Get customized guitar instruction from a Madison College tutor blending theory, technique, and expression.

Student and Tutor worked on improving guitar technique, including proper thumb placement and a new hand-stretching exercise. They practiced improvisation using the A minor pentatonic scale over a backing track, focusing on melodic repetition and variation. The session also covered essential guitar maintenance, specifically the correct use of fine tuners and nut locks for optimal tuning.

The Student and Tutor discussed the Student's current guitar practice, including challenges with chord transitions in "Hey Joe" and D minor fingering. The Tutor introduced bar chords based on E and A shapes, explaining their construction and fretboard application, and provided tips on hand positioning. They also covered guitar string gauges, fret types, and the benefits of integrating singing with instrumental practice to enhance learning.

Student and Tutor discussed bass guitar techniques and practiced basslines from 'Feel Good Inc.' by Gorillaz, 'The Chain' by Fleetwood Mac, and 'Hella Good' by No Doubt. They focused on muting, sliding, and right-hand dexterity, and reviewed tuning concepts and the A minor scale. The Student received homework to continue practicing the discussed songs and techniques.

The Student and Tutor focused on guitar strumming patterns, dissecting popular songs like "A Horse with No Name" and "Ring of Fire" to understand their rhythmic structure. They practiced identifying and executing bass note strums, along with various down and up strum combinations using visual diagrams and verbal counting. The Tutor provided several chord diagrams and a finger dexterity exercise for the Student to practice, emphasizing the use of a metronome or timing apps for homework.

The Student and Tutor continued their guitar lesson, focusing on refining specific riffs from "Carry On Wayward Son," including precise slide and hammer-on techniques. They also explored a new concept: double stops, inspired by Jimi Hendrix, and were introduced to foundational funk guitar techniques, such as note muting to create rhythmic space. The plan is to continue working on both rock and funk styles in future sessions.

The Student and Tutor practiced the intro riff of "Carry On Wayward Son" on guitar, focusing on precise finger movements, slides, pull-offs, and hammer-ons. They also discussed advanced muting techniques and the importance of ear training through vocalizing notes. The session concluded with an introduction to a chord strumming technique and a brief overview of sweep picking.