Course Description


Learn the Skills You Need to Play the Music You Love!

The 99 Decisions Guitar Program

• The 99 Decisions Guitar Course: This collection of 99 individual video lessons has been designed to take you from a complete beginner to a fully-functioning guitar player. Ranging from two to eighteen minutes long, each lesson represents a choice on your part to apply yourself towards the goal of learning to play music... while having fun!

These focused & concise videos cover all the musicianship skills that you need to play the music that you love in any style or genre. Each video is a complete, self-contained lesson, making it easy to fit learning to play the guitar into your busy schedule.

The course is self-paced. You move on to the next lesson when you feel you are ready. You can also work on more than one lesson at a time, or skip around.

Using large & easy to read graphics, each lesson's diagrams appears on-screen as it is taught. And the PDF booklet included with the program makes it easy to review the material anytime, anywhere.

The 99 Decisions Guitar Program isn't just for beginners. Experienced guitar players can expand their musicianship skills & increase their knowledge by focusing on lessons covering the specific areas that they need to improve. There is a concordance & index that will help you create your own personal guitar agenda.


Hours of Additional Content

• Bonus Lessons: The bonus lessons complement the 99 Decision Guitar Course. They're designed to broaden & deepen your musicianship skills, taking your guitar playing to the next level. Each extensive bonus lesson focuses on a specific topic: advanced chord technique, building rhythm skills, beyond the basic chords & ways to play scales. Soon, you'll be sounding like the guitar players you admire.

The program currently includes four in-depth bonus lessons. The bonus lessons range from 40 minutes to over an hour. More will be added regularly.

• Etudes: The best way to become an accomplished guitarist is to learn complete songs. Apply the techniques & vocabulary you have learned in the 99 Decision Guitar Program with a series of original etudes, designed to accelerate your growth in becoming a functioning musician.

Start with the five Etudes- Strumming Etude, Barre Chord Etude, Blues Etude, Fingerpicking Etude & Pop Etude. More will be added regularly.

• The Fulfillment Factor: Progressing on the guitar is about more than just getting your finger on the correct string & fret, or strumming the correct pattern. It is about the integration of Mind, Body & Spirit. The Fulfillment Factor video discussions address subjects critical to becoming a well-rounded & confident musician. Topics include maintaining an effective attitude, staying goal oriented, keeping your body relaxed, building hand & finger strength, stretching, staying positive & motivated and more.

The program includes seven video discussions with more to be added regularly. There is also the 99 Decisions Blog, where Matthew addresses all subjects pertaining to exploring the path of learning to play the guitar.

Start off right!
This course and the additional lesson & materials are based on a time-honored effective principle- learn the fundamental musicianship skills in a comprehensive manner right away so that you are set for life in your musical endeavors.

Play the music you love, sooner!
Just two hours into the 99 Decisions Guitar Program, you will know enough chords & strumming techniques to work on the songs you want to learn.

Avoid Overwhelm!
Most online guitar courses present so much material that it becomes overwhelming. The 99 Decisions Guitar Program breaks it all down into digestible, approachable steps so you can proceed at your own pace.

Already play the guitar?
99 Decisions is perfect for filling in any missing musicianship skills you need to learn. Or, you might want to take your current technique & knowledge to the next level. Whatever your goal, the 99 Decisions Guitar Program will help you achieve it.

Create your own personalized curriculum.
The 99 Decisions Guitar Program has an integrated index that lets you find which lessons cover the specific skills you want to focus on so that you can customize the program to fit your own personal goals. Or start with the first lesson and go in sequence all the way through!

Online learning is effective... when it's organized!
Most online guitar courses present so much material that it becomes overwhelming. The 99 Decisions Guitar Program presents digestible, approachable steps to learning to play so you can stay organized and effective. With 24/7 access on all devices, you can easily learn & review anytime, anywhere. The 99 Decisions Guitar Program is completely organized so you can master the material at your own pace and accelerate your progress on the path to becoming a fully functioning guitar player.

