Virtual and In-Person Lessons Both Available. Email for Free Intro Lesson.
FAQ
Do I need to have my own guitar?
Yes. Practicing at home regularly is a must in order to have success with playing guitar. We are lucky these days with the many affordable quality options available. If you're not quite ready to purchase, you can rent a guitar from Rock'n'Roll Rentals. Whether you are looking for an electric, acoustic or classical guitar, I am always happy to make a recommendation(s) to help narrow the search.
What type of guitar should I start with?
I recommend that each student choose the guitar type that interests them most. Electric guitars are a bit easier to play and of course, require an amp. Acoustic guitars are a bit tougher on the fingers but that is quickly overcome with enough practice. Classical guitars have nylon strings and a wider neck. These are typically used for finger-style playing (i.e. classical, flamenco).
What style/size of pick should I use?
A standard shaped pick will suffice. Starting with a light to medium gauge (0.5 - 0.75 mm) is ideal for beginners. Avoid gimmicky picks such as picks with advertisements. Experiment with different shapes, thickness, material, etc.
Do I need fingernails to play finger-style guitar?
For classical guitar, it is common to have fingernails and learn how to shape them to generate the best tone and to produce a loud enough sound. This is not absolutely necessary though. Playing with flesh is completely acceptable. For acoustic or electric finger-style playing (different style from classical), it is better to not have fingernails as the steel strings will tear the nail, unless you are using acrylic or some other type of fake nails/attachments.
What guitar brand should I get?
This is not too important. If you like the guitar and it sounds great, then you are good to go. There are so many options available. Some trusted names are Fender, Gibson, Taylor, Seagull, Ibanez, Gretsch, Breedlove, Yamaha, etc. I would avoid random brands you may find on Amazon, however. The quality of construction definitely matters.
How often should I practice?
To start out, have fun and don't overdo it. Once you have enough material, I recommend a minimum of 3 separate 30 minute practice sessions per week as a guideline, and adjust accordingly. Your practice will increase as your enjoyment of playing grows. If you are just starting out, be careful and don't burn yourself out by practicing too much. What is important is how effectively you practice and acknowledging every improvement. Learning guitar will present challenges, but mindful practice and guidance will get you where you want to be.
Another very helpful tip...you can absolutely get something out of a 5 minute practice session. Students can often feel like they need to practice for hours each practice session, and this prevents them from picking up the guitar. Keep it lighthearted, fun and focused!
What if I didn't have time to practice before my lesson?
That is OK. Come to your lesson and we will pick up where we left off. It is better to reinforce material than to not attend. You will not be wasting your or my time and we will have plenty of material to discuss and work on.
What is a great method for practicing?
Have set days and times for your practice. Have a goal for each practice session. Set a timer (10 minutes - 30 minutes - 1 hour) and when the time is up, move on with the rest of your day. Focus on specific concepts instead of trying to plow through everything each practice session.
What does it mean to "hit a wall"?
There are tons of ideas/techniques to learn on guitar. Everyone will have a moment when they think it is too hard for them. This is not true. It just takes a great attitude, persistence and patience. It takes time to absorb techniques and feel comfortable with them, so rest assured, your hard work is paying off in real time.
If you could only give one tip to your students, what would it be?
Have patience and leave your ego at the door. Guitar is tougher than it seems and it is easy to trick yourself into having unrealistic expectations. Just stick with it, acknowledge your improvements along the way and enjoy the process, and you will soon be rewarded with a lifetime of enjoyment. Oh, and PRACTICE! (That is more like 3 tips. Oops!)
What genre of music is the best to learn?
Simply put, the best music to learn is the music that you enjoy the most. Guitar will expose you to many different genres and styles along the way, so feel free to get out of your comfort zone as well.
Is it important to learn to read music?
The ability to read music is empowering. It can put any music at your fingertips. It teaches you a lot about how music is created as well as unlocks the guitar's maze of notes. While it is very valuable to learn, keep in mind that will be a part of your practice time. If you WANT to do it, then make it a part of your lessons. On the other hand, if you think you're supposed to do it but not sure if you're interested, hold off on making that decision. You can always add it at any point.
Do you offer online lessons?
Yes! Online lessons are taught through Zoom (which is free) and are equally as effective as in-person lessons. Email to get recommendations on equipment for online lessons.
Is learning guitar easy?
There is a lot that goes into music and the guitar is a very dynamic instrument with many possibilities. There are easy concepts to learn, as well as intermediate and advanced concepts. It depends on what you hope to accomplish. If you put the practice time in, you will be successful without a doubt. I make sure I give my students level-appropriate material and I also expose them to many varied concepts. The key? Practice, be curious, explore and enjoy the journey!
What is guitar tablature (TAB)?
A modified system of "reading" notes that is specific to the guitar. There are 6 lines (strings) and the numbers on the lines represent the fret numbers. TAB has its limits but it is very useful, and is a great way to put a ton of music at your fingertips. Depending on what style you are learning, you might see more or less TAB.
Who is your favorite band and what is your dream guitar?
I don't know if I have a favorite band honestly. I listen to so much music daily. I love the blues! I love classical guitar! I've recently rediscovered 90s music and so many bands from when I was growing up. My favorite guitars are my Martin Blackwell classical and my Gibson ES-335.