← Back to Foundations: Module 1
You have learned how to form essential chords, change between them, use them in progressions, and turn them into movable power chords. This checkpoint helps you find out whether those ideas are starting to work together.
This is not a pass-or-fail test. Try it without reopening the lessons first. If one part feels difficult, use the review link for that skill and return when you are ready.
- Time: Approximately 10 minutes
- You need: Your guitar and a metronome
Part 1: Check your understanding
Choose your answer first, then select Show answer to check it.
1. What does an “X” above a string mean in a chord diagram?
- A. Play the string twice
- B. Do not play that string
- C. Play the string open
Show answer
Answer: B. Do not play that string. Avoid it or mute it so it does not ring.
Review if needed: Master Basic Guitar Chords
2. What is a chord progression?
- A. One chord played in several positions
- B. A sequence of chords played in a particular order
- C. A scale beginning on a chord tone
Show answer
Answer: B. A chord progression is a sequence of chords played in a particular order.
Review if needed: Seven Easy Guitar Chord Progressions
3. Why does a power chord sound neither clearly major nor minor?
- A. It does not contain a root note
- B. It does not contain the third that defines major or minor quality
- C. It can only be played on muted strings
Show answer
Answer: B. A power chord normally contains a root and perfect fifth but no major or minor third.
Review if needed: How to Play Power Chords
4. When a chord change feels difficult, what is the best first way to practice it?
- A. Play the entire progression as fast as possible
- B. Isolate the two chords and practice the movement slowly
- C. Add more chords to the progression
Show answer
Answer: B. Isolate the two chords and practice the movement slowly. Look for shared fingers and remove unnecessary motion before increasing the speed.
Review if needed: How to Improve Switching Between Chords
Part 2: Play the open-chord progression
G → C → D → G
- Set a metronome between 50 and 60 BPM.
- Play one simple downstroke on every beat.
- Stay on each chord for four beats.
- Play the entire progression twice without stopping.
This is an assessment rather than a new practice drill. If you cannot complete it yet, return to the switching lesson’s five-minute drill rather than repeatedly testing yourself.
Review if needed: How to Improve Switching Between Chords
Part 3: Transfer it to power chords
G5 → C5 → D5 → G5
- Use the movable power-chord shapes from the lesson.
- Stay on each power chord for four beats.
- Keep unused strings quiet.
- Complete one full loop without stopping.
The purpose is to recognize that the progression stays the same even though the chord shapes and sound change.
Review if needed: How to Play Power Chords
Readiness check
You are ready to begin Module 2 when:
- You answered at least three of the four knowledge questions correctly.
- The open chords ring clearly enough to hear the progression.
- You can keep the beat through two open-chord loops, even if a change is not perfect.
- You can locate and play G5, C5, and D5 while keeping unused strings reasonably quiet.
- You can recover from a mistake without abandoning the progression.
Perfect speed and tone are not required. Module 2 will develop your rhythm further. The goal here is a stable chord foundation that is ready to receive rhythm.
If you need another practice round
- Chords buzz or do not ring: Review Master Basic Guitar Chords.
- Changes interrupt the beat: Repeat the Five-Minute Chord Switching Drill.
- The progression order is confusing: Review Seven Easy Guitar Chord Progressions.
- Power-chord roots or muting are unclear: Review How to Play Power Chords.
Then return and try only the section that gave you trouble.