FAQs

I've found my students are able to play thru a single note song melody, riff or jam within the first or by the second lesson.  Being able to strum a song with chords can take 2 - 8 (or more) weeks depending on a lot of things including how much practice you put in and the song you choose. Changing chords is hard at first but once you can switch between just a few chords like A-D-E or G-C-D-Em  you can play dozens of great songs!

No!  You can play guitar without knowing how to read music notation. I use Tablature to get most folks started because it's an easier and more accurate form of notation for guitarists. ("TAB" gives you a coordinate to play a specific note.  Ex: 1st string, 3rd fret.) You'll learn to recognize chords from the standard diagrams.  We'll learn as much music theory as you want or need in order to play the songs you've chosen.  When learning anything new (a chord, note, scales, etc.) it's important to  have a practical, repetitive use for it or you'll soon forget it.

Because you want to learn to play (neat stuff on) the guitar as quickly, efficiently and productively as you possibly can given the time, money and effort you put into it, right?  Making the effort to learn from books and videos can provide a good basis of knowledge and familiarity.  Then what?  A good teacher will show you  how to best apply that knowledge.  I often refer to and share with students some of the good teaching videos found on the internet.  Other videos need to be avoided because they're ineffective or may even do more harm than good to your learning process.  Every time you play something on the guitar, correctly or incorrectly, it get's filed into muscle memory.  I want you to reap the rewards of getting it right the first time and practicing correctly from there. What books and videos can't do is see and help you correct your posture or fingering position, call attention and figure out why that chord sounded “buzzy,” nor take into account all the many unique aspects of how YOU play and learn.    

I've been asked this question by both an 18 and a 65 year old!  No - you're never too old to learn a new skill! Put to rest all the worries we all have when taking on something new and challenging.  You do not need to be gifted with a natural ability or have any previous musical experience.   It's my responsibility that you're comfortable with the material and understand what to do next.  Yeah, you have to practice but otherwise – you get to relax and have fun.    

Ahh, the quest for callouses.  Think of those indented little grill marks across your finger tips as a badge of honor.  YOU, my friend, are becoming a guitar player!   Yes, when tender  fingers meet gnarly steel strings it's like Boot Camp  -- they will toughen up.  In my kinder, gentler, common-sense approach to teaching I'll have you playing single note songs before tackling chords.  Why?  To gradually build callouses by repeatedly placing your finger in the least demanding position: close to the fret.  Your fingers will thank you!   

Yes, to play guitar you must have a guitar to play.  Check out the local music stores like Bizarre Guitar in Phoenix (one of my faves!) and Guitar Center or the ads on Craig's List  and OfferUp. Put the word out to friends on social media you're looking to foster or adopt a seldom used guitar - you may be surprised!