Functional Rock Guitar Theory (JamPlay)

An easy to follow approach to music theory

Marty FriedmanTommy EmmanuelSteve VaiEric GalesEric Johnson

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Functional Rock Guitar Theory (JamPlay)

About this course

"Functional Rock Guitar Theory" on TrueFire is designed for guitarists eager to understand the theoretical foundation behind rock music. Led by expert instructor Will Ripley, this course breaks down the essential music theory concepts that power rock guitar, offering a practical approach to learning that connects directly to real-world playing.

In this course, you’ll explore the key elements of rock theory, including scales, chord construction, progressions, and modes, all within the context of rock music. TrueFire’s cutting-edge platform enhances your learning experience with multi-angle HD video lessons, allowing you to see the instructor’s techniques from every angle. The platform’s interactive features include slow-motion, looping, and synced tabs and notation, which make it easy to follow along and practice at your own pace.

With TrueFire, you have access to a vast library of additional lessons and resources, providing endless opportunities for expanding your knowledge and skills. The course is accessible on all your devices, offering the flexibility to learn whenever and wherever it suits you. Whether you're a beginner looking to grasp the basics or an intermediate player wanting to deepen your theoretical understanding, "Functional Rock Guitar Theory" equips you with the tools and insights to elevate your rock guitar playing to the next level.

What you'll learn

  • Play A Dorian scale in one position
  • Apply Roman numeral analysis to transpose chord progressions
  • Apply modal thinking to jam tracks
  • Mix modal scales with pentatonic scales for varied soloing approaches
  • Understand modes as altered major scales rather than just different starting points
Release date: 01/09/2017 • 4h 05m runtime
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Sample lessons
Understanding Intervals
Understanding Intervals
The 12 Notes
Chord Extensions
Chord Extensions
Other Extensions
Intervallic Shapes
Intervallic Shapes
Counting the Intervals
Blues Theory
Blues Theory
The Minor Pentatonic Scale

What's included

41 lessons • 20 charts • 6 Jam Tracks

Series Introduction
Welcome to Functional Rock Guitar Theory! In the introduction, Will gives you a taste of what you'll find in this basic, usable music theory course.
How to Find the Key of a Song
Will starts this course out with a basic skill that every guitar player uses at some point: Finding the Key of a Song. He gives us some basics tips and tricks to make this an easy task!
How to Find the Key of a Song
Will starts this course out with a basic skill that every guitar player uses at some point: Finding the Key of a Song. He gives us some basics tips and tricks to make this an easy task!
Unlocking the Fretboard
No doubt, one of the most daunting tasks of guitar playing is learning all of the notes on your fretboard. Not to fear! Will breaks down and demystifies this scary process, and you'll have it all memorized in no time!
Unlocking the Fretboard
No doubt, one of the most daunting tasks of guitar playing is learning all of the notes on your fretboard. Not to fear! Will breaks down and demystifies this scary process, and you'll have it all memorized in no time!
The Major Scale
One of, if not THE most important building block of music theory is the major scale. In this lesson, Will discusses the structure and tonality of the scale.
The Chromatic Scale
What about all of those "in between" notes? The notes not in the major scale? Those are the notes that add interesting color to music. In this lesson, Will shows you the chromatic scale, and gives you a basic way to practice it.

+ 34 more lessons

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Reviews

3 results

Buddysomeguy

Verified buyer

07/10/26

Decent course

This, course was a decent breakdown of theory topics that would be useful to most guitarist. However, for me I found that some information I already knew and other topics I thought should have been explained better. Saying that though, when these type of courses go on sale at the 5 dollar mark, why not?? You will find something useful in here for sure.

Glynn1

Verified buyer

03/09/26

Great

The teory was easy to understand

St3v375

Verified buyer

06/23/25

Great course, but if your a beginner or not very experienced then I suggest looking at one the beginner courses by Will. He is a great instructor and explains everything well, the multiple camera angles and associated PDF downloads also help to go along with this coarse.

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