Graded Exams

    Theory, classical, acoustic, electric, bass.

    Exam grades

    Practical & theory 

    Whether you’ve been learning for fun, completing your DofE, revisiting an old hobby, exams enhance structure skill and routine. They’ll provide focus and structure to lessons and practice at home.

    Grades 1-8

    Practical

    Over the years, exam boards have recognised that graded exams go beyond classical music and you can now take grades 1-8 with the electric, classical, acoustic, or bass online or in person.

    Grades 1-5

    Theory

    Music theory is often overlooked by guitarists. I favour exams provided by ABRSM which deliver globally recognised accreditation enabling you to talk in the same language as other musicians.  

    Grade guitar exams

    Electric, acoustic, classical & theory

    Electric guitar grades

    Trinity & Rock School

    online guitar tuition exam grades 1-8

    Grades 1-8

    Trinity, Rock School & RGT

    Trinity – Rock & Pop, Rock School & RGT are three separate exam boards that offer grades 1-8 for electric guitar and acoustic guitar moving the focus away from traditional classical accreditation.

    Classical guitar grades

    Trinity

    Online classical guitar grades with trinity

    Grades 1-8

    Trinity

    Classical guitar grades offer a more formal structure with their repetoir but the exams have similar requirements. Grades 1-8 are available to complete and submission is either in person performance or via video recording.

    Acoustic Guitar Grades

    RGT

    acoustic guitar grades online

    Grades 1-8

    ABRSM

    The RGT (Registry of Guitar Tutors) syllabus offers a structured series of guitar exams across various styles, including rock, classical, acoustic, and jazz. Each grade assesses skills like scales, chords, performance pieces, and improvisation to support musical development.

    Music Theory grades

    ABRSM

    Music Theory, Online classes

    Grades 1-5

    ABRSM

    For ABRSM, Music Theory Grades 1–5 teach the basics of written music, including notation, rhythm, scales, and harmony. Grade 5 covers more advanced topics like transposition and chords, and is required before taking ABRSM Practical Exams at Grade 6 or higher.

    Exam format

    FeatureRSL (Rockschool)Trinity Rock & Pop
    Performance-basedYes – 3–5 pieces with optional technical exercisesYes – 3 performance songs plus technical focus
    Exam Options– Grade Exam (performance + technical work + Q&A) – Performance Certificate (5 pieces only)Single format: 3 songs + technical focus/song demo
    Digital ExamsYes – performance videos submitted onlineYes – videos submitted with specific guidelines

    Components assessed 

    ComponentRSL (Rockschool)Trinity Rock & Pop
    Performance Pieces3 pieces (or 5 for Performance Certificate)3 songs, including one Technical Focus song
    Technical WorkScales, chords, arpeggios (in Grade Exams only)Integrated in “Technical Focus Song”
    Sight Reading / ImprovisationChoice between sight reading or improvisation (higher grades)None (skills are embedded in songs)
    Ear Tests / Q&AEar tests and general musicianship questionsNo separate tests – all skills shown in songs
    Backing TracksAll pieces are played with backing tracksYes – backing tracks for all performance songs

    Repertoire and Flexibility

    FeatureRSL (Rockschool)Trinity Rock & Pop
    Repertoire StylePop, rock, funk, metal, blues, jazz, etc.Broad pop/rock genres, with iconic original tracks
    Own Choice PiecesAllowed (must meet technical level and length)Allowed (must meet technical criteria)
    Improvisation AllowedYes – improvisation encouraged in free choice piecesLess emphasis on improvisation

    Exam Prices

    Prices are set by the exam boards

    GradeRGT Guitar (GBP)Rockschool Guitar (GBP)Trinity Guitar (GBP)ABRSM Music Theory (GBP)
    Initial/Pre-Grade£39.00£44.00£42.00N/A
    Grade 1£44.00£50.00£47.00£39.00
    Grade 2£50.00£55.00£53.00£42.00
    Grade 3£56.00£61.00£59.00£46.00
    Grade 4£63.00£68.00£65.00£50.00
    Grade 5£70.00£74.00£72.00£54.00
    Grade 6£78.00£81.00£80.00£59.00
    Grade 7£86.00£88.00£88.00£62.00
    Grade 8£95.00£95.00£96.00£65.00