Discover your own sound on the guitar & create your own music.
Once you've learned the basic components of music with the 99 Decisions Guitar Program, you can explore your own ideas in the same way your favorite artists do, by combining chords & rhythms & melodies to make your own unique music… your own personal artistic expressions!

Learn ~ Create ~ Enjoy


Founder of 99 Decisions LLC

Matthew Von Doran

Matthew Von Doran is an artist, musician & educator with a vast background in the music industry. He has a strong passion for teaching guitar & is dedicated to helping students learn to play music while enjoying the process. He has been assisting people achieve their musical goals for over three decades. Matthew has created hundreds of personal individualized curriculums for students seeking to grow as musicians & guitarists. He also helps people develop their success skills- mental focus, goal clarification, time management, total body awareness, effective mindset & cognition.The 99 Decisions Guitar Program represents a lifetime of enthusiasm & experience manifested into a course that is comprehensive, yet streamlined... teaching the skills you need to play the music you love. "Learning music is not just about the guitar, it involves strengthening intuition, building confidence, and finding the center of your passion."Matthew's experience as an performer & educator includes: Over 35 years of guitar instruction with individuals, clinics, music camps & universities all around the world Ten years as an Instructor at the Grammy Foundation's Summer Music Camp in Los Angeles, California Released acclaimed Modern Jazz album of original compositions, In This Present Moment, featuring Jimmy Haslip, Peter Erskine, Larry Goldings, Bob Mintzer, James Genus, Terri Lyne Carrington, Bob Sheppard, Marcus Baylor & more. Artist residencies for the Center of Creative Arts in Saint LouisEducational program performance & development for the Sheldon Theater, Saint Louis Recording session work for countless artists internationallyJazz guitar clinics at the Interlochen Center for the Arts, Interlochen, Michigan A world tour with La Quinta Estacion, winner of the 2010 Grammy for Best Latin Pop album

Course curriculum

  • 1

    99 Decisions Guitar Course

    • 99 Decisions Course Book

    • Decision 1 - Learn the parts of the guitar

    • D1 - Parts of the Guitar - PDF

    • Decision 2 - Learn how everything is numbered

      FREE PREVIEW

    • D2 - How Everything is Numbered - PDF

    • Decision 3 - Learn to tune the guitar

    • D3 - Tune the Guitar - PDF

    • Decision 4 - Learn your first chord on the guitar: C Major

      FREE PREVIEW

    • D4 - C Major chord - Book

    • Decision 5 - Learn two new chords: A Minor & D Major

    • D5 - A Minor & D Major chords - Book

    • Decision 6 - Learn two new chords: G Major & A Major

      FREE PREVIEW

    • D6 - G major & A Major chords - Book

    • Decision 7 - Learn about basic strumming technique with 
Preparatory Strumming Exercise #1

    • D7 - Preparatory Strumming Ex #1 - Book

    • Decision 8 - Learn three new chords: E Major, E Minor & E Dominant 7th

    • D8 - E major, E Minor & E7 chords - Book

    • Decision 9 - Develop technique with “Lift & Replace”

      FREE PREVIEW

    • D9 - Lift & Replace - Book

    • Decision 10 - Learn two new chords: D Minor & A Dominant 7

    • D10 - D Minor & A7 - Book

    • Decision 11
- Learn how to transition from one chord to another

    • D11 - Chord transitions - Book

    • Decision 12 - Learn two more chord transitions

    • D12 - Two More Chord Transitions - Book

    • Decision 13 - Learn even more chord transitions

    • D13 - Even More Chord Transitions - Book

    • Decision 14 - Learn about basic strumming technique with Preparatory Strumming Exercise #2

