In grade 5, you will be sight reading pieces 8–12 bars in length. The time and key signatures remain the same as in grade 4, with the addition of B minor. In this grade there will be more extensive two-part writing and fingerboard use up to 5th position. Simple syncopation, anacrusis and tempo slowing are also introduced.
Grade 5 Guitar Sight Reading Exercise
Try this free guitar sight reading piece to get a sense of what you can expect in grade 5.
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Tips for Grade 5 Guitar Sight Reading
- Get situated with your guitar where you can comfortably see the exercise (an iPad or other tablet is especially convenient for this, as you can set it right on your music stand; print this page if needed)
- Take 30 seconds to look over the piece before you attempt to sight read it
- Once you've started, keep going no matter what – learning not to stop even when you make a mistake is one of the most important skills in guitar sight reading
- When you're finished playing, press the "Listen" button to hear a correct performance of the exercise; take a moment to reflect on how you did