Lesson series

Music Theory For Life 2.0

It provides a deep dive into music theory, helping you understand how songs are formulated with chords and chord progressions.
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Online guitar course · Music theory

Understand how songs work, one week at a time

Music Theory For Life 2.0 is a 12-week online music theory course for guitar players. It is taught by Steve Stine, GuitarZoom's Master Instructor. You start with notes on the fretboard and reading tab, then learn scales, chords, progressions, melody, improvisation, modes and ear training. It has over 110 video lessons, about 10 hours of video, a PDF book for each week and jam tracks.

111video lessons
9+ hoursof step-by-step teaching
12 modulesin a clear order
Beginner to intermediatelevel
PDF book for each of the 12 weeks (244 pages in total)included
$117, onceno subscription, yours for life
Excellent · 4.8 out of 5 on TrustpilotRead our reviews
ADD TO CART · $117
Free preview

What Music Theory For Life 2.0 is about

Steve breaks every skill into simple steps you can follow. In these videos, he introduces the course and explains the chromatic scale and the minor blues.

Course intro: Introduction · 1:58

Free preview lesson: The Chromatic Scale · 2:33

Free preview lesson: Minor Blues · 2:32

Who it's for

Is Music Theory For Life 2.0 right for you?

  • Players who learned by ear or tab. The course explains how the chords and scales you play fit together.
  • Beginners who want a clear path. The course starts with the notes on each string and builds week by week.
  • Guitarists who want to improvise. Weeks 6 and 7 cover melody, arpeggios, phrasing and improvisation over progressions.
  • Intermediate players ready for more. Later weeks cover extended chords, modes and harmonic and melodic minor.
What you'll be able to do

Skills you'll walk away with

  • Find the notes on each string of the guitar
  • Read tab, chord charts, note values and time signatures
  • Play and understand the major, minor and pentatonic scales
  • Use the circle of 5ths, key signatures and relative minor
  • Build triads, 7th chords, inversions and slash chords
  • Analyze progressions with Roman numerals and find their key
  • Use arpeggios and non-chord tones in melodies
  • Recognize intervals, chord qualities and progressions by ear
What's inside

The course, module by module

The full lesson list is below.

Module 1

Week 1: Notes on the guitar

Understanding notes, the chromatic scale, open-string notes, the notes on the 6th through 2nd strings, pitch direction and distances between notes.

12 lessons · 50 min
Module 2

Week 2: Reading music, tab and chord charts

Music notation, middle C on the guitar, key signatures, note values and time signatures, staccato and legato, guitar tab and chord charts.

11 lessons · 69 min
Module 3

Week 3: Scales, keys and intervals

The major scale in several keys, key signatures, the circle of 5ths, open-position patterns, intervals, relative minor, the minor, pentatonic and blues scales, and the hybrid scale.

20 lessons · 112 min
Module 4

Week 4: Chords and triads

Triads in major and minor keys, Roman numerals, 7th chords, power and barre chords, the CAGED system, inversions, the chord-scale connection and slash chords.

12 lessons · 72 min
Module 5

Week 5: Chord progressions

I-IV-V, 12-bar blues, minor blues and I-vi-IV-V, plus finding the key of a progression, 7th chords in progressions and using scales to change a song's feel.

9 lessons · 39 min
Module 6

Week 6: Melody and phrasing

Melody basics, melody examples over chord progressions, arpeggios, melody vs. improvisation, non-chord tones, phrasing, free and connected rhythms, and a blues progression.

12 lessons · 58 min
Module 7

Week 7: Improvisation

How to approach improvisation, musical connection and preparation, and dynamic contrast.

4 lessons · 32 min
Module 8

Week 8: Styles, genres and form

A real-world soloing chart, musical form, and pop, punk, rock, hard rock and metal styles.

7 lessons · 42 min
Module 9

Week 9: Extended chords

Extended chords, removing notes from 7th chord voicings, and 9th, 11th and 13th chords.

5 lessons · 22 min
Module 10

Week 10: Modes and minor scales

The modes and their positions on the guitar, comparing major and minor modes, and the harmonic and melodic minor scales.

6 lessons · 45 min
Module 11

Week 11: Putting it all together

Three jam track lessons where you apply the theory from the earlier weeks.

