Frequently Asked Questions
How does Guitar 1 and 2 differ from other instruction methods?
Guitar 1 teaches the guitar as if you’ve never played an instrument before.
We start with basic ideas, add simple chords, use finger exercises to increase finger coordination.
We start with partial chords and gradually add more fingers to make full chords.
We teach simple, easy finger exercises to increase finger coordination and then teach simple melodies on 2 or 3 strings.
We build on each lesson so you can master the chords and chord changes.
We use camera views that show the guitar from your viewpoint, not reverse angles. With our DVDs, they are filmed as if my hands are inches in front of your hands.
This way, you don’t have to reverse the images in your head.
For more information, please visit the Why Choose Us Page
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How long does it take to complete each course?
The course are designed for individual or group instruction. Guitar I usually takes about 7-9 weeks. Guitar II takes about 6-8 weeks.
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How many minutes per day will I have to practice?
For Guitar I, I recommend 10-15 minutes, 5 days per week. This should usually be sufficient to progress one lesson per week/lesson.
For Guitar II, I recommend 15-20 minutes, 5 days per week/lesson.
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What if I’m left-handed?
I strongly recommend that left-handed beginners play the same way as right- handed players:
left hand frets the strings along the neck and right hand strums by the soundhole,
which is how these DVDs were recorded.
As long as you start this way, your fingers will proficiently learn their roles and muscle movements.
Guitar chord diagrams are written for traditional stringing (right handed guitars), so it will be consistent for you.
Do not buy a left handed guitar.
Do not play a six string guitar upside down and have the strings reversed.
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What is the earliest age you would recommend a child use this DVD to learn to play?
My youngest student was 7, but he was really motivated to play and practiced consistently with his parent’s help.
If a youngster was not as motivated and did not have a lot of adult help, I would suggest around 4th grade or age 10.
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What are some considerations about instruments for young students or smaller people?
They need a playable guitar. Please note that cheap guitars may be very difficult to play because the strings
are usually farther away from the fretboard and is difficult to get a clean sound.
Cheap guitars are also harder to tune or keep in tune.
Electric guitars may be easier to setup by a professional to play easier i.e.,
adjusts strings so they are closer to the fretboard and therefore are easier to get a clean sound.
Electric guitars also use lighter strings so they won’t hurt the fingers as much.
One caution about electrics is that they may be too heavy for smaller people and may strain the neck and shoulders.
Another consideration is demonstrated in the video. There are different sizes for guitars.
Junior sized guitars are available for smaller hands, also, there are different body widths.
My daughter’s first guitar was a 3 / 4 size with a narrow body and this worked well with her 5 foot frame.
Junior guitars also have a shorter neck which accommodates shorter arms.
The 7 year old mentioned above used an adult sized guitar, but I used something called a capo on the 5th fret to
make it playable.
All of the above are discussed in detail in the video.
If you are still unsure, consult a knowledgeable musician at a reputable music store!
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Is there an age limit for learning to play from this DVD?
I have taught some mature persons that were in their 70’s.
A big concern after my usual consistent practice answer is whether there is arthritis and how severe.
You do need a good degree of flexibility.
I would suggest trying out some well made guitars at a music store before purchasing.
I would recommend a classical guitar for persons with big fingers,
since it has a wider neck than folk or electric guitars.
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