Whether youâ??re taking your first steps on guitar or moving into further/higher education, a Rockschool Guitar Grade will not only improve your playing ability, but expand your technical proficiency and give you a solid grasp of music theory â?? all whilst learning some of the most iconic tracks from the world of popular music.

1. Electric Guitar Debut

   The Debut Guitar exam is for candidates who have been learning a short time and have learnt the basic skills. There are two types of exam available at Debut, Grade Exam or Performance Certificate. Please see the Examinations section for an explanation of the differences.

2. Electric Guitar Grade 1

   The Grade 1 Guitar exam is for candidates who have been learning between six months â?? one year and have mastered the key basic skills. There are two types of exam available at Grade 1, Grade Exam or Performance Certificate.

3. Electric Guitar Grade 2

   The Grade 2 Guitar exam is for candidates who have been learning approximately one year to eighteen months and have established the key basic skills along with solid basic techniques. There are two types of exam available at Grade 2, Grade Exam or Performance Certificate. Please see the Examinations section for an explanation of the differences.

4. Electric Guitar Grade 3

   The Grade 3 Guitar exam is for candidates who have been learning approximately eighteen months to two years and have established the basic skills, preliminary techniques and the beginnings of stylistic awareness through articulation and the introduction of solo and improvisation work. There are two types of exam available at Grade 3, Grade Exam or Performance Certificate. Please see the Examinations section for an explanation of the differences.

5. Electric Guitar Grade 4

   The Grade 4 Guitar exam is for candidates who have been learning approximately two - two and half years and have mastered the basic skills, preliminary techniques and have acquired the beginnings of stylistic awareness. Grade 4 develops further stylistic conviction and understanding through developed solo and improvisation work and use of varied sounds. There are two types of exam available at Grade 4, Grade Exam or Performance Certificate.

6. Electric Guitar Grade 5

   The Grade 5 Guitar exam is for candidates who have acquired the intermediate skills and techniques and have developed an increasing sense of stylistic conviction. This is demonstrated through instrumental techniques, increasing rhythmic complexity and convincing solo and improvisation work. There are two types of exam available at Grade 5, Grade Exam or Performance Certificate. Please see the Examinations section for an explanation of the differences.

7. Electric Guitar Grade 6

   The Grade 6 Guitar exam is for candidates who have begun to develop advanced technical control and a competent grasp of stylistic techniques. At Grade 6 this is shown through mature stylistic conviction, execution of rhythmic complexity, creative and stylistic solo and improvisation work as well as a secure sense of communication and performance. There are two types of exam available at Grade 6, Grade Exam or Performance Certificate.

8. Electric Guitar Grade 7

   The Grade 7 Guitar exam is for candidates who have a developed and advanced technical control and a thorough grasp of extended stylistic techniques. At Grade 7 this is shown through mature stylistic conviction, execution of rhythmic complexity, mature and creative stylistic solo and improvisation work as well as a commanding sense of communication and performance. There are two types of exam available at Grade 7, Grade Exam or Performance Certificate. Please see the Examinations section for an explanation of the differences.

9. Electric Guitar Grade 8

   The Grade 8 Guitar exam is for candidates who have mastered advanced technical control and have a thorough grasp of extended stylistic techniques. At Grade 8 this is shown through mature stylistic conviction, consummate execution of rhythmic complexity, mature and creative stylistic solo and improvisation work as well as a commanding sense of communication and performance. There are two types of exam available at Grade 8, Grade Exam or Performance Certificate.