A comfortable first lesson
The first lesson is a chance to talk about what you would like to achieve and get comfortable playing together. You do not need to prepare an audition. Tell me what you enjoy listening to, what you have tried and anything that makes you nervous. We can choose a small musical idea to start with.
Learn through songs you enjoy
A favourite song gives a practical reason to learn a chord, rhythm or technique. We can simplify a part, work on a short section and gradually add detail. Playing through a complete song is a different task from practising one difficult change; both can have a place in your lesson.
Acoustic and electric guitar
I teach both acoustic and electric guitar across styles including pop, punk, rock, blues and jazz. Acoustic work might focus on chord clarity, strumming and picking; electric work can explore riffs, articulation and controlling unwanted string noise. Your interests guide the direction.
Chords and practical theory
We can explore how chords are formed and how they fit together in songs. Start with a manageable vocabulary and practise changes at a steady pace. Understanding the sound and function of a chord helps the shape on the fretboard make more sense.
Listening and improvising
Learning by ear and trying your own musical ideas can develop alongside technique. We might listen for the rhythm of a phrase, find a short melody or improvise over a simple accompaniment. The aim is to make clear choices and hear how they fit, rather than play as many notes as possible.
Children and younger learners
Lessons for children use suitable songs and manageable tasks. Discuss the learner’s age, concentration and guitar size before booking. Familiar music can make a new skill easier to understand. A parent or guardian can help by making space for the agreed practice and sharing any questions.
Returning and experienced players
If you already play, bring a piece or question that represents your next challenge. We can work on a specific technique, clarify a rhythm or explore another style. A short, focused task is often more useful than trying to change every aspect of your playing at once.
Individual lessons and small groups
I specialise in one-to-one tuition and can also discuss pairs or small groups. The pace, goals and arrangements need to work for everyone involved. Please ask about suitability, location and a separate quote rather than assuming the individual fee applies to a group.
Practice between lessons
Agree what to practise and what to listen for. Work on a short section slowly enough to hear whether the notes are clear and the pulse is steady. Make a note of questions to bring back. Progress varies, so we will review what is working rather than promise a fixed number of lessons.
“When looking for a guitar teacher it was a leap in the dark as I had no recommendations, however in finding you on the website, I think I have struck gold. Your positive attitude in each lesson is infectious, you really engage with your students and listen to what they say, you infuse humour into the lessons making them less like hard work, you can always be heard encouraging them and you have the patience of a saint! As a parent for me, the most important things are that you are professional, punctual, accommodating and are always courteous.” – Vicki Humby (parent of student)
Ask Danny about lessons or view all prices and arrangements.
