Bar Chords & Unbarred Bar Chords I
(from GSL)
Description: This course is designed to make bar chords easy to understand and to
play. It shows how all bar chords fall into just two categories, and this course focuses
on the first category (Part II focuses on the second category). It also introduces a
unique method of “unbarring” the bar chords, which is easier on the hand muscles and
creates uniquely beautiful chords. These chords are demonstrated and practiced in the
context of popular and improvised music.
The course is designed in chapters, with a short quiz following each chapter and a post test at the end of the course.
The chapters are arranged on the following topics:
1. Introduction (2 minutes)
2. Getting Oriented (3 minutes)
3. Notes on the Fingerboard (7 minutes)
4. Bar Chords I (15 minutes)
5. Unbarred Bar Chords I (7 minutes)
| Total video time | 33 minutes of video instruction |
| Estimated practice time | 47 minutes |
| Quizzes and post-test time | 20 minutes |
| Total expected course time | 100 minutes |
| CMTE credits | 2 credits |
| Access time for course | 2 months |
Learning Objectives:
1. Participants will identify organizational characteristics of the guitar and how they can be utilized in individualized musical experiences.
2. Participants will identify the theory behind how bar chords are formed, and demonstrate how to use them in altered ways to create drones and harmonic dissonance.
Prerequisites: No participant will be turned away; however, participants will be able to
make the most of this course if they can already do the following on the guitar:
1. Comfortably play these open chords from memory: A, A7, Am, Am7, B7, C, C7, D, D7,
Dm, Dm7, E, E7, Em, Em7, F, G, G7.
2. Accompany themselves singing various songs using basic chords (above) and one or
more basic strum patterns.
3. Have a basic knowledge of music theory, including I-IV-V chord progressions and
rhythm patterns in three-four and four-four time signatures.
4. Have some clinical experience (either observation, practicum, internship, or
professional) to be able to relate to concepts and examples presented in the course.
Instructor Qualifications: Jamie Bartschi holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in
music therapy, and has played the guitar in performance and clinical settings for 23
years. She also has 28 years experience teaching guitar and violin.
Video Course Format: The course is comprised of five chapters, each lasting 2-15
minutes (see Chapter headings above). An access time of two months is provided to
enable participants to complete one chapter or less per week for maximum absorption
of information. Each chapter is presented face-to-face with the instructor and includes
examples, play-along segments, and a downloadable PDF handout with illustrations
and explanations. A one- or two-question quiz follows each chapter to help solidify key
concepts. Answering the quiz questions correctly enables the participant to move on to
the next chapter. Participants are encouraged to rewind and replay each chapter to
facilitate effective practice and mastery of each concept. At the end of the course, a
post-test is given to assure understanding of concepts. A 90% score is required to pass
the post-test, which qualifies the participant to receive a certificate for 2 CMTE credits
earned. Certificates will be available to save or print immediately upon finishing the
course.
Number of CMTE credits: 2
Price: $50
Cancellation & Refund Policy: Our full grievance policy is available on our website on
the “FAQ” page. MusicTherapyGuitar.com is passionate about providing videos that
actually make a difference in your musical abilities. If for any reason a video course is
unsatisfactory, you may contact us within 14 days of purchase to request a refund.
Include a complete description of the problem. Requests submitted later than 14 days
after purchase are not eligible for a refund. If severe illness, accident, loss of a loved
one, or similarly urgent life situation prevents you from completing a video course in the
allotted time period, please contact us to request a one-time extension. Requests for
extension must be submitted more than 24 hours before your course access expires.
See our website for full details.
CBMT Relationship: Bar Chords & Unbarred Bar Chords I (from GSL) is approved by
the Certification Board for Music Therapists for 2 Continuing Music Therapy Education
credits. MusicTherapyGuitar.com (Approved Provider #P-129) maintains responsibility
for program quality and adherence to CBMT policies and criteria.