    • D14 - Preparatory Strumming Ex #2 - Book

    • Decision 15 - Learn to play barre chords: F Major, F Minor & G Minor


    • D15 - Barre Chords F, Fm & Gm - Book

    • Decision 16 - Learn to play certain chords with different fingerings

    • D16 - Chords with Different Fingerings - Book

    • Decision 17
 - Learn yet another chord transition

    • D17 - Yet Another Chord Transition - Book

    • Decision 18 - Learn how to play chord transitions in time

    • D18 - Chord Transitions in Time - Book

    • Decision 19 - Learn about music notation for chord progressions

    • D19 - Music Notation for Chord Progressions - Book

    • Decision 20 - Learn a chord progression

    • D20 - A Chord Progression - Book

    • Decision 21
- Learn another chord progression

    • D21 - Another Chord Transition - Book

    • Decision 22 - Learn a chord progression where chords last for only two beats

    • D22 - Chord Progression with Chords for Two Beats - Book

    • Decision 23 - Learn a chord progression with four different chords in it


    • D23 - Chord Progression with Four Different Chords - Book

    • Decision 24 - Learn the basics of strumming technique: tempo

    • D24 - Strumming Tempo - Book

    • Decision 25 - Learn the basics of strumming technique: dynamics

    • D25 - Strumming Dynamics - Book

    • Decision 26 - Learn the basics of strumming technique: foot tapping & accent

    • D26 - Strumming with Foot Tapping & Accents - Book

    • Decision 27 - Learn your first strum pattern

    • D27 - Your First Strum Pattern - Book

    • Decision 28 - Learn another strum pattern

    • D28 - Another Strum Pattern - Book

    • Decision 29 - Learn yet another strum pattern

    • D29 - Yet Another Strum Pattern - Book

    • Decision 30 - Learn two more strum patterns

    • D30 - Two More Strum Patterns - Book

    • Decision 31 - Learn about strumming accuracy

    • D31 - Strumming Accuracy - Book

    • Decision 32 - Learn yet even two more strum patterns

    • D32 - Yet Even Two More Strum Patterns - Book

    • Decision 33 - Learn to put it all together: chord progressions & strumming patterns

    • D33 - Put It All Together… Strum Patterns & Chord Progressions - Book

    • Decision 34 - Learn some more chord progressions & strumming patterns

    • D34 - More Chord Progressions & Strum Patterns - Book

    • Decision 35 - Learn the note names on the 6th string

    • D35 - Note Names on the 6th String - Book

    • Decision 36 - Be introduced to 16th note strumming

    • D36 - Be Introduced to 16th Note Strumming - Book

    • D36 - Be Introduced to 16th Note Strumming - Book

    • Decision 37 - Learn two 16th note strum patterns

    • D37 - Two 16th Note Strum Patterns - Book

    • Decision 38 - Learn two more 16th note strum patterns

    • D38 - Two More 16th Note Strumming Patterns - Book

    • Decision 39 - Learn how to combine 16th note strum patterns with the chord progressions

    • D39 - Combine 16th Note Strum Patterns w: Chord Progressions - Book

    • Decision 40 - Learn how to create your own chord progressions & strumming patterns

    • D40 - Create Your Own Chord Progressions & Strum Patterns - Book

    • Decision 41 - Learn the note names on the 5th string (and a little bit of music theory)

    • D41 - Notes Names on the 5th String & a Little Bit of Music Theory - Book

    • Decision 42 - Get introduced to fingerpicking

    • D42 - Introduction to Fingerpicking - Book

    • Decision 43 - Learn some fingerpicking patterns

    • D43 - Some Fingerpicking Patterns - Book

    • Decision 44 - Learn some fingerpicking string set variations

    • D44 - Fingerpicking String Set Variations - Book

    • Decision 45 - Learn to fingerpick a chord progression

    • D45 - Fingerpick a Chord Progressions - Book

    • Decision 46 - Learn a chord progression fingerpicking variation

    • D46 - A Chord Progression Fingerpicking Variation - Book

    • Decision 47 - Learn how to create longer fingerpicking patterns

    • D47 - Create Longer Fingerpicking Patterns - Book

    • Decision 48 - Confidently know the fret numbers

    • D48 - Confidently Know the Fret Numbers - Book

    • Decision 49 - Learn some more dominant 7th chords

    • D49 - Some More Dominant 7th Chords - Book

    • Decision 50 - Learn to play two chord progressions that use dominant 7th chords

