Giving Guitar Lessons

hanear21

Hey all, I hope this isn't too far off topic for a gypsy jazz forum, but I was wondering if anyone had any advice about good materials for giving guitar lessons. Does anyone who teaches have a favorite lesson plan/book/website that they use?

There seems to be a lot of sketchy looking books and subscription-based websites that offer support materials for this kind of thing. I'd just like to teach beginners mostly. Any advice is appreciated.

Thanks!

Jim Kaznosky

I don't use websites, but I have a general lesson plan that I can incorporate for beginners and intermediate players (generally). I use songs the student is interested in learning. I have them choose three - five songs they want to play. I listen to everything on their list and choose one that fits their current level and work from there. I choose songs they want to learn because I want to engage the student and get them excited about music using the language they are familiar with.
From there, depending on the level of player, you can use a song as a platform for teaching chords, scales, arpeggios, harmony, ear training and technique. They get three exercises a week: something technical, something harmonic, and more of the song we are working on. It works well.

anthon_74

Hey there Hanear,

Sorry I haven't gotten back to you about the email you sent me on this subject- Here's my 2 cents -

EVerything Jkaz said is correct, though let me give you some refinement -

Structure your lessons. 1/3 of the lesson should be spent on scales and prep for playing lead eventually (or right away if they're not beginners, though most students are beginners). for example, my students begin EVERY lesson with playing the pentatonic scale, up and down, using hammer ons and pull offs, and using the 3 block, or 3 sequence pattern).

1/3 (or more) of the lesson should be rhythm based. Have them learn a song appropriate to their level in order to get the hang of chords. For chords, TEACH them HOW to practice the chords (DON'T just say "Practice the chords"). I have them make any chord they're working on about 10 times in a row daily, taking their hand off and "shaking the shape" out of their fingers before making it again. ALSO, have them pick 2 chords they're working on, and switch back and forth between them.
In terms of SONGS - If they're complete beginners, start them off with some kind of 12 bar blues based song that uses a 1-4-5 progressions. Hound dog in A is a good one.
Each new song they learn should have a few new chords AND a slightly more challenging strum pattern. All in all, get yourself the easy beatles songbook, which is full of good songs to teach.

AND with whatever time you have left in each lesson, teach them a little bit of theory. Musical alphabet, sharps and flats, the notes on the fret board, etc.

ALSO - AVOID the biggest pitfall -TOO MUCH MATERIAL. Do not overload them with material. One song at a time if they're beginners, AND make sure they can play that song somewhat effectively before they move on to a new one.
ALSO ALSO - don't assume 60 minutes are necessary as a lesson duration. Kids need no more that 30 minutes most of the time, and teens or adults are often good with 45 minutes. I would only offer 60 minutes to intermediate or advanced players.

If you need more information, or would like a "mentor" contact me and we can arrange a series of sessions, where we would go deeper into lesson format, teaching soloing, tuition policies, etc.

regards,
Anthony