Registry of Guitar Tutors Exams - RGT

Bass Guitar:

The examiner will begin by asking you to play a selection of scales and arpeggios. After this, the examinerwill ask you which bass pattern you have selected and will then show you a chord chart and ask you to play through the chord progression using that bass pattern (with variations after the first sequence). You will be shown another chord chart – but this time it will be played through once on guitar whilst you listen, then you should improvise a bass line over further playings. After this, the examiner will ask you a few spoken questions to test your musical knowledge and knowledge of the instrument. The exam will conclude with the Aural Tests. At Grades 6-8 you will be asked to perform your chosen specialism.

Section 1 – Scales & arpeggios

All Grades: 15

Section 2 – Bass patterns

Preliminary to Grade 5: 24
Grades 6 to 8: 25

Section 3 – Performance

Preliminary to Grade 5: 36
Grades 6 to 8: 30

Section 4 – Musicianship

All Grades: 10

Section 5 – Aural assessment

Preliminary to Grade 5: 15
Grades 6 to 8: 10

Section 6 – Specialism (Grades 6 to 8 only)

Grades 6 to 8: 10

Electric Guitar:

The examiner will begin by asking you to play a selection of scales and (from Grade 3 onwards) arpeggios, followed by a selection of chords. You will then be shown a chord chart and ask you to play through it using an appropriate rhythm. Next the examiner will show you another chord chart – but this time the examiner will play through it once whilst you listen, then you should improvise some lead guitar over further playing. After this, the examiner will ask you a few spoken questions to test your knowledge of the instrument. The exam will finish aural tests. At Grades 6-8, you will be asked to perform your chosen guitar specialism

Section 1 – Scales (& arpeggios from Grade 3 onwards)

Preliminary: 8
Grades 1 to 2: 10
Grades 3 to 4: 12
Grades 5 to 8: 10

Section 2 – Chords

Preliminary: 12
Grades 1 to 2: 10
Grades 3 to 8: 8

Section 3 – Rhythm playing

Preliminary: 30
Grades 1 to 5: 30
Grades 6 to 8: 25

Section 4 – Lead playing

Preliminary: 30
Grades 1 to 5: 30
Grades 6 to 8: 25.

Section 5 – Spoken tests

Preliminary: 10
Grades 1 to 4: 10
Grades 5 to 8: 12

Section 6 – Aural assessment

Preliminary: 10
Grades 1 to 8: 10

Section 7 – Specialism (Grades 6 to 8 only)

Grades 6 to 8: 10

Accoustic Guitar:

The examiner will begin by asking you to play a selection of chords and scales. You will then be asked to play through your chosen studies and/or pieces. At Grades One to Eight, the examiner will ask you a few spoken questions to test your knowledge of the instrument and the music performed; this is followed by a test to assess your accompaniment skills. From Preliminary Grade onwards, the exam will conclude with the an aural test

Initial Stage:

Fingerboard Knowledge – 25
Performance – 75

Preliminary Grade:

Fingerboard Knowledge – 15
Performance – 75
Aural Assessment – 10

Grades 1 to 8:

Fingerboard Knowledge – 10
Performance – 50
Musical Knowledge – 10
Accompaniment – 20
Aural Assessment – 10

Assessment bands are as follows:

85-100% – Distinction
75-84% – Merit
65-74% – Pass
55-64.5% – Below Pass (Upper Level)
0-54.5% – Below Pass (Lower Level)

RGT exams start at beginner level and progress to professional Diplomas.

The exams are organised in partnership with London College of Music Exams (one of the world’s most respected music examination boards, established since 1887) and certificated b the University of West London.

From Grade One onwards RGT grade exams are regulated by the Office of the Qualifications and Examinations Regulator (Ofqual) and UCAS points are awarded for Grade 6 and above.