    • D50 - Two Chord Progressions That Use Dominant 7th Chords - Book

    • Decision 51 - Learn to play a full barre chord: major

    • D51 - Full Barre Chord = Major - Book

    • Decision 52 - Learn to play two more barre chords: minor & dominant 7th

    • D52 - Two More Barre Chords = Minor & Dominant 7th - Book

    • Decision 53 - Start to develop right hand picking technique: picking one note at a time

    • D53 - Picking One Note at a Time - Book

    • Decision 54 - Learn the "Percussive Muted Strum"

    • D54 - Percussive Muted Strum - Book

    • Decision 55 - Learn another major barre chord

    • D55 - Another Major Barre Chord - Book

    • Decision 56 - Learn another minor & dominant 7th barre chord

    • D56 - Another Minor & Dominant 7th Barre Chord - Book

    • Decision 57 - Learn some more music theory: sharps & flats

    • D57 - Some More Music Theory = Sharps & Flats - Book

    • Decision 58 - Learn how to identify barre chords

    • D58 - How to Identify Barre Chords - Book

    • Decision 59 - Learn how to use barre chords in chord progressions

    • D59 - How to Use Barre Chords in Chord Progressions - Book

    • Decision 60 - Learn Right Hand Picking Exercise #1

    • D60 - Right Hand Picking Exercise #1 - Book

    • Decision 61 - Learn Right Hand Picking Exercise #2 & #3

    • D61 - Right Hand Picking Exercise #2 & #3 - Book

    • Decision 62 - Learn the Pseudo-Chromatic Exercise

    • D62 - The Psuedo-Chromatic Exercise - Book

    • Decision 63 - Learn the note names on the 4th, 3rd, 2nd & 1st string

    • D63 - Note Names on the 4th, 3rd, 2nd & 1st Strings - Book

    • Decision 64 - Learn to play hammer ons

    • D64 - Hammer Ons - Book

    • Decision 65 - Learn to play pull offs

    • D65 - Pull Offs - Book

    • Decision 66 - Learn about slash chords


    • D66 - Slash Chords - Book

    • Decision 67 - Learn the Minor Pentatonic Scale Pattern #1

    • D67 - Minor Pentatonic Scale Pattern #1 - Book

    • Decision 68 - Learn the Minor Pentatonic Scale Pattern #2

    • D68 - Minor Pentatonic Scale Pattern #2 - Book

    • Decision 69 - Learn the Minor Pentatonic Scale Pattern #3

    • D69 - Minor Pentatonic Scale Pattern #3 - Book

    • Decision 70 - Learn the Minor Pentatonic Scale Pattern #4

    • D70 - Minor Pentatonic Scale Pattern #4 - Book

    • Decision 71 - Learn the Minor Pentatonic Scale Pattern #5

    • D71 - Minor Pentatonic Scale Pattern #5 - Book

    • Decision 72 - Learn about tonic shapes

    • D72 - Tonic Shapes - Book

    • Decision 73 - Learn to play hammer ons & pull offs with groups of three fingers

    • D73 - Hammer Ons & Pull Offs = Groups of Three - Book

    • Decision 74 - Learn how to play power chords

    • D74 - Power Chords - Book

    • Decision 75 - Learn how to play slides

    • D75 - Slides - Book

    • Decision 76 - Learn how to combine hammer ons & pull offs

    • D76 - How to Combine Hammer Ons & Pull Offs - Book

    • Decision 77 - Learn how to bend strings

    • D77 - How to Bend Strings - Book

    • Decision 78 - Learn how to use hammer ons & pull offs with the Minor Pentatonic Scale Patterns (as well as explore some new fingerings)

