When talking about learning the guitar, students can mean different things: they might want to learn to play fast lead guitar licks or might want to jam along with their favorite music. They could have a desire to write songs or perform with a band. The kind of genre and type of instrument also can vary – is it the wish of the new musician to shred Metal riffs on an electric guitar or does he/she want to strum chords to Singer/Songwriter songs on an acoustic guitar?
Whichever direction the student wants to take, the basis of electric and acoustic guitar is the same. Guitars usually have six strings and they are tuned in fourths (with one exception). They can be played equally well by right-handed or left-handed students. Notes are produced when the player presses down on the fretboard. Because the guitarist has to use fingers to press down the strings, it is usually a good idea to wait until the student is about 8 years old – at that point the hands and fingers often seem to be strong enough.
Most students will learn to play some chords and basic strumming techniques first. Then, some scales can help the student to find his/her way around the guitar, help finger strength and dexterity and build a basis for soloing. If the student then wants to move towards rock guitar, for example, blues guitar chords can follow, as they lay the foundation for many forms of rock music. Having said that, I like to incorporate “real” examples of music as soon as possible and pick songs together with the student which excite her/him and encourage the student to practice.
Private Guitar Classes
Private guitar classes offer a great way to learn the guitar. One-on-one attention allows the teacher to develop a personal approach, which serves the individual student best. Personally, because of my abilities as a multi-instrumentalist, I am able to accompany the student on drums, bass or piano and sing with her/him, if wanted. To “flesh” the songs out in this fashion and make them sound more “real” and closer to the sound of the original songs can really boost the progress, help with timing and simply make learning more fun!
Many students name this as their goal: Playing guitar in a band. My way of teaching private guitar classes does aim to replicate that environment. What that means is: I see myself as a knowledgeable partner in music-making, who can steer the student along the path, while supporting him/her with techniques and information in a friendly, no-stress environment, which promotes camaraderie and fun, rather than a more antiquated hierarchical teacher-student approach, which often can rely on pressure.
Private Guitar Lessons in Los Angeles
I currently teach private guitar lessons in various areas in Greater Los Angeles, from Malibu to Hollywood and from Venice to the Pacific Palisades/Brentwood. Bringing music to student’s houses for the past 10 years+ is a privilege and something I am enjoying. Seeing and hearing the students growth does not get old for me. Just one week ago I saw my former student Bryan’s band Kitten, which are now signed to a major label deal and are opening for No Doubt. Not that I am saying that he is in a signed band because of me, but, according to him, private music lessons had a lot to do with his successful path.