Hi and thanks for inquiring about beginner guitar lessons. Whether you are interested in an acoustic guitar or electric guitar, the basics are the same. Though it is possible to teach yourself, the process is much slower and it is possible and likely that you will develop bad playing and practice habits that can be difficult to break later on. Whatever you want to achieve on guitar I can help you get there in the most efficient manner avoiding all the pitfalls which many beginners seem to fall into.
If you have been teaching yourself, I can show you how to develop good practice habits that will help overcome the barriers that are keeping you from achieving the things you want to accomplish with your playing.
I have found that a good grounding in basic fundamentals such as rhythm, sight-reading, and basic theory combined with chord and scale studies help you achieve the basic skills you will need to play any style you desire.
Don’t get the idea that this is all work and no fun. We will start working on actual songs right away. We will also cover material in a variety of styles so that you are well-grounded. But whatever your favorite style is, I will make sure to make that the focus.
We will go at whatever pace you feel comfortable with – fast or slow. I am very patient and have taught hundreds of students over the last 13+ years. I look forward to helping you achieve your musical goals whatever they are.
Alan Darby
Guitar Instructor
Tempo School of Music
Fingerstyle guitar
There is a big misconception that you need to begin on an acoustic guitar first. Parents and new students ask us about this all the time and you will hear it from some teachers and music store salespeople. The reason people say this is because acoustic guitars are a little more physically demanding than electric guitars. The reasoning is that the student will develop more hand strength from playing on an only slightly more demanding instrument. Then, it is supposed, switching to electric is a breeze. The truth is, it is fine to start on any type of guitar. Let us explain.
What makes a student develop into a good guitarist is not hand strength, but practice. Lots of practice! Practice on any type of guitar. In our years of experience we have seen many students begin playing the guitar. The ones that develop into good guitarists are very motivated to practice. Most students are motivated by music they hear and want to emulate. If what the student sounds like while playing the guitar doesn’t match what they love, what they want to hear, then they quickly lose interest, stop practicing and quit.
Following the acoustic-guitar-must-be-played-first mentality more often results in potentially good guitarists quitting and parents throwing away a lot of money. Let the student choose their own path. You can be assured we will teach them all the proper technique and guitar-playing concepts so that they can play both acoustic and electric guitar well.
Also used in most styles of music. A little more expensive because you need to purchase an amplifier along with it. Also has metal strings, but they are a bit easier to press down. There are many ways to alter the sound of an electric guitar with guitar pedals and effects. Can be played quietly with headphones. You may associate this guitar sound with Jimi Hendrix or Nirvana.
You can always switch to a lighter string gauge when starting out and switch to heavier strings once you get the hang of things. This is a good option if you are just getting started. Lighter gauge strings are easier to play but they don’t have as much volume as a heavier gauge strings. You can buy a set of light gauge strings at the music store and have them put them on for you. It shouldn’t cost you more than $8 to $10 to do this.
The main things to keep in mind when purchasing a guitar are:
Shop around to get good deals. You can’t just go in and say, “Give me that for 50% off.” You have to hunt. And, you’ll get better at it as you do it more. Ask more experienced musicians if you’re getting a good deal. The salespeople will always tell you that you are.
I recommend developing a relationship with a nice salesman that’s been around for a while. This is hard at many stores because of the high employee turnover. Most employees get a job at a retail music store so they can get the coveted employee discount. (To get stuff for the band, man.) Find out with whom you’re dealing, ask how long they’ve been working there and in the industry. The people who have been there for a while will stick around longer and will be more knowledgeable. By dealing with the same person, you will have an easier time and will be less prone to getting ripped off. They will realize that you’ll come back to them and they’ll treat you right as a result. They will remember what you’ve already purchased and will know what goes well with what you have. It will also make returns and exchanges easier.
Buying online can be tricky so make sure to read reviews. Things like accessories shouldn’t be a problem. If you do buy online, check the return policy before you check out! Some places don’t take returns at all!
Knowing all this should save you quite a bit of dough and headaches throughout your musical career. Good luck with your shopping.
Houston native Troy Nicar is one of Houston’s most experienced drummers and sought-after drum teachers. Troy has been teaching and performing for over 25 years.
Troy holds a degree in music education and is an alumnus of Sam Houston State in Huntsville, Texas.
Being extremely versatile on his instrument, Troy has performed all styles of music throughout his many years of performing. He has played in country bands (including Brian Black’s band), classic rock bands, straight-ahead jazz groups, blues bands (Low Down Brown), R&B bands (Green Onions), marching bands, and Classical symphonic bands. With all this experience, Troy is well versed in all styles of drumming and music.
Troy is an equally versatile drum teacher. Troy feels at home teaching students of all ages and all goals. Troy enjoys teaching a wide range of students. Whether he or she is a young child starting with the basics of music reading, a seasoned professional needing to work on his chops, or someone just wanting to play for fun, Troy knows the correct teaching approach and how to keep students motivated.
Troy has produced numerous first chair percussionists in local middle school and high school bands and has taught high-profile locals such as KPRC news anchor, Dominique Sachse.
Since Troy is independent of Tempo School of Music, please follow the link below to find out about times, fees, and locations…
www.drumlessonshouston.com
