Guitar Lessons

"Guitarmen, wake up and pluck wire for sound! Let 'em hear you PLAY!" - Charlie Christian, 1939.

The guitar is one of the most versatile instruments in the world. From the soft, beautful tones of the Classic Guitar, to the roaring distortion of a stack of Marshall amps, there seems to be no limit to the range of sounds the guitar can create.

Everybody has their own reason for wanting to play the guitar. Some simply want to learn to play songs for their own enjoyment. Some want to start a band or write their own music. Some will be the next Andrés Segovia, Joe Pass, or Jimi Hendrix. Private guitar instruction is designed to help you achieve your own goals.

Whether electric or acoustic, no matter the style, having a working understanding of the fundamentals of music and music theory, and technique is important. True, many of the world's greatest guitarists didn't know a Melodic Minor scale from a hole in the ground -- but it couldn't have hurt, could it?

Beginning guitar students will leave their first lesson already playing songs! As they progress, they'll be able to use their knowledge of chords and scales to play more and more challenging music! Lessons will also include exercises to improve dexterity and coordination, scale and chord theory, ear training, and more.

With any beginner -- especially with children -- it's essential that learning be kept FUN! That's why the technical elements are introduced at a relaxed pace. Studying a student's favorite song is a great opportunity to learn about the theoretical elements behind the music. Studying music theory doesn't have to be a chore -- it can be an exciting exploration into what makes a song sound so goooood!

Intermediate and Advanced guitar students may seek to improve their technique, their knowledge of the instrument, or to find new ideas to rekindle their passion for the guitar. Students are strongly encouraged to examine the wide world of guitar playing, not just sticking to their favorite style. A little Jazz might be just the thing to take a singer-songwriter in a great new direction. A few honkytonkin' Country licks could be great for a metal band's uninspired lead guitarist.

Students may also study:

* Composition and Song Structure

* Improvisation (Soloing) in Rock, Metal, Jazz, Country, Blues, Bottleneck (Slide), and other idioms

* Finger picking, Hybrid (Nashville) Picking, and other right-hand
techniques

* Classic Guitar technique

* Use of amps, effects, etc. and how they contribute to the instrument's tone

* History and evolution of the guitar, amps, effects, etc.

* Visual performance

* Experimental, textural, or "Noise" related playing

Lessons are offered Sunday through Thursday in two locations:

Ballard's Loyal Heights neighborhood, and at Capitol Music Center in Seattle's Ravenna neighborhood (North of the U-District)

Many lesson times are still available! Call for more information on scheduling, policies, etc.

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