TUITION

My aim as a teacher is always to teach the student exactly what they want to learn. Or if you like, what they need to learn to help them become the guitarist they want to be - not a clone but an individual who can think and create for themself.
By targeting each students individual needs and creating a personal study plan I can develop playing quickly and efficiently.

My approach is laid back and disarming. I believe it's really important for students to feel relaxed and at ease in the lesson. This helps to open and focus the mind when learning a new piece of music or a new playing technique.

I happily teach anyone who genuinely wants to learn - Beginners to Advanced in most styles. Currently my clients include - a Retired Vet, a Teenager, a Racing Driver and a Pop Star!

But it's really not about what you do for a living and it's not about your level of ability when you start coming for lessons. It's about the commitment, passion and determination you have to become a better player.

If you're interested in having some guitar tuition on a regular basis please send me an email

To read this months Guitar Playing Top Tips, click here.

Holding the neck of the guitar for Open Chords

Loosely grip the neck of the guitar at the first fret. Let the neck sit in the natural V formed by your thumb and forefinger, not flat against the palm of your hand. Don’t grip to tight; you should be able to freely slide your hand up and down the neck.
Your forearm should be almost at a right angle to your upper arm, do not raise your shoulder to achieve this position. Shoulders should be level and relaxed.

Top right hand tip

This is the best ‘in a nut shell’ explanation for achieving the perfect right arm and hand position I have come across.
Imagine you are going to shake someone’s hand, extend your arm for the shake…. That’s the position right there! Holding that position slightly clasp your fingers, place the pick on the index finger, clamp shut with the ball of your thumb and pull the hand in to the face of the guitar… see what I mean?

Right Hand Finger Picking Position

It is vital that you adopt the correct right hand position. Place your right arm in the normal downward strumming position. At first, the right hand should be straight in line with the forearm and no bend in the wrist. Now, bending slightly at the wrist rotate the hand to the right forming just under a 45ºdegree angle to the forearm.

When in position place the index, middle and ring fingers on the 3rd, 2nd, and 1st strings respectively with your thumb resting on the bottom E string. Now one by one pluck the top three strings with the appropriate finger, your hands position should allow you to pluck the strings perpendicular to the guitar, that is straight up, not at an angle. To achieve this you may need to very slightly rotate your right arm to let your hand fall over the strings.