvisation. piece to answer 5 questions on. The examiner will ask
EAR TESTS ment knowledge question.
Recall and Harmonic Recall. In Grade 6 you will be asked to identify:
The names of pitches
Melodic Recall Any expressive musical marking found in the
Key: D major pentatonic or D minor pentatonic piece such as palm muting, accents, staccato,
or G natural minor legato, vibrato
Tempo: 90 bpm Any dynamic marking found in the piece
The first note of the melody will be either the root note One type of scale that can be used appropriately
or fifth and the first interval will be either ascending in the solo section of the piece you have played and
or descending. You will play the melody back on your its relation to the underlying harmony of the piece
instrument. You will hear the test twice.
root note, count-in, melody. There will be a short gap
for you to practise after you have heard the test for the
second time. You will hear the count-in and root note
for the third time followed by a vocal count-in and you
will then play the melody to the bass and drum backing.

The examiner will also ask you one question
regarding your instrument.
In Grade 6 you will be asked to explain

and demonstrate:
Where to find the same pitch on two
different strings
on your guitar
The set up for the tone required for the piece
you have played on the amp
How to achieve changes in tone in a song

There is an option of playing free choice pieces
in the examination.



GRADE 7
T
have a developed and advanced technical con- Before playing the first piece all the way through, the
trol and a thorough grasp of extended stylistic examiner will make sure the volume of the backing track
stylistic conviction, execution of rhythmic complexity, to the backing track for the first few bars. Once the
mature and creative stylistic solo and improvisation correct level has been agreed, the examiner will begin
work as well as a commanding sense of communica- again and conduct all three pieces. Note that this is only
tion and performance. There are two types of exam done for the first piece.
available at Grade 7, Grade Exam or Performance
Certificate. Please see the Examinations section for an TECHNICAL WORK
explanation of the differences. At Grade 7 level there are four groups of technical
Unprepared work: candidates are required to play a 12
bar Quick Study Piece. There are also two ear tests that Tempo 100BPM
develop complex melodic recall and rhythmic sense and Group A: Scales/Modes (two octaves in eighth notes)
the final part of the exam is a set of 5 questions based To be prepared in two positions. The first position is to be
on the candidates choice of piece. These explore and prepared on the E string from the starting notes of G-B
demonstrate theory and instrument knowledge. chromatically. The second position is to be prepared on
the A string from the starting notes of C-E chromatically.
Exam Structure Lydian
The Grade 7 exam lasts 30 minutes and will be Phrygian
taken in the following structure. Jazz Melodic Minor
1st item - Pieces or Technical Exercises.
The candidate chooses to play either their pieces Group B: Arpeggios(One octave in eighth notes)
or their technical exercises first. To be prepared in two positions. The first position is to be
2nd item - Technical Exercises or Pieces. prepared on the E string from the starting notes of G-B
The candidate will perform the element not chromatically. The second position is to be prepared on
chosen above. the A string from the starting notes of C-E chromatically.
3rd item - Quick Study Piece. The candidate is given Major 9th
a previously unseen test to practice and play. Minor 9th
4th item - Ear Tests. The candidate responds to two Dominant 9th
tests. One is melodic and one is harmonic.
5th item - General Musicianship Questions. Group C: Chords
The candidate answers 5 questions related to To be prepared in two positions. The first position is to be
a piece of their choice. prepared on the E string from the starting notes of G-B
chromatically. The second position is to be prepared on
PIECES the A string from the starting notes of C-E chromatically.
minutes 10 seconds. The pieces are over four pages. Chords should be strummed and then picked
Emphasis is on notation accuracy, commanding execu- (arpeggiated).
tion of stylistic techniques and technical control, mature Major 9th
and creative solo and improvisation elements and a clear Minor 9th
sense of ownership and communication of the music Dominant 9th
through performance.

