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About Guitar Lessons
Just like you're never too old to play the violin, you're never too old to play the guitar too!
Guitar is a fun instrument to learn and to mess around on. The guitar lessons I give are a
little more age and style based than the violin though. However, there are similarities as to
how the student starts.
Each student no matter what age or style begins with reading music, open chords, power
chords, and pentatonic scales. I insist that each of my guitar students learn to read music.
Why? Because it gives him or her an edge since there are so many guitar players that can't
or won't read music. Another reason is that it makes learning the guitar easier, and in the
long run, makes the student a better player over all. If you don't want to read music, I'm
not the guitar teacher for you.
Students under age 9 begin with an age appropriate book called "Guitar For The Small
Fry" that has simple melodies, simple chords, and goes through everything very
thoroughly. There are 3 books in the series, and I use all of them. When they finish the
series, they may choose a similar book, or they may pick a style to specialize in. They may
also learn songs from Disney books or other books that have songs that they like. If they
want, they can learn from both at once. They may also pick a simple rock, blues, or
country song that interests them.
Students over age 9 learn from a book called "Mel Bay's Modern Method For Guitar".
After reviewing and teaching from several different books, I like this series the best.
From this book, students learn music reading, open chords that are in diagram and
notation form. This book moves along a little faster than other books so it doesn't get
boring, and they can play other songs faster. When a student has completed this book,
they will go to book two, choose a specific style book, or both. At any time the student
may learn a song that they like along with the lesson books. This keeps things interesting.
Like the violin lessons, along with learning the basics of the instrument, guitar students are
also taught theory, improvisation, and song writing. They also learn how to play with a
band, and what equipment is necessary for different gig or open jam situations. Time is
also taken to learn basic guitar maintenance such as changing strings, truss rod adjustment,
care, and cleaning. Also like the violin lessons, when available, extra time can be taken to
go over problem areas.
Turn it up to 11!
Guitar is a fun instrument to learn and to mess around on. The guitar lessons I give are a
little more age and style based than the violin though. However, there are similarities as to
how the student starts.
Each student no matter what age or style begins with reading music, open chords, power
chords, and pentatonic scales. I insist that each of my guitar students learn to read music.
Why? Because it gives him or her an edge since there are so many guitar players that can't
or won't read music. Another reason is that it makes learning the guitar easier, and in the
long run, makes the student a better player over all. If you don't want to read music, I'm
not the guitar teacher for you.
Students under age 9 begin with an age appropriate book called "Guitar For The Small
Fry" that has simple melodies, simple chords, and goes through everything very
thoroughly. There are 3 books in the series, and I use all of them. When they finish the
series, they may choose a similar book, or they may pick a style to specialize in. They may
also learn songs from Disney books or other books that have songs that they like. If they
want, they can learn from both at once. They may also pick a simple rock, blues, or
country song that interests them.
Students over age 9 learn from a book called "Mel Bay's Modern Method For Guitar".
After reviewing and teaching from several different books, I like this series the best.
From this book, students learn music reading, open chords that are in diagram and
notation form. This book moves along a little faster than other books so it doesn't get
boring, and they can play other songs faster. When a student has completed this book,
they will go to book two, choose a specific style book, or both. At any time the student
may learn a song that they like along with the lesson books. This keeps things interesting.
Like the violin lessons, along with learning the basics of the instrument, guitar students are
also taught theory, improvisation, and song writing. They also learn how to play with a
band, and what equipment is necessary for different gig or open jam situations. Time is
also taken to learn basic guitar maintenance such as changing strings, truss rod adjustment,
care, and cleaning. Also like the violin lessons, when available, extra time can be taken to
go over problem areas.
Turn it up to 11!
Van Halen "Eruption"
From the album Van Halen
From the album Van Halen