How guitar lessons work

Acoustic and electric guitar lessons shaped around your experience, musical interests and goals.

Learn acoustic or electric guitar with a clear next step after each lesson. I teach beginners, returning players and more experienced guitarists, with music and exercises chosen for your goals.

What we can work on together

We choose activities that support your playing. A lesson might include:

  • Technique: finding a comfortable hand position, producing clear notes and making smoother chord changes.
  • Rhythm: counting a steady beat and exploring strumming or picking patterns.
  • Songs and riffs: breaking music you enjoy into manageable sections, then putting them together.
  • Musical understanding: connecting chord shapes, note names and scales with the music you play.

These are options rather than a fixed checklist. Your experience and goals help us decide where to focus.

Your first lesson

We begin by talking about the music you like and what you would like to achieve. If you already play, show me something you are working on. If you are new to guitar, we can begin with a comfortable playing position, tuning and your first clear notes.

Starting from the beginning

Early lessons can include simple chord shapes, changing between two chords and keeping a steady beat. We can use a short melody or part of a song to put each skill into a musical context. You do not need to read music before starting.

Acoustic and electric guitar

Both instruments share important skills, including fretting, timing and careful listening. Acoustic players may explore strumming and picking; electric players may work on riffs, phrasing and controlling unwanted string noise. Your interests help us choose where to focus.

Returning to the guitar

If you have had a break, we can find out what feels familiar and what needs attention. Start with something you enjoy, slow down the difficult parts and build confidence step by step.

Developing your playing

More experienced guitarists can bring a particular song, style or technical question. We can break a challenging passage into smaller parts, listen to the result and connect the exercise to the music you want to play.

Music theory you can use

Explore how chord shapes, scales, note names and rhythm relate to your instrument. Understanding a chord progression or a phrase can help you make musical choices rather than simply copying finger positions.

Guitar lessons for children

I teach children aged eight and above as well as adults. A parent or guardian should contact me to discuss the child’s interests, instrument size and lesson length. Lessons take place at your home, with arrangements agreed before booking.

Rockschool grades or playing for enjoyment

I can help you work through the Rockschool guitar syllabus, drawing on my own Grade 8 experience. Grades are optional. You are equally welcome to learn favourite songs, explore a style or build confidence without taking exams.

Between lessons

Set aside regular opportunities to play your guitar. A short task done carefully can be more useful than rushing through a whole song. Note down anything that is unclear and bring it to your next session.

Preparing for a lesson at home

Tell me your area of Bristol so I can confirm travel and availability. Have your guitar ready and choose a comfortable space where we can hear clearly. Check lesson prices, read the mobile lesson information or ask about getting started.

To discuss a first lesson, email info@guitarlessonsbristol.co.uk.