Group D: Stylistic Study combination. The test may also contain iim7, iiim7 and
You will prepare a technical study from one group vim7. You will be asked to play the chord sequence to the
of styles from the list below. Your choice of style will drum backing in the rhythm shown in the Grade 7 book.
determine the style of the Quick Study Piece. Each study This rhythm will be used in all examples of this test given
concentrates on two stylistic techniques. in the exam.You will then be asked to identify the chord
Rock/Metal: pinch harmonics and natural harmonics sequence you have played to the examiner.You will hear
Funk: chord embellishments and double-stops the test twice.
Jazz/Latin/Blues: crossing strings and octaves Each time the test is played the sequence is: count-in,
tonic, count-in, chords. There will be a short gap for you
QUICK STUDY PIECE to practise after you have heard the test for the second
At grade 7 you will be asked to prepare and play a time. You will hear the count-in and tonic for the third
Quick Study Piece. The style of your QSP is deter- time followed by a vocal count-in then you will play the
mined by the stylistic study you selected in the technical chords to the drum backing.
exercise section. You will be shown the test and played
the track with the notated parts played. Any bars that GENERAL MUSICIANSHIP QUESTIONS
require improvisation will not be demonstrated. You will In this part of the exam you will be asked five questions.
then have three minutes to study the test. The backing Four of these questions will be about general music
track will be played twice more. You are allowed to knowledge and the fifth question will be asked about
practise during the first run through of the backing track, your instrument.
with the notated parts now absent, before playing it to
the examiner on the second playing of the backing track. Music Knowledge
The QSP is in the form of a lead sheet and it is up to For this section of the exam the candidate chooses the
you to create your own interpretation of the music in piece to answer 5 questions on. The examiner will ask
the parts marked for improvisation. you four music knowledge questions and one instru-
EAR TESTS
There are two tests which are, Melodic In Grade 7 you will be asked to identify:
Recall and Harmonic Recall. The names of pitches
Any expressive musical marking found in the
Melodic Recall piece such as palm muting, accents, staccato,
Key: A major pentatonic or C minor pentatonic legato, vibrato
or A natural minor Any dynamic marking found in the piece
Tempo: 90 bpm One type of scale that can be used appropriately
The first note of the melody will be either the root note in the solo section of the piece you have played and
or fifth and the first interval will be either ascending its relation to the underlying harmony of the piece
or descending. You will play the melody back on your
instrument. You will hear the test twice. Instrument Knowledge
Each time the test is played the sequence is: count-in, The examiner will also ask you one question regarding
root note, count-in, melody. There will be a short gap your instrument.
for you to practise after you have heard the test for the
second time. You will hear the count-in and root note In Grade 7 you will be asked to explain and demonstrate:
for the third time followed by a vocal count-in and you Where to find the same pitch on two
will then play the melody to the bass and drum backing. different strings
Harmonic Recall on your guitar
Key: A major The set up for the tone required for the piece
Tempo: 90 bpm you have played on the amp
The examiner will play you a tonic chord followed by a How to achieve changes in tone in a song
four bar chord sequence in the key of A major played
from the I, ii, iii, IV, V and vi chords and may occur in any

The candidate chooses to play 5 pieces lasting a maximum
of 2 minutes 45 seconds each.

the examination.
Criteria for own free choice pieces can be found by visiting

the website www.rockschool.co.uk. If there is any doubt or
questions about the appropriateness of the chosen piece, you
can email it to info@rockschool.co.uk and a member of the
Rockschool team will advise you. n

