How 1-on-1 guitar lessons helped Ava improve strumming and timing

Staying on beat while strumming and switching chords can be tougher than it seems Ava knew that feeling all too well. Like many beginner players, she often found herself falling out of rhythm, especially when trying to play along with her favorite songs.

Even with consistent practice, keeping her timing tight while navigating chord changes felt frustrating.

After taking 1-on-1 guitar lessons from Collin Young, Ava made significant strides, improving her strumming and learning to play more confidently.

Looking to learn guitar? Get 1-on-1 lessons from expert-vetted guitar tutors, whether you’re jamming for fun, working on technique, or getting ready for auditions.

Real class insight: Ava’s one-on-one guitar session

In their recent lesson, Ava worked with Collin on rhythm exercises, strumming techniques, and improving her chord transitions. 

Here’s a breakdown of what they worked on during their session:

Mastering strumming patterns – counting out loud

Ava was having trouble with the strumming patterns and timing of her playing. She wasn’t sure if her rhythm was consistent, especially when transitioning between chords like C, A minor, and G.

What Ava learned:

“Collin had me count out loud while I practiced strumming,” Ava explains. “It felt a bit awkward at first, but once I got the hang of it, I realized how much it helped me stay on beat. The counting helped me feel the rhythm and connect the beats to the strums.”

Collin had Ava count out loud while playing, focusing on steady eighth notes and counting the beats to ensure the strumming was in sync with the song. This practice allowed Ava to gain control over her timing and feel more confident in her rhythm.

Improving chord transitions – C, A minor, and G

Another area Ava struggled with was smooth chord transitions, particularly when moving between C major, A minor, and G major. The timing was tricky when playing faster sections of the song.

What Ava learned:

“Collin showed me that I don’t need to overthink the transitions,” Ava says. “By keeping my fingers relaxed and practicing slow transitions, I was able to speed up without missing a beat.”
Collin emphasized the importance of muscle memory and hand relaxation while practicing chord changes. Ava now feels more in control of her transitions, which has helped her play faster and more smoothly.

Understanding rhythm – applying the dotted half note

Ava was also introduced to more advanced rhythm concepts like the dotted half note, which extends the value of a regular half note from two beats to three. At first, Ava wasn’t sure how to incorporate the three-beat rhythm into her playing.

What Ava learned:
“Understanding the dotted half note was a bit tricky at first,” Ava admits. “But Collin explained that I need to pause for three beats and then continue with the next note on the fourth beat. Once I practiced this rhythm in the context of the song, it started to make more sense.”

By practicing with slow counts, Ava began to apply the dotted half note properly, improving her rhythm control and ability to stay in sync with the song.

Why this matters: you can improve faster with personalized feedback 

Ava’s progress demonstrates how 1-on-1 lessons can take your rhythm, chord transitions, and strumming skills to the next level. With real-time feedback and customized exercises, Ava made significant improvements in just one session.

“After this lesson, I feel like I have more control over my rhythm,” Ava says. “I’m more confident with my chord transitions and strumming now.”

Want to improve strumming and timing like this? 

Connect with top-rated guitar tutors who can:

• Help with strumming patterns, chord transitions, and timing
• Offer real-time feedback and tailored guidance
• Provide structured lessons that are focused on your progress

Book a lesson with a guitar tutor today – your first lesson is on us!

Looking to learn guitar? Get 1-on-1 lessons from expert-vetted guitar tutors, whether you’re jamming for fun, working on technique, or getting ready for auditions.

See more transformation stories

Each student’s journey is unique, but one thing remains the same: personalized 1-on-1 guitar lessons make all the difference in achieving their guitar goals. 

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These are just a few stories of students who achieved real progress through personalized lessons. Discover how 1-on-1 tutoring can help you overcome obstacles and excel in your playing.

Link to Collin Young’s profile

Collin Young

Footnote: The student’s name has been changed for privacy reasons.