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
Songs and Repertoire
Guitar Techniques
Fingerstyle
Chords and Rhythms
Strumming and Picking Techniques
Music theory
Scales and Modes
Meet Andy
Guitar concept taught by Andy
The class centered on exploring the CAGED system on the guitar to find different voicings for chords. The student practiced identifying and playing various chord shapes for E and A. The tutor assigned continued practice on the concepts covered and requested a recording of the student performing the Mazy Star song.
CAGED System Overview
Chord Shape Mobility
Finding G in Different Shapes
Applying CAGED to All Chords
Practical Use of CAGED: Chord Embellishments
The E Shape and A Shape Foundation
The student practiced finger exercises and rhythm exercises to prepare for a gig. They also practiced transitioning between E, A, and D chords. The tutor suggested practicing the Biddley rhythm and enter sandman for the student to improve their rhythm and chord transitions.
Finger Warm-up Exercise
Developing a Sense of Rhythm
Chord Changes with Rhythm
Down-Up Strumming Pattern
String Muting for Rhythm
The student and tutor explored alternative ways to play a riff on the guitar, focusing on different fretboard positions and octave techniques. The student practiced muting strings while playing octaves and was introduced to hybrid picking. The tutor suggested overdubbing guitar parts using these techniques on the student's existing tracks and exporting stems for mixing.
Guitar Tuning Nuances Beyond Tuners
Hybrid Picking
Octaves and String Muting
Playing Riffs in Different Positions
Octave Sliding
The session explored the fundamental relationships between E, A, and D chords and their connection to G and C chords, focusing on major triad construction and root notes. The Student practiced chord transitions and explored alternate fingerings. The homework is to practice smooth chord changes using a metronome at various speeds, focusing on steady rhythm and bass note accuracy.
E
A
and D as Fundamental Chord Shapes
Triads: Three Notes in Major Chords
Relationship Between Major and Minor Chords
G and C Chords: Extensions of A and D
Fingering Choices and Availability
The student practiced chord progressions and transitions in the key of C major while learning to play "Don't Think Twice, It's All Right" on guitar. They worked on specific chord voicings, including a D7 substitution and an alternate fingering for the F chord. The homework is to continue practicing the chord progressions and transitions, using the simplified version of the song's structure.
Diatonic Chords in C Major
C7 Chord Introduction
Chord Charting and Bar Counting
Alternate F Chord Fingering (Thumb Over)
Major Substitutions: The D7 Chord
The student and tutor focused on tuning the guitar and practicing chord transitions, introducing the G and C chords. Strumming techniques and rhythmic patterns were taught to enhance musicality. The session ended with finger exercises and chord practice to improve coordination and dexterity.
String Bending
Listening and Identifying Chords
Chord Changes and Rhythm
Basic Guitar Chords: G and C
Strumming Techniques
Tuning the Guitar
Learner for guitar lessons
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Engaging guitar lessons
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Pets are welcomed
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Learning tools used in guitar classes
PDF Sheet Music
DAWs
Metronome Apps
Amp Simulators
Types of guitar lessons
Guitar
Acoustic Guitar
Electric Guitar
Classical Guitar
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Every tutor is interviewed and selected for subject expertise and teaching skill.
