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Guitar lessons near me in Bakersfield, CA
Progress quickly with professional guitar lessons for beginners
Blues, rock, and jazz guitar lessons in Bakersfield and beyond
Guitar lessons covered fundamentals and techniques in Bakersfield
Guitar students in Seven Oaks, Laurelglen, and Amberton book local sessions
Shannon taught 19 days ago
The student and tutor worked on guitar techniques, specifically focusing on the F bar chord and a new strumming pattern for a song. They practiced transitioning between the verse and chorus of the song. The student was assigned to practice the new song, paying close attention to the different strumming patterns and chord changes, and to select a song for the next lesson.
F Bar Chord
Strumming Patterns & Rhythm
Chord Transitions
Alternative Chord Voicings
Importance of Pick Thickness
Analyzing Song Structure
Andy taught 23 days ago
The session focused on fretboard notes on the E string, chord progressions, and right-hand muting techniques. The student practiced 1-4-5 chord progressions in multiple keys and received guidance on finger placement and smooth transitions. The student was assigned to practice the chord progressions, record a voice note, and watch 'The Wedding Singer'.
Notes on the E String
Sharps and Flats
1-4-5 Chord Progressions
The F Chord
Barre Chords: E Shape
Right-Hand Muting Techniques (Palm Muting)
Christopher taught about 1 month ago
The Student received instruction on basic guitar techniques, focusing on chords and strumming. They practiced finger placement for E major and minor chords, and began learning the D major chord. The Tutor assigned practice exercises and will send additional resources, including chord diagrams and song demos.
E Major Chord
Strumming Techniques
E Major and E Minor Distinction
Half Steps and Whole Steps
D Major Chord
C Add 9 Chord
G Chord (Suspended)
Kristopher taught about 2 months ago
The Tutor and Student worked on mastering the claw technique on the guitar, focusing on specific chord progressions and transitions in a song. The student practiced rhythmic patterns, finger placements, and transitions between C, E minor, F, A minor, G, and D minor 7 chords. They scheduled the next lesson to continue refining the technique and building muscle memory.
Claw Technique Introduction
Chord Progressions and Rhythm
Thumb Placement and Shifting
D minor 7 Chord
Snehasis taught about 2 months ago
The Student and Tutor worked on finger exercises to strengthen the pinky and explored A major arpeggios and D sus2 chords for soloing. The Student began learning the solo from "November Rain," focusing on specific techniques like pre-bends and slides. They plan to continue learning the solo and to memorize it.
Major Arpeggios
Sus2 Chords
Diatonic Arpeggios
String Bending Technique
Solo Learning and Analysis
Snehasis taught about 2 months ago
The student and tutor worked on the melody of "Autumn Leaves", focusing on chord progressions, finger placement, and the second ending. They also reviewed the blues shuffle using E dominant 7th, A dominant 7th, and B dominant 7th chords. The student was assigned practice to solidify the concepts covered.
Second Endings in Musical Pieces
Chord Progressions and Key Signatures
Chord Voicings and Finger Placement
Dominant 7th Chords
Major 7th Chords
Bakersfield students explore instruments beyond guitar lessons
Learn new techniques with trusted teachers in Aurora
A Guitarist's Lessons in the Bakersfield Sound
Learning to play the guitar in Bakersfield isn't an academic pursuit; it's an apprenticeship in a trade born from rebellion. This city’s unique gift to music, the Bakersfield Sound, was a deliberate, raw alternative to the polished, orchestrated Nashville Sound of the era. Forged by blue-collar legends like Buck Owens, Merle Haggard, Wynn Stewart, and Jean Shepard, this sound was driven by the loud, sharp voice of the electric guitar. Learning the instrument here is about mastering that powerful, no-frills craft and using your six-string to tell the truth with an edge.
Your Required Tool: The Workhorse Electric
The first step in this curriculum is acquiring the right tool. The signature Bakersfield Sound leaned heavily on electric instruments, and the undisputed king was the Fender Telecaster, a simple, tough, reliable workhorse. The guitar was so central to this new sound that during the 1960s, small guitar companies were drawn to the area to supply the scene, most notably Mosrite guitars, which set up shop right in Oildale. The preference for guitars like these wasn't about flash; it was about function. They produced a raw, cutting, high-end sound that could slice through the noise of any honky-tonk, making them the perfect tool for the job.
The Core Subject: Mastering the "Freight Train"
Once you have your Telecaster, the real work begins. The curriculum of the Bakersfield player is built on a specific set of guitar techniques that give the music its signature attitude and drive. Influenced by honky-tonk and rock 'n' roll, the sound features strong backbeats, assertive fiddles, and above all, aggressive guitar work. A student learns to create the signature "twang" with techniques like "chicken pickin'," using both pick and fingers to snap the strings. They learn the "Freight Train" sound pioneered by Buck Owens, which used a loud electric guitar and an upbeat 2/4 tempo to create an irresistible rhythm. Mastering this style is about making your guitar sound sharp, loud, and full of defiant energy.
The Honky-Tonk Stage
The final test for any Bakersfield guitarist is not a recital hall; it’s a packed dance floor. The proving ground is the honky-tonk stage, and the ultimate temple of this tradition is Buck Owens' Crystal Palace. This iconic venue is both a living museum and an active stage where this raw guitar music is celebrated nightly. A guitar player's job here is to connect with a working-class crowd using the direct, honest energy that defined the sound's rebellion against Nashville's polish. The legacy of this sound continues today through modern torchbearers like Dwight Yoakam, who embraced its aesthetics fully. Passing this final exam means earning the respect of that crowd with your skill and the authentic, twangy voice of your electric guitar, proving you’ve mastered the true sound of your city.
Frequently asked questions
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