Guitar lessons near you in Springfield, IL

Student and Tutor reviewed guitar tuning and practiced two one-finger chords, G7 and C, focusing on smooth transitions. They then introduced and practiced power chords, discussing proper finger placement and hand posture for this essential rock technique. The Student was assigned to print a chord chart and connect their amplifier for the next session.

Student and Tutor discussed organizing guitar practice sessions using a three-part method: warm-up, old material, and new material. They clarified and labeled arpeggio and scale sheets (D minor 7, C major 7, G7, A minor pentatonic, A minor blues). The session focused on practicing A minor pentatonic soloing with backing tracks, emphasizing rhythmic phrasing, and discussed guitar ergonomics for standing play. Homework includes practicing the assigned scales and arpeggios, and experimenting with the A minor pentatonic over backing tracks.

Student and Tutor reviewed fundamental blues bass patterns and chord progressions. They practiced applying these concepts to specific blues songs and then extensively rehearsed "Every Breath You Take" by The Police, with a final challenge to play it from memory. The Student will resume lessons after a two-week break.

The tutor and student worked on improving guitar finger-picking skills, specifically focusing on executing chords and melodies in a given piece. They practiced identifying notes on the fretboard and discussed strategies for more effective practice routines, with a new song suggested for the following week.

The tutor and student engaged in a detailed analysis of guitar techniques and music theory, focusing on chord progressions, scale application, and ear training exercises. They worked through specific examples from a song to illustrate concepts like horizontal scale mapping and the relationship between pentatonic scales. The next session will continue building on these guitar-focused concepts.

The student and tutor reviewed and practiced several guitar chords and strumming/picking patterns, including G, C add9, and D chords. They worked on applying these to chord progressions and refining picking techniques, with a plan to continue practicing these skills.