Tips on guitar lessons....

[Treacle Toes]

i think it would be best to get one who teaches classical grades because then you have goals etc (it doesn't mean you will end up only playing classical guitar, just that you will have a good foundation)

That's what I was thinking.

Everyone I have spoken to recommended having one-to-one lesson instead of joining a school/class.

Questions of the day....

Do private tutors do graded stuff?
How can I be sure their not a charlatan?

 

[Treacle Toes]

But the basics are so simple, and probably underlie 80% of your very varied taste

You need: the 12 bar blues progression; the blues scale.

With those two things you can do anything from simple strums to picking technique that sounds like 3 guitars being played

I believe you mate.
How is your blues coming on?

 

[rutabowa]

That's what I was thinking.

Everyone I have spoken to recommended having one-to-one lesson instead of joining a school/class.

Questions of the day....

Do private tutors do graded stuff?
How can I be sure their not a charlatan?

yes some private tutors teach grades, if they do then they are much less likely to be charlatans than someone who just teaches "rock guitar" or whatever, ask what exam board they use (i haven't got a clue but they should do if they're teaching grades so if they are like "uh what do you mean" then avoid! guitar grades are like school exams in taht different exam boards have differnt syllabuses and will need to be taught in different ways) (they won't start teaching for passing the exam straight away though)

 

[skunkboy69]

After watching some of those kids play I feel like cutting my hands off

 

[Treacle Toes]

After watching some of those kids play I feel like cutting my hands off

Innit!

 

[Treacle Toes]

yes some private tutors teach grades, if they do then they are much less likely to be charlatans than someone who just teaches "rock guitar" or whatever, ask what exam board they use (i haven't got a clue but they should do if they're teaching grades so if they are like "uh what do you mean" then avoid! guitar grades are like school exams in taht different exam boards have differnt syllabuses and will need to be taught in different ways) (they won't start teaching for passing the exam straight away though)

Thanks for that, I will do a bit more research.

All of the tutors I have found so far seem to just teach without the mention of grades etc..

As Spion said earlier in the thread I need to know exactly what I want from the teaching before I get into classes.

 

[Spion]

I believe you mate.
How is your blues coming on?

Oh, it's just strumming and runs of single notes for me for now.

Maybe one day I'll feel like starting to thumb, pick and strum all at the same time but I'm far more of a plectrum-y strummer in inclination (and ability) for now

 

[Spion]

As Spion said earlier in the thread I need to know exactly what I want from the teaching before I get into classes.

I was thinking about that and I remembered it was the bass I was thinking of having lessons on. And I think that was because I can teach myself most of what I want to know on the guitar now I know the basics of forming chords, strumming etc.

With bass it seems there's less technique to learn to sound OK - it's just single notes. So I figured I wanted to learn a few specific tunes (like this) and see what I picked up in the process more generally

 

[Limejuice]

Top tips please.

Thanking you in advance.

OK, first taking lessons is a great idea. I've been playing guitar for nearly three decades - I will still get lessons from someone who is an expert in the particular style I want to improve. There's nothing especially creative or virile about being self-taught. Think of all the most famous classical performers in the world - they all had lessons.

Second, here's a list of teachers in greater London.

Tips - well, common sense really:

• Check out the genres they specialise in and call those who seem to cover what you want.
• Be very specific about your aims. Tell them what music you play now, what you want to learn, what techniques you've mastered, and which you can't do or still fuck up. Mention any pieces of music you have an ambition to play.
• Teachers won't con you. If they know they can't help they'll tell you. Often they can suggest another teacher more into your line of music.
• Arrrange a trial lesson just a one-off to see if there's a fit.
• Don't let appearances fool you. I am learning some blues and jazz theory from a kid who doesn't look old enough to drink. I also have occasional lessons in fingering techniques for rock guitar from a white-haired grandfather.
• When you find a fit, book a dozen lessons or whatever fits your wallet.
• Do the practise you get set every day.
• Also record yourself playing your best piece before you visit the teacher. Record it again ten or twelve weeks later. Compare and contrast.

Etc, etc.

