Like the title states, I'm looking to take up guitar lessons and am looking for some recommendations.
I'm an almost 32 year old male, into Canadian Rock, Indie Rock, Punk & Metal but also want to learn some campfire sing-a-long type songs (and admittedly a few tunes that might impress a potential Mrs.BsFaninCGY.). I have no aspirations to play live for any type of audience - I just want a new hobby.
I sometimes have a wonky schedule and might have trouble at times committing to the same day each week for a lesson. I need a teacher who is ok with that and can work with me and potential schedule conflicts.
Online lessons are not something I'm interested in. I like to ask questions and prefer to learn with a teacher in person. Someone with similar tastes in music would be great. Should I be looking on Kijiji? Just googling 'guitar teachers Calgary'? Or do you know someone that fits what I'm looking for?
I started playing a year ago, at 52, took some half arsed lessons at a local music place first, which were useless, being able to play guitar doesn't make you able to teach.
Started taking classical lessons which were invaluable, but hard, scales how to read music etc etc, this is a difficult instrument to master so don't look for easy.
Got tendinitis and had a death back in the UK which got in the way of things but am going back to my teacher in a couple of months.
If you're just looking to learn some songs, YouTube really is the way to go. I started teaching myself through YouTube about half a year ago and it has gone very well. I'll never be the next Santana, but I can play plenty of music, and there's always more to learn.
Thanks for the names all! I'll be in touch with them all and see what they're all about.
Quote:
Originally Posted by afc wimbledon
I started playing a year ago, at 52, took some half arsed lessons at a local music place first, which were useless, being able to play guitar doesn't make you able to teach.
Started taking classical lessons which were invaluable, but hard, scales how to read music etc etc, this is a difficult instrument to master so don't look for easy.
Got tendinitis and had a death back in the UK which got in the way of things but am going back to my teacher in a couple of months.
Definitely down with doing this the right way and not taking any shortcuts.
A few things maybe I should have mentioned - I played piano, trumpet and baritone growing up. I've had a guitar for about 6 or 7 years now, and am able to play a couple of chords, but nothing I would ever consider worth listening too.
As for YouTube and apps and the like - I've tried it but it doesn't work for me. I need the accountability and instant feedback a teacher can provide. The Xbox game looks interesting but it would have to be supplementary for the reasons just noted.
I can teach but I don't have time for lessons so if you ever have any questions I'd be happy to help on CP. Quick advice:
-when learning songs learn each part incrementally and learn it slow, don't move on until you can play all the notes correctly. If you can't then play it slower, as slow as it takes. Hitting the notes correctly is fundamental. If you're playing a chord play each note individually to hear if you are missing any notes, dead notes and fret buzz makes a guitarist sound bad.
-learn a song that's too hard for you that is technical and work on improving it a little every day. This is one of the quickest ways to improve.
-30 minutes a day is necessary to gain any competency, if you stop for any extended periods the progress goes away and it's almost like starting again. Progress comes from incremental practice and not big leaps so it's unlikely you'll pick up the guitar and learn a song or new skill right away. It takes longer to pick up certain skills than you'd expect so the discipline of practicing everyday is key.
-calluses are everything, you need to build up calluses to be able to play
-don't push yourself, if it's hurting your wrist a lot you need to learn to play more economically
-you don't need to waste time practicing things you don't like. Pick up a guitar and look up the tab to a song you like
-don't buy the cheapest guitar possible because if the guitar is cheap enough it is impossible to play and even extremely proficient guitarists wouldn't be able to make it sound good.
good luck
Last edited by AcGold; 09-20-2014 at 07:01 PM.
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-learn a song that's too hard for you that is technical and work on improving it a little every day. This is one of the quickest ways to improve.
All really good advice, but I really like this one. I just spent a week learning Blackbird, and it was maddening for a while, but it was definitely worth it to spend the time learning something quite a bit harder than I was comfortable with.
Been teaching for the last 20 years and know a lot of good teachers in Calgary. The following are all teachers that teach in Calgary that I've learned from or worked with over the years and can recommend all of them.
For rock or country I'd suggest Roger Steinke. He's an excellent teacher and was one of three Canadians featured in Guitar For The Practicing Musician Magazine's resume column. The same column that launched Yngwie Malmsteen and Paul Gilberts career. He used to have an ad on kijiji under music lessons. He can play everything from Vai and Satriani thru to Paisley country licks.
If you are looking for flamenco guitar try Holly Blazina or Ben Mcmullen, who's also an excellent teacher.
For jazz I'd try Ralph Buschmeyer who is the head of the Mount Royal jazz department.
Good luck.
Last edited by robbie111; 09-20-2014 at 10:38 PM.
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My two sons (16 and 14) and I (49, aging rapidly) go to Forte music studio in North Glenmore Park. Rob's the teacher, young guy - he's a super teacher!!
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Neil Gunhold at Guitar works. He has been teaching there since it opened. He is the songwriter/producer/guitarist of The Kirby Sewell Band. They've opened for Blue Rodeo and Burton Cummings the last few years at the Stampede, among many other things. BB King plays his stuff on his SIRIUS channel.
Not studio based lessons, but now that I have a job that will allow me a lot more free time, I am thinking of getting back into playing. Carol Kaye has online Skype lessons for $50 for 40 mins. I am considering going this route, why not learn from a living legend. You may not know who she is, but you have definitely heard her work. One of the most accomplished studio musicians of all time, and one of the most badass bassists. Shaft theme? Yup this old granny laid that lick down.
The problem with a guitar shop, is your child might have a different teacher every week depending who is available.
Sorry, I wasn't very clear in my comments. I would prefer to have a teacher come to my house. I was just wondering if anybody had suggestions on what I should be looking for in a guitar for my daughter. Is there a simple rule of thumb for size/cost? Or will the sales guys at Axe give me solid advice?
Guitar Lesson/Teacher Recommendations