GRADE 8
T
have mastered advanced technical control and Before playing the first piece all the way through, the
have a thorough grasp of extended stylistic examiner will make sure the volume of the backing track
stylistic conviction, consummate execution of rhyth- to the backing track for the first few bars. Once the
mic complexity, mature and creative stylistic solo and correct level has been agreed, the examiner will begin
improvisation work as well as a commanding sense again and conduct all three pieces. Note that this is only
of communication and performance. There are two done for the first piece.
types of exam available at Grade 8, Grade Exam or
Performance Certificate. Please see the Examinations TECHNICAL WORK
section for an explanation of the differences. At Grade 8 level there are four groups of technical
Unprepared work: candidates are required to play a 12
bar Quick Study Piece. There are also two ear tests that Tempo: 100 bpm
develop advanced melodic recall and rhythmic sense and Group A: Scales/Modes
the final part of the exam is a set of 5 questions based (two octaves in eighth notes)
on the candidates choice of piece. These explore and To be prepared in two positions. The first position is to be
demonstrate theory and instrument knowledge. prepared on the E string from the starting notes of G-B
chromatically. The second position is to be prepared on
Exam Structure the A string from the starting notes of C-E chromatically.
The Grade 8 exam lasts 30 minutes and will be taken Whole Tone
in the following structure. Diminished
1st item - Pieces or Technical Exercises. Altered
or their technical exercises first. Group B: Arpeggios(one octave in eighth notes)
2nd item - Technical Exercises or Pieces. To be prepared in two positions. The first position is to be
The candidate will perform the element not prepared on the E string from the starting notes of G-B
chosen above. chromatically. The second position is to be prepared on
3rd item - Quick Study Piece. The candidate is given the A string from the starting notes of C-E chromatically.
a previously unseen test to practice and play. Dominant 7#5
4th item - Ear Tests. The candidate responds to Dominant 7b5
two tests. One is melodic and one is harmonic. Minor 7b5
5th item - General Musicianship Questions. Dominant 7#9
The candidate answers 5 questions related to Dominant 7b9
a piece of their choice. Diminished
PIECES
minutes 45 seconds. The pieces are over four pages.
Emphasis is on complex notation accuracy, commanding
execution of stylistic techniques and technical control,
mature and creative solo and improvisation elements
and a clear sense of ownership and communication of
the music through performance.

Group C: Chords on your instrument. You will hear the test twice.
To be prepared in two positions. The first position is to Each time the test is played the sequence is: count-in,
be prepared on the E string from the starting notes of root note, count-in, melody. There will be a short gap
G-B chromatically. The second position is to be prepared for you to practise after you have heard the test for the
on the A string from the starting notes of C-E chro- second time. You will hear the count-in and root note
matically. Chords should be strummed and then picked for the third time followed by a vocal count-in and you
(arpeggiated). will then play the melody to the bass and drum backing.
Dominant 7#5 Harmonic Recall

Dominant 7b5 Key: A major
Dominant 7#9 Tempo: 90 bpm
Dominant 7b9 The examiner will play you a tonic chord followed by a
four bar chord sequence in the key of A major played to
Group D: Stylistic Study a bass and drum backing.
You will prepare a technical study from one group The sequence will be drawn from the I, ii, iii, IV, V and vi
of styles from the list below. Your choice of style will chords and may occur in any combination. The test may
determine the style of the Quick Study Piece. Each study also contain Imaj7 and IVmaj7. You will be asked to play
concentrates on two stylistic techniques. the chord sequence to the drum backing in the rhythm
Rock/Metal: crossing strings and alternate picking shown in the Grade 8 book. This rhythm will be used
Funk: chord embellishments and muted strings in all examples of this test given in the exam. You will
Jazz/Latin/Blues: legato phrasing and alternate then be asked to identify the chord sequence you have
picking played to the examiner. You will hear the test twice.
QUICK STUDY PIECE tonic, count-in, chords. There will be a short gap for you
At grade 8 you will be asked to prepare and play a to practise after you have heard the test for the second
Quick Study Piece. The style of your QSP is deter- time. You will hear the count-in and tonic for the third
mined by the stylistic study you selected in the technical time followed by a vocal count-in then you will play the
exercise section. You will be shown the test and played chords to the drum backing.
the track with the notated parts played. Any bars that
require improvisation will not be demonstrated. You will GENERAL MUSICIANSHIP QUESTIONS
then have three minutes to study the test. The backing In this part of the exam you will be asked five questions.
track will be played twice more. You are allowed to Four of these questions will be about general music
practise during the first run through of the backing track, knowledge and the fifth question will be asked about
with the notated parts now absent, before playing it to your instrument.
the examiner on the second playing of the backing track.
The QSP is in the form of a lead sheet and it is up to Music Knowledge
you to create your own interpretation of the music in For this section of the exam the candidate chooses the
the parts marked for piece to answer 5 questions on. The examiner will ask
improvisation. you four music knowledge questions and one instru-
EAR TESTS
There are two tests which are, Melodic In Grade 8 you will be asked to identify:
Recall and Harmonic Recall. The names of pitches
Any expressive musical marking found in the
Melodic Recall piece such as palm muting, accents, staccato,
Key: E major pentatonic or F minor legato, vibrato
pentatonic or B natural minor Any dynamic marking found in the piece
Tempo: 90 bpm One type of scale that can be used appropriately
The first note of the melody will be either the root, in the solo section of the piece you have played
third or fifth note and the first interval will be either and its relation to the underlying harmony
ascending or descending. You will play the melody back of the piece