 

[Treacle Toes]

OK, first taking lessons is a great idea. I've been playing guitar for nearly three decades - I will still get lessons from someone who is an expert in the particular style I want to improve. There's nothing especially creative or virile about being self-taught. Think of all the most famous classical performers in the world - they all had lessons.

Second, here's a list of teachers in greater London.

Tips - well, common sense really:

• Check out the genres they specialise in and call those who seem to cover what you want.
• Be very specific about your aims. Tell them what music you play now, what you want to learn, what techniques you've mastered, and which you can't do or still fuck up. Mention any pieces of music you have an ambition to play.
• Teachers won't con you. If they know they can't help they'll tell you. Often they can suggest another teacher more into your line of music.
• Arrrange a trial lesson just a one-off to see if there's a fit.
• Don't let appearances fool you. I am learning some blues and jazz theory from a kid who doesn't look old enough to drink. I also have occasional lessons in fingering techniques for rock guitar from a white-haired grandfather.
• When you find a fit, book a dozen lessons or whatever fits your wallet.
• Do the practise you get set every day.
• Also record yourself playing your best piece before you visit the teacher. Record it again ten or twelve weeks later. Compare and contrast.

Etc, etc.

Thanks for that Limejuice, really helpful of you.

 

[aylee]

Okay, so those of you who have ever read this amazing gem of a thread know that I now have a guitar ( well 3 now).

I've been playing on and off since March last year and although I have definately improved, so now I've decided to take the plunge and get myself a teacher.

I have learnt loads from friends and acquaintances but I need someone to keep track of me and give me a gentle kick up the butt to ensure I practice regularly. Hell i'm even willing to pay someone to tell me to work harder.

I've been doing some research but it's all a bit overwhelming.

Top tips please.

Thanking you in advance.

I think it's a good idea to have some lessons - I'm considering doing it myself. I've been playing for nearly two decades and I'm still a hopeless hack and I think that if I got someone to correct some of my techniques (particularly picking) then I might actually get a little bit better and might be able to make some of the stuff in my head come out of the amp.

I would recommend that you choose a fully pro teacher rather than an amateur, and make sure that you're going to be doing most of the playing. A guy who used to be in a band with me was a hopeless teacher because he spent most of the lessons just showing off.

Also, you do need to form a firm view as to the sort of things that you want to end up playing. Because you've got all three basic types of guitar, there might be a danger that you end up trying to learn too much different stuff and not really progressing with anything.

Not sure how helpful any of this is, but ....

 

[Treacle Toes]

I would recommend that you choose a fully pro teacher rather than an amateur, and make sure that you're going to be doing most of the playing. A guy who used to be in a band with me was a hopeless teacher because he spent most of the lessons just showing off.

Yeah, some of my mates are a bit like that.

Also, you do need to form a firm view as to the sort of things that you want to end up playing. Because you've got all three basic types of guitar, there might be a danger that you end up trying to learn too much different stuff and not really progressing with anything.

Not sure how helpful any of this is, but ....

Good advice thankyou.

 

[Kaka Tim]

Never had a teacher myself but Id suggest finding a teacher who's into the sort of music you want to play. Have a look in music shop display boards, newsagents windows - or put an add up yourself.

I wouldn't worry if they're 'pro' or 'amatuer' - they need to be good and inspiring teacher first and foremost - have a one off session to see weather you hit it off with them and trust your own judgement.


wherabouts in the coutnry are you?

 

[Treacle Toes]

By the way:
I've noticed a few people posting that don't post on this thread.
Come join the fun. The more the merrier.

Photos of yourselves guitars in hand is compulsory, though some folk are yet to actually do it yet. You know who you are!

 

[Treacle Toes]

Never had a teacher myself but Id suggest finding a teacher who's into the sort of music you want to play. Have a look in music shop display boards, newsagents windows - or put an add up yourself.

I wouldn't worry if they're 'pro' or 'amatuer' - they need to be good and inspiring teacher first and foremost - have a one off session to see weather you hit it off with them and trust your own judgement.


wherabouts in the coutnry are you?

London.
Live in Hackney, East London.

 

[Kaka Tim]

London.
Live in Hackney, East London.

You should have no problem finding a decent turour - put up a few adds in music shops saying what sort of stuff you wnat to learn, guitarists you like etc.