These officially accredited and internationally recognised exams offer a formal recognition of the specific talents of rock guitar players.
10 exam grades are available, ranging from Step 1 (for beginners) up to Grade 8 (for aspiring professional musicians).
Download a Rock Guitar grade exam Information Booklet to see the requirements of each grade exam.
The core of all RGT@LCM rock guitar grade exams is the Prepared Performance section, where you perform the rock pieces you’ve chosen to play in the exam.
From Step 2 onwards, the examiner also tests your aural ability to reproduce riffs and recognise chords.
From Grade One onwards, there is an improvisation section where you improvise a lead solo and then a rhythm guitar part to a backing track.
RGT@LCM publishes a course handbook for each grade that provides detailed information and examples of the Improvisation and Aural Assessment sections of the exams. All the scales and chords that would be useful for each exam are provided in the grade handbook. There is no requirement to read traditionally notated music as all music is also provided in easy-to-read TAB or fretboxes.
The books also include helpful guidance about the performance pieces required for the exam. For Step 1 and Step 2 the notation and CD demos and backing tracks are included in the handbooks. From Grade One onwards, the notation and audio is in separate publications.
The RGT@LCM series of rock guitar grade handbooks provide a unique and structured way to develop and improve your rock guitar playing. They are available from many good music/book stores or online at the LCM shop
Here are some alternative choices for some grades:
RGT@LCM rock guitar exams are organised by London College of Music Exams (one of the world's most respected music examination boards, established since 1887) and certificated by the University of West London, resulting in a recognised standard by which the skills and abilities of rock guitarists can be assessed.
RGT@LCM graded exams, from 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 Grade 6 onwards.