Registry Of Guitar Tutors Examinations
Exam Accreditation - Registry Of Guitar Tutors
RGT electric guitar exams are organised in partnership with the London College of Music (the world's most respected music examination boards, established since 1887) and certificated by University Of West London, resulting in a recognised standard by which the skills and abilities of electric guitarists can be assessed.
RGT graded examinations, from rgt Grade one onwards, are regulated by Ofqual and have been placed on the Qualifications and Credit Framework. UCAS points towards university entrance are awarded from electric guitar grade 6 onwards.
The RGT electric guitar exams are endorsed by a wide range of eminent guitarists from the fields of rock, jazz, pop & blues including Sir Paul McCartney, David Gilmour, Ronnie Wood, Hank Marvin, Glenn Tilbrook, John Etheridge, Mick Green, Dave Kelly and Gordon Giltrap.
Exam Content
The examinations are designed to develop all the skills an electric guitarist will need to play in a rock band or pop group of any kind. 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 (treble clef)
Download the Exam Information Booklet to see the requirements of each grade.
Electric Guitar Performance Awards
Candidates who prefer not to take a full graded exam can still instead opt for an Electric Guitar Performance Award grade, which focuses entirely on the performance of rhythm and lead guitar playing. Performance Awards can also be performed at an exam centre, or alternatively candidates can submit a video or audio recording of themselves playing the pieces.
What Happens During An Exam?
The examiner will begin by asking you to play a selection of scales and (from grade 3 book onwards) arpeggios. He will then request a selection of chords from the books. The examiner will then show you a chord chart and ask you to play through it using an appropriate rhythm style.
Next the examiner will show you another chord chart - but this time he will play through it once whilst you listen, then you will need to improvise some lead guitar over further playings. After this, the examiner will ask you a few spoken questions to test your knowledge of the guitar.
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 Official LCM Shop
Benefits of Taking an RGT Exam
Gain a useful and internationally recognised qualifications.
Find out, via a reliable and independent assessment, what standard your guitar playing is at.
Achieve your playing potential by setting yourself clear goals to aspire to.
Preparing for the exam will help you develop in all aspects of your playing in a structured way, increase your knowledge of guitar techniques and also music theory.