The examiner will also ask you one question
regarding your instrument.
In Grade 8 you will be asked to explain and

demonstrate:
Where to find the same pitch on two
different strings
on your guitar
The set up for the tone required for the piece
you have played on the amp
How to achieve changes in tone in a song

the examination.


Technical Work
TECHNICAL WORK
Technical Work
Debut, Grade 1, 2 & 3
DEBUT GRADE 1, 2 & 3
Debut, Grade 1, 2 & 3 Debut 1 2 3
Tempo q= 70 q= 70 q= 80 q= 90
Debut 1 2 3
Major C C C, G G, A, B
Tempo
Natural minor q
= 70 q
A = 70 qA,=E80 qG,=A,90B
Major
Minor pentatonic C
A, E C
A, E C,
C, G
G G,
G, A,
A, B
B
Natural minor
Major pentatonic
A
G C,GE
A, G, A,
G, A, B B
Minor
Blues pentatonic A,
E A,
E C,
G G,
G, A,
A, B
B
Major pentatonic
Arpeggios - Major
G
C,G
G,
G, A,
A, B
B
Blues
Arpeggios - Minor

G,
A, B
Arpeggios - Major
Chords - Major
A, D, C, G
A, D, E, C, G
C, F, G G,
A, B
Arpeggios - Minor
Chords - Minor
Am, Em
Am, Dm, Em

Chords - Major
Power/Barre A,
D, C, G A,
D, E, C, G C,
F, G

Chords
7ths - Minor Am,
Em Am, Dm,Cmaj7,
Amja7, Em Dmaj7
Am7, Dm7, Em7 A7, C7, D7, E7
Power/Barre
Riff
Rock
Rock
Rock
Rock
7ths Amja7, Cmaj7, Dmaj7 Am7, Dm7, Em7 A7, C7, D7, E7
Riff Rock Rock Rock Rock
Grade 4 & 5
Grade 4 & 5
GRADE 4 & 5 4 5
Tempo q= 80 q= 80
4 5
Tempo n
q=-80
played n
q=-80
played
Key A, B, C, D F, G, A, B, C, D
Major n
- played n
- played
Key
Natural minor A, B, C, D
F, G, A, B, C, D

Major
Minor pentatonic

Natural minor
Major pentatonic

Minor
Blues pentatonic

Major pentatonic
Harmonic Minor

Blues
Arpeggios - Major 7th

Harmonic
ArpeggiosMinor
- Minor 7th

Arpeggios
Arpeggios -- Major 7th 7th
Dominant

Arpeggios - Minor
Chords - Major 7th 7
th

Sequence in C major &
Arpeggios - Dominant
Chords - Minor 7th 7th

Inversions
Chords
Chords -- Major
th
7 7th
Dominant
Sequence in C major &
Chords
Riff - Minor 7th
Blues Inversions
Funk
Chords - Dominant 7th
Riff Blues Funk

GRADE
Grade 6,6,77&&88
6 7 8
Tempo q= 100 q= 100 q= 100
n - played n - played n - played
Key prepared prepared prepared chromatically
chromatically from chromatically from G from G to B, C to E
G to B, C to E to B, C to E
Minor pentatonic 5 Shapes, G, B
Modes Dorian, Mixolydian Lydian, Phrygian
Jazz melodic minor
Whole tone
Diminished
Altered
Arpeggios Major 7th Major 9th Dominant 7#5
Minor 7th Minor 9th Dominant 7b5
Dominant 7th Dominant 9th Dominant 7#9 b
Dominant 7b9
Diminished b
Chords Minor 75 Major 9th Dominant 7#5
Diminished Minor 9th Dominant 7b5
Dominant 9th Dominant 7#9 b
Dominant 7b9
Stylistic study Rock/Metal Rock/Metal Rock/Metal
Funk Funk Funk
Jazz/Latin/Blues Jazz/Latin/Blues Jazz/Latin/Blues