3 lessons · 18 min
Module 12

Week 12: Ear training

Hearing intervals, chord qualities and 7th chords, matching pitches, melody lines, chord progressions, modal progressions and a soloing plan.

10 lessons · 31 min
ADD TO CART · $117
How it works

Learn at your own pace

Clear video lessons

Every move is shown up close. Pause, rewind and repeat each lesson as often as you need.

Practice materials

Includes PDF book for each of the 12 weeks (244 pages in total), Jam tracks. Use them to practice what you learn in each lesson.

Yours for life

Pay once and come back any time, on your computer, tablet or phone. No subscription.

Steve Stine, instructor of Music Theory For Life 2.0
Your instructor

Steve Stine

GuitarZoom Master Instructor

Steve has taught guitar for more than 30 years and has helped millions of players in over 100 countries. He has a Music Education degree from Minnesota State University Moorhead and taught guitar at North Dakota State University. He's known for breaking hard things into simple steps you can follow. Read Steve's full story

Student reviews

What students say about Steve's teaching

Excellent · 4.8 out of 5 on TrustpilotRead our reviews

"I love the way that Steve explained things and shows how to become better."

Hans-Joachim G.Germany

"It made a difference, it was worth the money. Thank you."

Kevin W.United States

"This is absolutely one of the best classes I've ever taken."

Steve D.United States

"I'm just overjoyed to come across learning material that I've yearned for."

Andy M.Australia

"Thank you for breaking down music theory and making it so easy to learn."

Travis B.United States

"I have definitely improved and I enjoy it immensely."

Melina K.United States

Read 100+ more student reviews

FAQ

Music Theory For Life 2.0 questions

Is Music Theory For Life 2.0 good for beginners?
Yes. Week 1 starts with the notes on each string, and each week builds on the one before. Later weeks reach intermediate topics like modes and extended chords.
Do I need to read music?
No. Week 2 teaches the basics of notation, tab and chord charts, so you learn what you need inside the course.
How long does the course take?
It is laid out as 12 weeks, with about 10 hours of video in total. You can go faster or slower.
Which scales and chords will I learn?
Major, minor, pentatonic, blues, hybrid, harmonic minor and melodic minor scales, the modes, plus triads, 7th, 9th, 11th and 13th chords, inversions and slash chords.
Will this help my soloing?
Weeks 6 to 8 cover melody, phrasing, improvisation and a real-world soloing chart.
Does it include ear training?
Yes. Week 12 covers intervals, chord qualities, melody lines and chord progressions by ear.
How much does Music Theory For Life 2.0 cost?
Music Theory For Life 2.0 is a one-time payment of $117. There's no subscription, and the course is yours for life.
Can I watch on my phone or tablet?
Yes. You can watch on any computer, tablet or phone with an internet connection, as often as you like.
Is there a money-back guarantee?
Yes. You're covered by our 30-day money-back guarantee. If the course isn't right for you, email support@guitarzoom.com.
Keep going

Where to go after Music Theory For Life 2.0

All About Intervals guitar course by GuitarZoom

All About Intervals

Learn every interval from the minor 2nd to the octave on the fretboard, and how intervals build scales, modes and chords.

$67View course →
 Fretboard Freedom guitar course by GuitarZoom

Fretboard Freedom

Learn pentatonic, blues, major and minor scales and modes position by position in C, then use them creatively in solos.

$67View course →
 Play It By Ear guitar course by GuitarZoom

Play It By Ear

Ear training for guitar: pitch, rhythm, every interval, chords, progressions, modes, song structure and melodies.

$47View course →

Want a full path instead of single courses? See GuitarZoom Premium, or browse all courses.

Start Music Theory For Life 2.0 today

111 lessons, clear steps and lifetime access. $117 once.

ADD TO CART · $117

30-day money-back guarantee. Questions? Email support@guitarzoom.com.

🎸 Music Theory for Life 2.0 by Steve Stine

✅ Over 30 years of experience teaching guitarists worldwide.
✅ Proven teaching methods that make complex music theory easy to understand.
✅ Designed for players of all levels—beginner, intermediate, and advanced.
✅ Now open for registration—secure your spot today!

🎼 What You’ll Learn in Music Theory for Life 2.0

🎸 Comprehensive 12-Week Course – A structured, interactive program covering everything from basic theory to advanced applications.

🎼 A-Z Guide to Music Theory – Build a rock-solid foundation in scales, chords, and fretboard mastery.

