Rich's Guitar Lessons
About
I've been playing guitar for over 39 years. What motivates and keeps me interested in playing guitar is more challenging songs, different ways to play scales and arpeggios, inspiration and influences of my favorite artist to learn from. As much as I like to learn songs I also like play instrumentals from Yngwie Malmsteen, Jason Becker, Joe Satriani, Eric Johnson, Vinny Moore and Paul Gilbert. Since I started, over the years I've learned songs from Led Zeppelin, Godsmake, Metallica, Megadeth, Van Halen and Stevie Ray Vaughan to name a few. Being in a band also helps you learn a varity of songs. I like to learn classical guitar pieces and jazz compositions too.
Besides the knowledge I have I also love teaching students who have the same interest in mind and to be the best they can be. The ideal student that practices and remembers each lesson giving to them.
It's very rewarding to me to see a student has learned his or her parts that I taught them. The student who benifits from the lessons I teach. A student who can improvise on the spot from my teachings. Who creates an original song to show all from the knowledge I shared with them.
Photos and videos
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
First I would find out what type or style of music they listen to. Then ask what artist and song they would like to learn. What their goals are and if they want to be a rhythm guitarist, lead guitarist or both. Would they like to learn tablature, notes, chords, scales, techniques etc.
I can teach you how to play the guitar in many style's. Blues, Bluegrass, Jazz, Finger Jazz, Country, Rock, Punk Rock, Classic Rock, Modern Rock, Classical Guitar, Metal & Thrash.
(In The Lessons) You will learn tuning, notes, reading tablature and/or notations, chords, strumming patterns, scales, pentatonic scales, wide pentatonic, patterns, scales, dimished scale, solo's, two hand taping and eight finger taping, arpeggios, tremolo bar, alternate picking, sweep picking, economy picking, over the fretboard picking, legato, technique, exercises, transposing, composing, song learning and more.
Here is some examples I'll be teaching you!
Here is the Open Notes for the Guitar. (Tablature notes)
E_______0_______ Higher 1rst E Open String
B_______0_______ 2nd B Open String
G_______0_______ 3rd G Open String
D_______0_______ 4th D Open String
A_______0_______ 5th A Open String
E_______0_______ Lower 6th E Open String
_______________________________________________
C G D
___________________3_____________2______
______1____________3_____________3______
______0____________0_____________2______
______2____________0_____________0______
______3____________2____________________
___________________3____________________
3 2 1 2 1 3 4 0 1 3 2
Fingers
Using a pick, strum chords with a down stroke. While you strum the chord, count 1, 2, 3, 4. So for example, 1 strum, 2 strum, 3 strum, 4 strum.
Make sure to strum for each number you count out.
Now try up stroke of the pick across the strings.
Down stroke = To the floor
Up stroke = To the ceiling
Also try counting, 1 & 2 & 3 & 4 & while the down stroke or up stroke of the pick on the number. On the & we will let the chord ring out.
_______________________________________________
G Major Scale
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
_____________________2___4___5_____
__________2___3___5________________
___3___5___________________________
2 4 - 1 2 4 - 1 3 4
Fingers
While you learn the major scale it's a good idea to relate this scale to; "do, ray, me, fa, so, la, te, do". That's one way to learn the major scale is by memory. If you can hear it in your inner ear, you can play it. You also will remember it and it will stay in your memory. This is how we learn songs and this is how we remember it. It's a technique that will grow on you, by practicing it.
_______________________________________________
A / Pentatonic Scale
_____________________________________5___8___
______________________________5___8__________
_______________________5___7_________________
________________5___7________________________
_________5___7_______________________________
__5___8______________________________________
1 4 - 1 3 - 1 3 - 1 3 - 1 4 - 1 4
Fingers
Pentatonic scales are used for all styles of music. We tend to use these scales more often because it easier to play and remember. You can record yourself playing the above chords and try to play with the pentatonic scale. Make sure to transpose the pentatonic in the right key. For example, if you are playing the C chord, use a C pentatonic scale. C is three half steps up from A on the 6th string.
When taking a lesson from me, you will receive a .pdf file tab or a gpx tab that I transcribed for you to follow. I use guitar pro and it helps my students work on the lesson while they use the program.
I can teach you a lesson or you can suggest your own. All I need from you is a style, lesson, song name and artist and I can prepare a lesson ahead of time that will fit in what you would like to learn.
I will show you fingering and picking as we play along with the song. You will learn tips on playing, programs, recording equipment, guitar and amp tone and effects tips as well.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I started learning how to play the guitar around 15 years old. I have over 39 years experience. I took lessons for three years of reading, writing tab and notations, chord charts, melodies, classical guitar, soloing, taping, arpeggios, techniques, song learning, ear training and transposing. From the songs, I've learned to play the rhythm and solo. Over the years, I self taught myself guitar by listening to my favorite artist. I played in local bands for many years and performed in venue's in my home town. When I play in bands, I'm always labeled the lead guitar player of the group. I would help everyone out with their parts and timing. I have recording experience in the studio as much as my home studio using Steinburg's Cubase. I took a music theory course and received a certificate.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Guitar lessons will be via Skype session. Since these lessons will be online the value and time is shown:
30 minutes - $25.00
Recommended for beginners
45 minutes - $35.00
Recommended for Intermediate
60 minutes - $45.00
Recommended for Intermediate and Advanced
90 minutes - $65.00
Student Deal! (updated 7-19-21)
Save 20% percent if you pay for 3 months of lessons. That's a $60 savings just for 30 minutes of lessons. This deal is only for students who pays for 3 months upfront.
30 minutes lessons / 20% percent off = $60 savings
45 minutes lessons / 20% percent off = $84 savings
60 minutes lessons / 20% percent off = $108 savings
90 minutes lessons / 20% percent off = $156 savings
How did you get started teaching?
I started teaching guitar back in 1990. I had friends come up to me asking how to play parts of a song they needed to complete the song. Also when I was playing in bands I would have to teach the bass player his parts too.
What types of students have you worked with?
I taught students from age 10 and up. I find that students at age 10 pay more attention than someone who is 5 yrs old. My teaching methods can be taught at any age I just want to make sure the lesson benifits them.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
Although I've been to many concerts when I was in my 20's I also like watching live perfomances of my favorite artist on youtube.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Ask about how your teacher will teach you and what you will learn in the lesson.
Ask about what benifits you will accomplish while learning chords and leads.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Are you willing to put in the time to practice during the week before the next lesson?
What would you like to learn? (Tablature, notes, chords, scales, a song) etc.
Would you be able to use tools on your computer while practicing what you learn?