SightREADING
SIGHT ReadingANDand Improvisation
IMPROVISATION & Interpretation
& INTERPRETATION
Debut 1 2 3
Sight Reading
Tempo q= 70 q= 70 q= 70 q= 80
Notation
hq hq hqnQ hqnQE
Length (Bars) 4 4 4 4
Keys E string A minor C major G major
G major A minor
Preparation/Practice 90 seconds 90 seconds 90 seconds 90 seconds
Tempo q= 70-80 q= 80-90 q= 80-90
Keys C major G major G major
A minor E minor A minor
Length 4 4 4
Preparation/Practice 30 seconds + 30 seconds + 30 seconds +
1 play through 1 play through 1 play through
Grade 4 & 5
Grade 4 & 5
GRADE 4&5
4 5
Sight Reading
Tempo q= 80-90 q= 90
Notation
hqnQE hqnQE
Length (Bars) 8 8
Keys G major G major
D major F major
D minor E minor
A minor G minor
Preparation/Practice 90 seconds 90 seconds
Tempo q= 90-100 q= 90-100
Keys G major G major
D major A major
A minor E minor
D minor G minor
Length 8 8
Preparation/Practice 30 seconds + 30 seconds +
1 play through 1 play through

Quick Study
QUICK STUDY Piece
PIECE
Grade 6, 7 & 8
GRADE 6, 7 & 8
6 7 8
Tempo q= 80-200 q= 80-200 q= 80-200
Length (Bars) 12 12 12
Sight reading (Bars) 6 6 6
Solo/Improvisation (Bars) 6 6 6
Preparation/Practice 1 listen to full track + 1 listen to full track + 1 listen to full track +
3 minutes practice + 3 minutes practice + 3 minutes practice +
1 play through with 1 play through with 1 play through with
backing backing backing

Ear
EAR Tests
TESTS
Ear Tests
Debut 1 2 3
Test 1 - Melodic Recall Debut 1 2 3
Tempo
Test 1 - Melodic Recall q= 85 q= 85 q= 85 q= 85
Tempo
Key q= 85
Ascending / q= 85
Ascending / q=minor
C 85 pentatonic q=minor
G 85 pentatonic
Key Descending
Ascending / Interval Descending
Ascending / Interval C minor pentatonic G minor pentatonic
Length (Bars) 1Descending Interval 2
Descending Interval 2 2
Values
Length (Bars) 1
h wh
2
hq
2
hqnE
2
Values
Test 2 - Rhythmic Recall h wh hq hqnE
Tempo
Test q= 85
2 - Rhythmic Recall q= 90 q= 90 q = 90
Tempo
Bars q2 = 85 q2 = 90 q2 = 90 q2 = 90
Values
Bars
qn Q
2
qn Q
2
qn Q
2
qn Q E
2
Values
qn Q qn Q qn Q qn Q E
Grade 4 & 5
Grade 4 & 5
GRADE 4 & 5 4 5
Test 1 - Melodic Recall 4 5
Test 1 - Melodic Recall q = 90
Tempo q = 90
Tempo
Key q
C major
= 90 pentatonic q major
D = 90 pentatonic
Key B
C minor pentatonic
major pentatonic A
D minor pentatonic
major pentatonic
Values
qn Q E
B minor pentatonic
qn Q E
A minor pentatonic
Values
Length (Bars) 2qn Q E 2qn Q E
Test 2 -(Bars)
Length Harmonic Recall
2 2
Tempo q = 90
Test 2 - Harmonic Recall q = 80
Tempo
Key q
C major
= 90 q major
G = 80
Chords
Key I,C IV, V
major I,G IV, V, vi
major
Values
Chords
qn E
I, IV, V
qn E
I, IV, V, vi
Values
Length (Bars) 2qn E 2qn E
Length (Bars) 2 2

