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Guitar Lessons

Guitar Lessons 

I’m not actively pursuing new students at this time but I occasionally find windows of time to meet with students on an infrequent or case-by-case basis. Contact me here.

I started teaching guitar while still in High School circa 1987 or so. My guitar teaching curriculum is based on what the student wants to learn (styles of music, specific songs, techniques) combined with the music theory and technique to accommodate that. It was about exercises that worked, functional approaches that excited students about playing, and immediately showed results so I've described it as Functional Guitar and Guitar Antics. See my instructional books.

Learning the fundamentals plus new approaches and strategies for becoming proficient quickly should be the goal. If you’re stuck and need an occasional private (virtual) lesson, get in touch.

Where to Start

1. Practice Consistently

·       Set aside dedicated time daily or weekly to practice.

·       Focus on structured sessions that include warm-ups, scales, chords, and songs.

2. Learn Music Theory

·       Understand scales, chords, and progressions to improve improvisation and composition skills.

·       Study how notes and intervals work together.

3. Play Along with Songs

·       Practice by playing along with your favorite tracks to develop timing and rhythm.

·       Start with simpler songs and gradually increase difficulty.

4. Use a Metronome

·       Practice with a metronome to develop a strong sense of timing and rhythm.

·       Gradually increase speed to master techniques at higher tempos.

5. Take Lessons or Follow Online Tutorials

·       Enroll in lessons with a teacher or use trusted online platforms like YouTube or paid courses.

·       Focus on learning proper technique early to avoid bad habits.

6. Experiment with Styles

·       Explore different genres (e.g., blues, rock, jazz) to expand your versatility.

·       Learn signature techniques from each style, like bending or fingerpicking.

7. Record Yourself

·       Record your practice sessions or performances to identify areas for improvement.

·       Use recordings to track progress over time.

8. Jam with Others

·       Collaborate with other musicians to improve improvisation and adaptability.

·       Playing in a group setting helps refine timing and dynamics.

9. Focus on Ear Training

·       Practice identifying notes, chords, and melodies by ear.

·       Use apps or exercises designed for ear training.

10. Stay Patient and Enjoy the Process

·       Progress takes time—stay motivated by celebrating small milestones.

·       Remember to enjoy playing rather than focusing solely on improvement.



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