My App Student Login Book a trial

ABRSM Classical Guitar

ABRSM Classical guitar grades

ABRSM classical guitar exams cover a wide-ranging syllabus of solo pieces, technical work, sight-reading and aural tests. They are ideal for students who want a thorough, internationally recognised classical foundation, and the Performance Grade option lets us record the recital digitally when that works better.

Back to all exams Official books Book an exam

ABRSM Practical Grades are taken in person, while Performance Grades are recorded and submitted as a video. I can help students prepare for either format and choose the one that suits them best.

ABRSM Guitar Performance Grades syllabus (PDF)The official ABRSM specification for Guitar Performance Grades from 2019, including the full repertoire lists for every grade.

ABRSM Classical

Initial

A friendly first exam — short pieces in first position with simple accompaniment textures.

ABRSM Classical Grade 1 guitar exam book cover

ABRSM Classical

Grade 1

Simple melodies and accompaniments with a first look at rest stroke and thumb control.

ABRSM Classical Grade 2 guitar exam book cover

ABRSM Classical

Grade 2

Two-part pieces, wider position work and a first half-barre shape.

ABRSM Classical Grade 3 guitar exam book cover

ABRSM Classical

Grade 3

Position shifts and more independent lines between melody and bass.

ABRSM Classical Grade 4 guitar exam book cover

ABRSM Classical

Grade 4

Repertoire spanning Renaissance to twentieth-century styles with real interpretive demands.

ABRSM Classical Grade 5 guitar exam book cover

ABRSM Classical

Grade 5

A major milestone — substantial classical repertoire and broader musicianship.

ABRSM Classical

Grade 6

Concert-level pieces with genuine interpretive freedom and stage presence.

ABRSM Classical

Grade 7

Demanding works requiring stamina, memory and refined musical judgement.

ABRSM Classical

Grade 8

Diploma-preparation level — the summit of the graded syllabus.