Andy Raven
Guitar Lessons with Creative Musicality | Lancaster University Educator
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Guitar lessons - Andy Raven
Doctorate degree
/ 30 min
Andy - Know your guitar teacher
I’m Andy Raven—a guitarist, songwriter, and teacher with over 15 years of playing, touring, and recording experience. I’ve played Glastonbury, recorded in major London studios, and worked across styles from blues and indie to English and Celtic folk. My teaching style is relaxed but focused—I tailor each lesson to your goals, whether you’re picking up a guitar for the first time, working on advanced phrasing, or keen for your child to have fun and progress. I teach electric and acoustic with an emphasis on feel, musicality and artistic identity. I love teaching diverse players of all standards and ages. I also hold a PhD in literature. I aim to make every single lesson creative, encouraging, and genuinely enjoyable.
Guitar lessons quick guide
My approach is shaped by each student’s goals—no two lessons are the same. What matters most is that students spend real time playing their instrument during the lesson. I favour a “songs first” method: we start with music you enjoy, and theory follows naturally from there. With a background in teaching English in schools and universities, I bring structure, clarity, and warmth to every session. I’ve also spent much of my adult life working in SEN, so I’m particularly attuned to neurodivergent learners. Lessons are creative, flexible, and rooted in helping you feel confident and connected to the music. I had a fantastic teacher growing up—and I see it as a real privilege to now guide others.
Guitar teacher who keeps it simple
Breaks down chords and strumming in easy steps
Boosts confidence in shy learners
88% parents notice improved self-esteem and stage presence
Focus on core guitar skills
93% Students report clear progress in chords, strumming, and transitions
Your guitar teacher expertise
Scales and Modes
Fingerstyle
Guitar Techniques
Strumming and Picking Techniques
Chord Progressions
Chords and Rhythms
Music theory
Guitar concept taught by Andy
The Student and Tutor analyzed the chord structures and song arrangements of a Beatles song, focusing on identifying diatonic and non-diatonic chords, and understanding musical notation. The Student practiced playing the song, substituting chords as needed and interpreting repeat signs. The Tutor assigned another Beatles song for analysis and practice, with a plan to return to scales and soloing in the next session.
Chord Voicings and Alternatives
Diatonic vs. Non-diatonic Chords
Reading Chord Charts and Song Structures
Repeat Signs and Song Form Navigation
Andy Raven taught a guitar lesson where a student from Phoenix College learned the E major chord, focusing on finger placement and strumming techniques. The learner practiced the E major chord and was then introduced to the A major chord. They also utilized a metronome to enhance their timing and rhythm.
Metronome
Strumming Technique
Root Note
E Major Chord
During a recent guitar lesson, a student from Mesa Community College focused on guitar techniques for playing chords up the fretboard in the key of G, drawing inspiration from "Sweet Creature." The learner practiced simplified chord shapes based on bar chords and honed their right-hand thumb-picking technique. The instructor will provide tab notation for the song, and the student will continue to practice the new chord shapes and right-hand technique.
Two-Note Chord Shapes
Diatonic Scale & Chord Types
Fretboard Navigation (Root Notes)
Sharps and Flats
Andy and Chris delved into pentatonic scales and relative major and minor keys during their guitar lesson. Chris honed his skills on the A minor and C major pentatonic scales, exploring various positions and bending techniques. For their next lesson, Andy tasked Chris with analyzing a classic rock solo to pinpoint its pentatonic foundation and any non-pentatonic notes for discussion.
Blues Note
Playing 'In the Box'
Power Bend
Pentatonic Scale
Relative Major/Minor
In Oakland, Andy and Barry focused their guitar lesson on fundamental techniques, including right-hand mechanics and rhythm exercises. Barry specifically worked on the "Enter Sandman" riff, concentrating on gentle, controlled picking and precise fingering. Andy tasked him with continued practice of the riff to enhance rhythm and consistency, with plans to delve further into "Sweet Child o' Mine" in their upcoming lesson.
Guitar Posture
Rhythm and Beat
Guitar Anatomy
Picking Technique (Right Hand)
During their recent music lesson, Andy and Chris delved into music theory concepts, including major scales, key signatures, and note values, using the song 'Silent Night' as a practical example. Chris actively practiced playing scales, reading sheet music, and coordinating bass and melody lines on the guitar. For their next lesson, they plan to explore pentatonic scales and relative minors and majors.
Major Scale Construction
Key Signatures
Time Signatures (3/4)
Arpeggios & Chord Tones
Bassline & Melody Separation
Learner for guitar lessons
Adult/Professionals
All levels
School
College
Engaging guitar lessons
Record lessons
Parent feedback
Open Q&A
Mobile joining
Pets are welcomed
Learning tools used in guitar classes
PDF Sheet Music
Amp Simulators
Metronome Apps
DAWs
Types of guitar lessons
Guitar
Acoustic Guitar
Electric Guitar
Classical Guitar
Guitar teachers on Wiingy are vetted for quality
Every tutor is interviewed and selected for subject expertise and teaching skill.
