Guitar Tuition
So why should I learn the guitar?
Now there's a question ....
There are countless great reasons for learning the guitar (or any other instrument for that matter - I'm currently learning the mandolin). Let's start with ....
It's FUN,
Like anything worthwhile it's also challenging - it needs consistent effort - but that doesn't mean it's a chore - far from it - learning the guitar is deeply satisfying in a way that an electronic device can never be. Stick with it and your guitar will give you a lifetime of entertainment, fascination, excitement and improved physical and mental health - whatever you put in you will get back tenfold - it will keep rewarding you for as long as you live.
I'm as passionate about this instrument now as I was when I first picked it up at the age of 15 - in fact I love it more than ever (ask my family: if I've gone AWOL whilst cleaning the toilets they know if they stick their head round my office door they'll find me guiltily noodling in the corner).
Then there is the joy of being able to make music, either by yourself or, even better, with other humans. It's never too late to join a band and gig, you just need to achieve a certain level of competency.
Those are some initial thoughts from me, but really, this isn't about me it's about you: Why do you think you'd like to learn the guitar? What would your goal be? Perhaps you'd like to:
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Learn some basic chords to strum along to your favourite tunes
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Be able to play round the campfire with your friends
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Be able to play at open mics
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Learn and play instrumentals without the need for other people to play with
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To play pub gigs with your mates
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Make a sideline income from music
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Be a professional musician and take over the world
Whatever your goal on the instrument is, I'm confident that I'll be able to help you get there. I specialise in beginner to intermediate level players: If you've never picked up the instrument 'll show you around the fretboard, teach you all the chords you'll need to get started (and the rest) and ensure you'll have a decent starting technique from which to make progress.
If you already have the basics I can help you understand music theory, how chords and scales are constructed, how soloing works and set you on the path to being able to improvise freely in any key. You know when you hear musicians say 'what key is it in' and then they all just start playing? I can help you get to that level and to express yourself in a musical, lyrical way that follows the fundamental rules of musical theory (without ever feeling like you've actually sat through a theory lesson). People like seeing competent musicians ... as my old teacher said to me: 'Being able to play guitar is a great string to your bow .... especially at parties.'
I also specialise in teaching fingerpicking guitar. Have a look at some of my fingerstyle videos here
Just one thing though: if you ever watch someone online claim to be able to work miracles by saying something along the lines of 'I'll teach you the guitar in 5 mins' please ignore them.
They're lying.
Learning to play an instrument takes effort and consistent practise. It doesn't have to be a lot (5-10 mins a day would allow you to make significant progress) but it does need to be fairly regular - you WON'T improve by not playing your guitar. It WILL be fun though, I promise.
If you think you might be interested why not drop me a line. It doesn't matter how old you are. I'm fully DBS checked and if your parents want to come along and sit in the room that's fine (as long as they keep quiet and turn their phones off whilst the lesson is in progress - otherwise it's not going to work!). Similarly, if you're an adult and worried that you're too old, well, you're not. And if you think you won't have time ... well, how much time do you spend on your phone each day? Swap it for the guitar for 5-10 mins a day and not only will you feel better but you will also make progress. It doesn't matter how old you are - I can help you learn and achieve your goals and I promise I'll make it fun.
I offer lessons either at my home in our back garden office or online. I prefer in person lessons as I think you'll progress quicker, but there is a place for virtual learning as well.
Please see my Tuition Pricing page for fees.
Drop me an email, send a text or, shock horror, just call unnounced - if I don't answer I will get back to you. See my contact page for details of how to contact me.
Thanks for reading and maybe take a look at my live videos from gigs - there's NO reason this can't be you - whatever your age.
Neil.
