THE METHODS

Jools Holland put it best: "As a child you learn to talk before you read, the same is true of music"
I am taking guitar tuition and bringing it into the real world; ready for playing within a band, not just in your bedroom reliant on a book.

During your introductory lesson I will first assess your experience and interests then if I am training beginners from the ground-up the plan goes gradualy like this;

• A brief series of finger/hand flexibility and co-ordination exercises and a simple tune to take away and put them into practice with.
• Every time a new technique such as slides, hammers, pulls, bends, arpeggio, finger pick or fret tapping is introduced I will bring a song you know in that uses it so you can practice with pleasure.
• We will use music of your taste in the lessons and if it is relevant to your line of musicianship I introduce the theory that is being applied in that song; Scales for riffs & solos, 'Walking bass lines', Chord theory, Time signatures & Syncopation.
• When you get used to handling your instrument and an understanding of what makes up music of your style, then you may be able to create a piece of your own. I will program a drum section, write a bass line, synthesizers if you're into that sound, then we can hit the Record button.
• I understand that not everybody has the knack for writing their own music, so the other way to put musicianship into play is to perform a differently styled version of a song you learned to play fluently. Mellow Rage ATM? Heavy Snow Patrol?

The learning process is not always fun and games though, the real guitar does not come with an X-Box and a crowd cheering you on. It may be frustrating at times, some areas may seem a bit tedious, and many skills require much practice before you are fully capable. Just don't expect a magic wand in a few months or you may be disappointed. Chin Up!!

People known as 'Geeks' often do well at guitar.

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