Grade 6, 7 & 8
GRADE 6, 7 & 8
6 7 8
Test 1 - Melodic Recall
Tempo q = 90 q = 90 q = 90
Key D major pentatonic A major pentatonic E major pentatonic
D minor pentatonic C minor pentatonic F minor pentatonic
G natural minor A natural minor B natural minor
Values
qn N Q E qn N Q E qn N Q E S
Length (Bars) 2 2 2
Test 2 - Harmonic Recall
Tempo q = 90 q = 90 q = 90
Key D major A major E major
Chords I, ii, iii, IV, V, vi, V7 I, ii, iii, IV, V, vi, iim7, iiim7, I, ii, iii, IV, V, vi, I7, IV7
vim7
Values
qn U qn U qn U
Length (Bars) 2 2 2

Assessment Criteria
ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
Prepared Work
PREPARED WORK
Debut - Grade 2 Grade 3 - Grade 5 Grade 6 - Grade 8
Distinction Consistent and secure basic Consistent and secure Consistent and secure
Pieces 18-20 techniques techniques advanced techniques
Technical exercises 13-15 Consistent rhythm / pulse Consistent rhythm / pulse Consistent rhythm / pulse
Notation accuracy detailed Notation / harmonic Notation / harmonic
throughout accuracy detailed accuracy detailed
Consistent sync throughout throughout
Highly confident and Stylistic direction detailed Stylistic direction detailed
assured presentation throughout throughout
Convincing and stylistic solo Advanced solo / improv
/ improv with stylistic conviction
Consistent sync Consistent sync
Highly confident and assured Comprehensive
stylistic performance understanding of complete
musical structure
Convincing communication
through stylistic
performance
Merit Secure basic techniques Secure techniques overall Secure advanced
Pieces 15-17 overall Secure rhythm / pulse overall techniques overall
Technical exercises 11-12 Secure rhythm / pulse Notation / harmonic Secure rhythm / pulse
overall accuracy observed overall overall
Notation accuracy observed Stylistic direction observed Detailed notation /
overall overall harmonic accuracy
Mainly synchronised Stylistic solo / improv overall observed overall
Confident presentation Mainly synchronised Stylistic direction observed
overall A sense of stylistic overall
performance overall Convincing and stylistic
solo / improv overall
Mainly synchronised
Secure understanding of
complete musical structure
Good sense of
communication through
stylistic performance
Pass Basic techniques evident Some secure techniques Some advanced techniques
Pieces 12-14 Rhythm / pulse evident evident shown
Technical exercises 9-10 Notation accuracy evident Generally secure rhythm / Generally secure rhythm /
Sync evident pulse pulse
Some confidence in Some notation / harmonic Notation / harmonic
presentation accuracy evident accuracy observed
Some stylistic direction Some stylistic direction
evident observed
Adequate solo / improv Solo / improv with some
Sync evident stylistic conviction
Some sense of stylistic Sync evident
performance General understanding of
musical structure
Some sense of
communication through
stylistic performance
Below Pass 1 Basic techniques not shown Techniques hesitant and/or Advanced techniques
Pieces 6-11 Rhythm/pulse largely incorrect hesitant and/or incorrect