    • D78 - Hammer Ons & Pull Offs w: Minor Pentatonic Scales - Book

    • Decision 79 - Learn how to transpose scales with Transposition Drill #1

    • D79 - Transposition Drill #1 - Book

    • Decision 80 - Learn about vibrato

    • D80 - Vibrato - Book

    • Decision 81 - Learn to play a Blues rhythm riff

    • D81 - Blues Rhythm Riff - Book

    • Decision 82 - Learn to play a riff based on Minor Pentatonic Scale Pattern #1

    • D82 - A Riff based on Minor Pentatonic Scale Pattern #1 - Book

    • Decision 83 - Learn to play a riff based on Minor Pentatonic Scale Pattern #2

    • D83 - A Riff Based on Minor Pentatonic Scale Pattern #2 - Book

    • Decision 84 - Learn to play a riff based on Minor Pentatonic Scale Pattern #3

    • D84 - A Riff Based on Minor Pentatonic Scale Pattern #3 - Book

    • Decision 85 - Learn to play a riff based on Minor Pentatonic Scale Pattern #4

    • D85 - A Riff Based on Minor Pentatonic Scale Pattern #4 - Book

    • Decision 86 - Learn to play a riff based on Minor Pentatonic Scale Pattern #5

    • D86 - A Riff Based on Minor Pentatonic Scale Pattern #5 - Book

    • Decision 87 - Learn to play a Jazz chord progression

      FREE PREVIEW

    • D87 - Jazz Chord Progression - Book

    • Decision 88 - Learn to play a Jazz Blues chord progression

    • D88 - Jazz Blues Chord Progression - Book

    • Decision 89 - Learn the Major Scale Pattern #1

    • D89 - Major Scale Pattern #1 - Book

    • Decision 90 - Learn the Major Scale Pattern #2

    • D90 - Major Scale Pattern #2 - Book

    • Decision 91
 - Learn the Major Scale Pattern #3

    • D91 - Major Scale Pattern #3 - Book

    • Decision 92 - Learn the Major Scale Pattern #4

    • D92 - Major Scale Pattern #4 - Book

    • Decision 93 - Learn the Major Scale Pattern #5

    • D93 - Major Scale Pattern #5 - Book

    • Decision 94 - Learn Transposition Drill #2

    • D94 - Transposition Drill #2 - Book

    • Decision 95 - Learn to play a riff based on Major Scale Pattern #1

    • D95 - A Riff Based on Major Scale Pattern #1 - Book

    • Decision 96 - Learn to play a riff based on Major Scale Pattern #2

    • D96 - A Riff Based on Major Scale Pattern #2 - Book

    • Decision 97 - Learn to play a riff based on Major Scale Pattern #3

    • D97 - A Riff Based on Major Scale Pattern #3 - Book

    • Decision 98 - Learn to play a riff based on Major Scale Pattern #4

    • D98 - A Riff Based on Major Scale Pattern #4 - Book

    • Decision 99 - Learn to play a riff based on Major Scale Pattern #5

    • D99 - A Riff Based on Major Scale Pattern #5 - Book

    • The 99 Decisions Course Appendix

    • The 99 Decisions Course Concordance & Index
  • 2

    99 Decisions - Strumming Etude #1

    • 99 Decisions - Strumming Etude #1 - Full Score

    • Strumming Etude #1 - Introduction & Full Performance

    • Strumming Etude #1 - Overview

    • Strumming Etude #1 - Verse

    • Strumming Etude #1 - Pre-Chorus

    • Strumming Etude #1 - Chorus

    • Strumming Etude #1 - Ful Performance with TAB

    • Strumming Etude #1 - Wrap-up
  • 3

    99 Decisions - Barre Chord Etude #1

    • 99 Decisions - Barre Chord Etude #1 - Full Score

    • 99 Decisions - Barre Chord Etude #1 - Chord Chart

    • Barre Chord Etude #1 - Introduction & Full Performance

      FREE PREVIEW

    • Barre Chord Etude #1 - Intro

    • Barre Chord Etude #1 - The A Section

