Any suggestions for a acoustic guitar instructor for my teen son? Prefer Shoals or even Russellville. (if there is anyone in rvlle)
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quote:Originally posted by O No!:
It's very important that you get a GOOD guitar. It doesn't have to be expensive, but it needs to be playable. Walmart guitars don't cut it. And stay away from those Estebans that they sell on TV. If you know someone who plays, get them to go to a pawn shop or used guitar dealer and have them help you pick one out.
Once you get started there are a few things that will help, such as:
Make sure that he uses his pinkie on the G. Some teachers and books show you to use the ring finger. The pinkie is so much better because then you can use the ring finger to catch the third fret of the D string to make a much better sounding G7. PLUS you can now use the middle and ring fingers to play the basses when the next chord is C. (That makes it easier to get there quickly.)
I know that means nothing to you right now, but it will if you take lessons with him. THAT is a great idea. You can help each other, plus a little friendly competition makes you want to practice more.
And yes, MAYBE it's better to have one teacher at first, but I encourage all of my students to learn from as many different guitarists as possible. That way you will be exposed to different styles, different "tricks" to make playing easier, and once again, become more inspired to practice.
As for the sore fingers, play for ten minutes at a time, several times a day at first. If you overdo it, you won't be able to play at all the next day. Get guitar stands and keep the guitars readily available. Getting ready to go somewhere but you're waiting for your wife to finish her hair? Grab the guitar and play a song. Almost bedtime? Play one before you turn in and you'll sleep better. You get the idea.
And the MOST important thing is to remember they call it PLAYING for a reason. If your kids don't get into it because it's too much work, don't worry. Might be the wrong time, might be the wrong teacher, might be the wrong instrument. If that happens, I'd suggest keeping the guitar around for a while anyway. They may pick it up and play with it later when there is no pressure. If not, you can always sell it.
quote:Originally posted by _Joy_:
I cannot for the life of me remember his name, but you can contact him through The Sound Shoppe. He will ask to listen to the songs on your son's IPOD or play-list and then teach him accordingly. He's great. My son loved learning guitar from him because he was playing the songs he loves most. The Sound Shoppe should know who it is by that description. Someone else here may know his name? If nobody has given his name by tomorrow, I'll have spoken with my son by then and get the name.
quote:Originally posted by _Joy_:
Stuck, I have heard of Barry Billings, but don't think I know him. He may teach the same way though if they both teach at The Sound Shoppe.
Well, I am ashamed to say that we can only come up with this man's first name, which is Scott. In our defense, my son stopped taking lessons a couple of years ago. The son says that Scott is a really nice guy (translation from "yeah, Scott's cool"...lol) as well as an excellent teacher.
True, wow...I imagine finding a talented someone will be no problem.