ABRSM vs Trinity: What’s the Difference in Acoustic Guitar Exams?

For aspiring guitarists looking to earn formal recognition for their skills, two of the most prominent music exam boards—ABRSM (Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music) and Trinity College London—offer structured acoustic guitar exams. While both are internationally respected and follow graded levels (typically from Grade 1 to Grade 8), they differ significantly in format, flexibility, and assessment approach.

1. Focus and Repertoire

ABRSM traditionally leans toward classical guitar and only recently introduced acoustic guitar as a separate syllabus in 2019. Their approach emphasizes musicianship, notation reading, and classical technique even in the acoustic context. The repertoire is curated with a strong musical foundation in mind, often including arrangements of traditional pieces, folk tunes, and light classical works.

Trinity, on the other hand, has offered Rock & Pop exams for some time and maintains a more contemporary and flexible approach to acoustic guitar. Its acoustic syllabus includes modern styles, singer-songwriter pieces, and global influences. Trinity allows students to choose songs that match their personal style and even includes options to perform self-composed or improvised pieces.

2. Exam Structure

ABRSM's acoustic guitar exam includes three pieces, scales and arpeggios, sight-reading, and aural tests. The emphasis is on well-rounded musicianship. Students must demonstrate strong aural skills and reading ability, which may be more challenging for those who learn by ear or play informally.

Trinity’s structure is more modular and performance-focused. Candidates perform three to five pieces (depending on the format they choose), and there is no compulsory sight-reading or aural testing in the performance-only exam. Technical exercises are required but can be tailored to suit a student’s strengths.

3. Flexibility and Customisation

Trinity excels in flexibility. Students can choose between a Performance Exam or a Grade Exam, and even include their own compositions or use backing tracks. This makes Trinity ideal for players who focus on modern genres or who don’t read traditional notation fluently.

ABRSM, while more rigid, is valued for its academic recognition and structured approach. It’s often the preferred board for students planning to pursue classical studies or music qualifications at a higher education level.

Conclusion

Choosing between ABRSM and Trinity for acoustic guitar depends on your musical goals and learning style. If you value traditional musicianship and formal structure, ABRSM is a solid path. If you're a modern player seeking performance freedom and contemporary repertoire, Trinity might be the better fit. Either way, both offer rewarding routes to musical growth and achievement.