![]() ![]() The hard part is weathering the storm and getting past the initial 'tough period'. I've had some students take only a few days to take off while others require several weeks before they really start to shine. Once you get past the learning curve, it will start to come together rather quickly. The number one reason students get frustrated and quit is because of lack of practice. If you don't practice, not only will improvement slow to a crawl, your fingers will never get calluses which are a necessity to play guitar. If your schedule doesn't allow at least 30 minutes of practice a day, it may be best to wait until you can commit at least that much time before starting on the guitar journey. Do not get discouraged! I was a slow learner and now I'm a teacher so anyone can learn how to play. ![]() Some people show improvement quicker than others. Over the years I've come to the conclusion that 30 minutes a day is the minimum required time to show improvement. But never fear! A little practice goes a LONG ways. It can be physically painful, frustrating, slow to show improvement and difficult to remain committed to practice. Many students don't realize that playing guitar is like no other instrument. Practicing is critical for improvement in any new venture, and that especially applies to learning how to play guitar. You do your practicing at home rather than pay me to watch you practice. From the blues scale to jazz and beyond, you'll have a good knowledge of all of the scales that you'll need. I'll teach them to you, then let you progress at your pace, using the scales as YOU prefer. I'm not one of those teachers that sits there for hours as you endlessly fire off one modal scale after another. This is not to say that you can't write some great songs with just a couple of chords, but why not have more at your fingertips should you ever need it? If you only know 5 chords in the open position (you know, the traditional Johnny Cash or Hank Williams chords) you have a very limited palette from which to create. This also helps when you start to compose your own songs. You won't be lost or feel embarrassed because you'll know what key you're in and you'll be able to play all over the neck. This allows you to KNOW what you are playing and is invaluable when playing with other musicians. I teach how to play in all positions, not just plain ole open chords. This is a tremendous way to archive the lessons for practice during the week to make sure you're playing it right. Many of my students video record sections of my lessons on their iPad or iPhone. ![]() I was taught this way and it is by far the easiest way to learn as well as improving your memory retention. I teach by rote and chord charts which means you watch me do it and I show you where to put your fingers, just like the masters did many years ago. However, I feel it IS very important to learn at least basic theory. I'm not one of those teachers that says you HAVE to do it my way or the highway. This is an important aspect that many teachers don't realize. My techniques work hand in hand with professional guitar lessons online. I teach styles from real songs from the first lesson so you won't get discouraged while learning theory. You'll hear plenty of stories and songs of how my style developed over the years and I'm sure that I will learn plenty from you as well. ![]() I have plenty of tricks and licks, learned from almost 40 years of playing, recording and experimenting that I gladly will pass on to you. It does not take long to finally feel like you are improvising and making your own new arrangement to songs you just started to play or have played for years. When you learn 3 or 4 ways to make a chord and learn to 'connect the dots", the simplest song can appear to be a masterpiece. I have never considered myself a "guitar wizard", or one of the greats, but I can help you along on your journey and as we go along together, and help you build a foundation that will last a lifetime. ![]()
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