Technical exercises 4-8 inaccurate Rhythm/pulse mostly Rhythm/pulse mostly

Technical exercises 4-8 inaccurate
Notation accuracy largely Rhythm/pulse
inaccurate mostly Rhythm/pulse
inaccurate mostly
Notation
inaccurateaccuracy largely inaccurate
Notation/harmonic work inaccurate
Notation/harmonic work
inaccurate
Sync not achieved Notation/harmonic work
hesitant and /or incorrect Notation/harmonic work
hesitant and /or incorrect
Sync notinachieved
Unsure presentation hesitantdirection
Stylistic and /or incorrect
hesitant hesitant and /or incorrect
Stylistic direction hesitant
Unsure in presentation Stylistic direction hesitant
and/or incorrect Stylistic direction hesitant
and/or incorrect
and/or incorrect
Solo/improv limited in and/or incorrect
Solo/improv limited in
Solo/improv limited in
stylistic understanding Solo/improv limited in
stylistic understanding
stylistic
Sync understanding
largely not achieved stylistic understanding
Sync largely not achieved
Sync largely
Sense not achieved
of stylistic Sync largely
Hesitant not achieved
in understanding
Sense of stylistic
performance not achieved Hesitant
of musicalinstructure
understanding
performance not achieved of musical structure
Communicating of stylistic
Communicating
performance notof stylistic
achieved
Below Pass 2 Incomplete performance Incomplete performance performance
Incomplete not achieved
performance
Below Pass
Pieces 0-5 2 Incomplete
No attempt performance Incomplete
No attempt performance Incomplete
No attempt performance
Pieces 0-5exercises 0-3
Technical No attempt No attempt No attempt
Technical exercises 0-3
Unprepared Work
Unprepared Work
UNPREPARED WORK Debut - Grade 8
Distinction Debut - Grade 8
Notation/pitch accuracy correct throughout
Distinction
Sight/Improv Notation/pitch accuracy
Consistent rhythm/pulse correct throughout
Sight/Improv
QSP/Ear Tests 9-10 Consistent rhythm/pulse
Convincing improv/solo throughout
QSP/Ear
GMQ 5 Tests 9-10 Convincingsync
Consistent improv/solo throughout
GMQ 5 Consistentresponses
Accurate sync
Merit Accurate responses
Notation/pitch correct overall
Merit
Sight/Improv Notation/pitch
Secure correctoverall
rhythm/pulse overall
Sight/Improv
QSP/Ear Tests 7-8 Secure rhythm/pulse
Improv/Solo convincing overall
overall
QSP/Ear
GMQ 4 Tests 7-8 Improv/Solo
Mainly convincing overall
synchronised
GMQ 4 Mainly synchronised
Accurate responses overall
Pass Accurate responses
Notation/pitch overall
accuracy evident
Pass
Sight/Improv Notation/pitchevident
Rhythm/pulse accuracy evident
Sight/Improv
QSP/Ear Tests 6 Rhythm/pulse
Improv/solo evident
evident and generally appropriate
QSP/Ear
GMQ 3 Tests 6 Improv/solo
Sync evidentevident and generally appropriate
GMQ 3 Sync evident
Adequate Responses
Below Pass 1 Adequate Responses
Notation/pitch largely inaccurate
Below Pass 1
Sight/Improv Notation/pitchlargely
Rhythm/pulse largelyinaccurate
inaccurate
Sight/Improv
QSP/Ear Tests 3-5 Rhythm/pulse
Improv/solo largely
largely inaccurate
absent or inappropriate
QSP/Ear
GMQ 2 Tests 3-5 Improv/solo
Sync largely absent or inappropriate
largely absent
GMQ 2 Sync largelyvague
Responses absentor incorrect
Below Pass 2 Responses
No attemptvague or incorrect
Below Pass 2
Sight/Improv No attemptnot offered
Responses
Sight/Improv
QSP/Ear Tests 0-2 Responses not offered
QSP/Ear
GMQ 0-1Tests 0-2
GMQ 0-1


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International Music and Performance Arts Exam Board

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PERFORMANCE CERTIFICATES Notation

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EAR TESTS Performance Certificate

Melodic Recall Free Choice Piece/Own Choice Piece

GENERAL MUSICIANSHIP QUESTIONS

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Setting the Level of the Backing Track

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PIECES SIGHT READING OR IMPROVISATION

Setting the Level of the Backing Track

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Grade Exam TECHNICAL WORK

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Group D: Riff Melodic Recall

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In Grade 4 you will be asked to identify:

Free Choice Piece/Own Choice Piece

Criteria for own free choice pieces can be found by

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Group D: Riff Tempo: 90 bpm

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In Grade 5 you will be asked to identify:

Free Choice Piece/Own Choice Piece

Criteria for own free choice pieces can be found by visit-

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PIECES Group C: Chords

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The second position is to be prepared on the A string Harmonic Recall

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In Grade 6 you will be asked to explain

Free Choice Piece/Own Choice Piece

Grade exam: 2 free choice pieces

Criteria for own free choice pieces can be found by visit-

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Free Choice Piece/Own Choice Piece

Criteria for own free choice pieces can be found by visiting

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Dominant 7#5 Harmonic Recall

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In Grade 8 you will be asked to explain and

Free Choice Piece/Own Choice Piece

Criteria for own free choice pieces can be found by visit-

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