Acoustic Guitar

About LCME Acoustic Guitar Exams

There are eight LCME Acoustic Guitar grades, plus two introductory levels, four performance diplomas and three teaching diplomas.

The standard graded exams consist of a performance of two pieces, fingerboard knowledge, musical knowledge, accompaniment and aural assessment.

We also provide alternatives to our standard examination format designed to offer something different for our diverse range of candidates:

  • Recital Grade – an entirely performance-based live exam
  • Filmed Performance Award – a performance-based assessment by video submission
  • Recorded Performance Award – a performance-based assessment by audio submission

Enter for your Performance Award here.

Resources

New Syllabus 2020

See 'What's in the exam' below for the current 2008 syllabus, which is valid until the end of 2020.

Changes to the 2020 syllabus

This syllabus replaces the Acoustic Guitar Syllabus (2008 until further notice), Acoustic Guitar Exam Information Booklet (2008 until further notice) and Acoustic Guitar Performance Awards Combined Syllabus and Information Booklet (2012 until further notice). These are now combined into one syllabus. Major changes to the syllabus are as follows:

  • New performance repertoire and studies.
  • New handbooks for all levels.
  • The levels Initial and Preliminary have been renamed Step 1 and Step 2.
  • Live Performance Awards have been renamed Recital Grades.

There are redesigned handbooks available for all levels. The format of the exams has not changed. However, there is new content, as indicated above. Candidates with handbooks for the current 2008 syllabus can only use these until the end of 2020.

Also available

Book your LCME Acoustic Guitar exam now

New guitarists sometimes need help understanding the differences between classical guitars and acoustic guitars. They are different instruments with different LCME syllabuses and, therefore, different exams.

Please check that you are entering the right exam. If you’re unsure which exam you should enter, please look at the title of your Grade book. Alternatively, you can speak to your local rep, check with your teacher, or get in touch with us directly - contact us.

Our Acoustic Guitar exams are run by the Registry of Guitar Tutors (RGT). They offer in-person and digital exams. Click below to book your exam now:

IN-PERSON EXAM - Book via RGT

DIGITAL EXAM

What’s in the exam

Pre-Grade 1

Exam content

Step 1:

  • Fingerboard knowledge
  • Performance

Step 2:

  • Fingerboard knowledge
  • Performance
  • Aural assessment

 

Grades

Exam content

  • Fingerboard knowledge
  • Performance
  • Musical knowledge
  • Accompaniment
  • Aural assessment
Performance Awards (filmed/recorded)

Exam content

Steps 1 & 2:

  • Rhythm study
  • Melodies

Levels 1 & 2:

  • Rhythm study
  • Fingerstyle study
  • Melody

Levels 3, 4 & 5:

  • Rhythm study
  • Pieces

Levels 6, 7 & 8:

  • Pieces

 

 

Recital Grades

Exam content

Steps 1 & 2:

  • Rhythm study
  • Melodies

Levels 1 & 2:

  • Rhythm study
  • Fingerstyle study
  • Melody

Levels 3, 4 & 5:

  • Rhythm study
  • Pieces

Levels 6, 7 & 8:

  • Pieces

DipLCM

Exam content

  • Performance
  • Programme notes
ALCM

Exam content

  • Performance
  • Programme notes

 

 

LLCM

Exam content

  • Performance
  • Programme notes

 

 

FLCM

Exam content

  • Performance
  • Programme notes

 

DipLCM Teaching

Exam content

  • Fingerboard knowledge
  • Lesson
  • Presentation
  • Discussion
ALCM Teaching

Exam content

  • Essay
  • Lesson
  • Presentation
  • Discussion
  • Chart reading
LLCM Teaching

Exam content

  • Dissertation
  • Lesson
  • Presentation
  • Discussion
  • Chart reading