    • Barre Chord Etude #1 - The B Section

    • Barre Chord Etude #1 - The C & D Section

    • Barre Chord Etude #1 - Wrap-up & Full Performance with TAB

    • Barre Chord Etude #1 - Backing Track

    • Barre Chord Etude #1 - Backing Track Without Guitars
  • 4

    99 Decisions - Fingerpicking Etude #1

    • 99 Decisions - Fingerpicking Etude #1 - Full Score

    • Fingerpicking Etude #1 - Full Performance / Introduction / Instruction

    • Fingerpicking Etude #1 - Full Performance with TAB
  • 5

    99 Decisions - Blues Etude #1

    • 99 Decisions - Blues Etude #1 - Full Score

    • 99 Decisions - Blues Etude #1 - Chord Chart

    • Blues Etude #1 - Introduction & Full Performance

    • Blues Etude #1 - Intro & Turnaround

    • Blues Etude #1 - Melody

    • Blues Etude #1 - Melody Variation

    • Blues Etude #1 - Rhythm Riff

    • Blues Etude #1 - Chord Slides

    • Blues Etude #1 - Full Performance with TAB

    • Blues Etude #1 - Wrap-up

    • Blues Etude #1 - Backing Track

    • Blues Etude #1 - Backing Track Without Guitars
  • 6

    99 Decisions - Pop Etude #1

    • 99 Decisions - Pop Etude #1 - Full Score

    • 99 Decisions - Pop Etude #1 - Chord Chart

    • Pop Etude #1 - Introduction & Full Performance

    • Pop Etude #1 - Verse Melody

    • Pop Etude #1 - Chorus Melody

    • Pop Etude #1 - Melody Up an Octave

    • Pop Etude #1 - Muted Power Chords

    • Pop Etude #1 - Acoustic Strumming Part

    • Pop Etude #1 - Full Performance - Melody

    • Pop Etude #1 - Full Performance - Acoustic Strumming Part

    • Pop Etude #1 - Full Performance - Muted Power Chords

    • Pop Etude #1 - Wrap-up

    • Pop Etude #1 - Backing Track

    • Pop Etude #1 - Backing Track Without Lead

    • Pop Etude #1 - Backing Track Without Power Chords

    • Pop Etude #1 - Backing Track Without Acoustic

    • Pop Etude #1 - Backing Track Without Guitars
  • 7

    99 Decisions Bonus Lesson - Beyond the Basic Chords

    • Beyond the Basic Chords - Introduction

    • Beyond the Basic Chords - New Voicings

    • Beyond the Basic Chords - How to Build Your Chord Vocabulary

      FREE PREVIEW

    • Beyond the Basic Chords - Multiple Voicings

    • Beyond the Basic Chords - Chord Music Theory

    • Beyond the Basic Chords - Clarifying the Basic Chords

    • Beyond the Basic Chords - Understanding Chord Symbols

    • Beyond the Basic Chords - Summary
  • 8

    99 Decisions Bonus Lesson - Building Rhythm Skills

  • 9

    99 Decisions Bonus Lesson - Advanced Chord Techniques

  • 10

    99 Decisions Bonus Lesson - Ways to Play Scales

    • Ways to Play Scales - Introduction

    • Ways to Play Scales #1 - Ascending & Descending Eighth Notes

      FREE PREVIEW

    • Ways to Play Scales #2 - Double Picking Each Note

    • Ways to Play Scales #3 - Ascending & Descending Triplets

    • Ways to Play Scales #4 - Triple Picking Each Note - Triplets

    • Ways to Play Scales #5 - Ascending & Descending Sixteenth Notes

    • Ways to Play Scales #6 - Quadruple Picking Each Note - Sixteenth Notes

    • Ways to Play Scales #7 - Ascending & Descending - Shuffle

    • Ways to Play Scales #8 - Double Picking Each Note - Shuffle

    • Ways to Play Scales - Wrap-up of All 8 Ways

    • Ways to Play Scales - Working with a Metronome

    • Ways to Play Scales - Combining Ascending & Descending Patterns
  • 11

    99 Decisions - The Fulfillment Factor