Volume 2 Method: Morning Has Broken

C Major Chord Song and Melody: Morning Has Broken, Hymn on a Scottish Tune. This lesson comes from my Classical Guitar Method Book Volume 2. The student plays chords on their own and the melody on its own. There are many benefits of strumming chords for classical guitarists. Knowing the chord shapes is essential as they are the same shapes used in many classical guitar works. Also, the free rhythmic strumming can give students flexibility, versatility, and confidence in natural rhythmic patterns.Here’s the YouTube Link if you want to watch it there.

A few things to work on:

  • Tap your foot to the quarter note and strum
  • Count the beat out loud and strum
  • Once you are comfortable with strumming to the beat you can try some varied rhythmic patterns while keeping a steady beat.
  • If you have trouble changing from chord to chord in time try slowing it way down while also keeping a steady beat. The other thing you can do is to reduce the number of strums you do, for example, only strumming once per measure. Anything you can do to keep a steady beat and present the chord is useful to your development.

Big thanks to Natasha Pashchenko for helping with the duets. Natasha is an excellent guitarist, teacher, and friend from Victoria, BC.

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Bradford Werner
Bradford Werner

Bradford Werner is a classical guitarist and music publisher from Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. He originally created this site for his students at the Victoria Conservatory of Music but now shares content worldwide. Curating guitar content helps students absorb the culture, musical ideas, and technique of the classical guitar. Bradford also has a YouTube channel with over 94,000 subscribers and 13 million views. He taught classical guitar at the Victoria Conservatory of Music for 16 years and freelanced in Greater Victoria for 20 years and now dedicates much of his time curating content online and helping connect the classical guitar community. See more at his personal website.

2 Comments

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  1. Mr. Bradford,
    Thank you for your newsletter. I continually read it and pick up tips for playing.
    First best wishes for a happy holiday season and a healthy 2025.
    …
    A few years ago you offered the sheet music for Shenandoah and played a video
    of the music. I really enjoyed and have learned from it because I “know” the music and
    also “know” when playing the tempo and notes to play. A lot of the classical composers although very good, I don’t “know” the music and have a hard time playing it. Yes, I can rewatch the video, but that still is short of knowing the tune.

    So, do you have a way of searching your site for this type of music. Folk songs, traditionals, etc.? Some of your search option is by author but not a subject or ???

    Thank you,

    Gary G
    In the heart of Texas

    • After the list of composers on the sheet music page (right before the Duets and Ensembles heading) you’ll find a list titled “Traditional, Celtic, 19th Century Songs Arranged for Classical Guitar”. I’ll also email you.

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