🎵 Unlock Powerful Guitar Techniques – Including:

✅ The CAGED Chord System – Simplify fretboard navigation.

✅ Modes of Music – Understand and apply modes like Ionian, Dorian, and Phrygian.

✅ Essential & Extended Chord Theory – Learn how major, minor, diminished, and augmented chords work.

✅ Exotic & Altered Scales – Unlock new sounds with harmonic minor, melodic minor, and more.

✅ Transposition & Fretboard Memorization – Master all 12 keys and visualize the fretboard effortlessly.

✅ Chord Progressions & Songwriting Secrets – Apply theory to real-world compositions.

✅ Understanding the Blues – How blues structure and scales influence modern music.


🎯 Designed for ALL Guitarists

🎵 No Prior Theory Knowledge Needed – The course starts from the absolute basics.

🎵 Beginner-Friendly, Advanced-Ready – Whether you’re just starting or want to deepen your theory skills, this course has you covered.

🎵 Step-by-Step Learning Process – Learn at your own pace with clear, structured lessons.

🎵 Instant Application to Guitar – Theory isn’t just theory—it’s made practical for real-world playing.

📚 Flexible & Interactive Learning Experience

📖 Step-by-Step, Structured Lessons – No confusion, just clear guidance.

📽 Lifetime Access to All Video Lessons  - Learn at your own pace and revisit anytime.



📅 Course Breakdown – What You’ll Learn Each Week

✅ Week 1: Music Theory Foundations
  • What is music theory, and why does it matter?
  • How theory enhances songwriting, ear training, scales, and transposition.
  • Learning the musical alphabet using a simple scale.

✅ Week 2: Fretboard Mastery & Memorization
  • How to memorize every note on the fretboard quickly.
  • Applying the chromatic scale to every guitar string.
  • Learn how octaves & interval relationships work.

✅ Week 3: Major Scale Theory & Applications
  • Understanding major scales and their whole-step/half-step patterns.
  • Constructing all 12 keys using the same formula.
  • Shortcut techniques to quickly find any major scale on the fretboard.

✅ Week 4: Fundamental Chord Theory
  • How chords are built from the major scale.
  • Understanding triads: major, minor, and diminished chords.
  • How to transpose chords into any key effortlessly.

✅ Week 5: Expanding Your Fretboard with Chords
  • The CAGED System – Unlocking the full fretboard.
  • Major chord conversion tricks for fast learning.
  • Introduction to arpeggios and soloing strategies.

✅ Week 6: Seventh Chords & Their Sounds
  • What are 7th chords, and how are they built?
  • The difference between major 7th and dominant 7th chords.
  • The jazz vs. blues sound – how different genres use 7th chords.

✅ Week 7: Extended Chords & Advanced Harmony
  • Understanding 9th, 11th, and 13th chords and how they’re used in music.
  • How to make musical decisions when playing extended chords with limited fingers and strings.

✅ Week 8: Altered Chords & Minor Scale Theory
  • Exploring add chords, sus chords, and altered chords.
  • The secret behind minor scales and why they are actually major scales in disguise.

✅ Week 9: Modes, Pentatonic Scales & the Blues
  • What are modes, and how do they work?
  • How pentatonic scales are derived from diatonic scales.
  • Understanding the blues scale and how it adds emotion to solos.
  • The Circle of Fifths and how it applies to composition.

✅ Week 10: Rhythm & Understanding the Blues
  • The 12-bar blues progression and how to play it.
  • How seventh chords shape blues music.
  • Learning swing vs. shuffle rhythms.
  • Combining major and minor pentatonic scales for unique blues sounds.

✅ Week 11: Exotic & Altered Scales + Notation
  • Exploring harmonic minor, melodic minor, and other exotic scales.
  • Introduction to music notation, including treble/bass clefs and note values.

✅ Week 12: Music Theory in Action
  • Analyzing famous songs and how they fit (or don’t fit) into music theory.
  • Practical applications for songwriting and improvisation.
  • Final words of advice & practice strategies for long-term success.

🔥 Why Choose Music Theory for Life 2.0?
✅ Learn at Your Own Pace – Access the lessons anytime, anywhere.
✅ Real-World Application – Instantly use these concepts in your playing.
✅ Supportive Community – Join fellow guitarists in an interactive learning environment.