Ben Lassiter
Guitar Lessons with Theory Integration by North Carolina Central University Educator




Guitar lessons - Ben Lassiter
Masters degree
/ 30 min
Ben - Know your guitar teacher
Hey! I'm Ben, a guitarist who loves to help others learn guitar! I've been playing about 25 years and have been teaching professionally since 2005. I can take you from the basics all the way to improvising a solo, or how to write your own songs. I'm comfortable in rock, jazz, blues, r&b, and many other styles. I play acoustic and electric. I can teach you about music theory and how it applies to the guitar fretboard. I help students understand the guitar and understand music. What do you want to learn? That's what we will work on in our lessons. As for credentials, I have a masters of music in Jazz Studies from North Carolina Central University, and I got my bachelors degree with a minor in music from Appalachian State University. One of my favorite musical styles to play is swing: the music of Django Reinhardt and jazz from that era really speaks to me.
Strumming made easy in class
89% students say rhythm and timing improved quickly
Guitar lessons have strong results in a short time
91% Parent feel they kids have started playing songs within weeks
Step-by-step guitar classes tracking
86% students see clear milestones across levels
Guitar lessons quick guide
For the adult student, I will ask you, 'What do you want to learn?' The answer to that will be what we will use to structure our lessons. You may need to work on certain right or left hand techniques to achieve what you want to do, so we will develop a plan for that. Many students start by wanting to be able to play a certain song, or the music of a certain artist. For beginners, I break songs down to the first steps, progressively adding more and more layers as your skills develop. I can help you learn to read music if that's what you'd like to do. For younger students, I use method books to guide the creation of basic skills. Parents generally want reading music to be a part of their child's leaning plan, but there many areas of guitar that do not stress that skill. I use backing tracks and play-alongs to augment students' practice experiences. I weave music theory into everything I teach.
Your guitar teacher expertise
Scales and Modes
Guitar Techniques
Music theory
Songs and Repertoire
Strumming and Picking Techniques
Chords and Rhythms
Learning tools used in guitar classes
PDF Sheet Music
DAWs
Guitar Tuner Apps
Chord Diagram Apps
Metronome Apps
Learner for guitar lessons
Guitar for Kids
Guitar for Advanced
Guitar for Adults
Guitar for Beginners
Guitar for Intermediate

Guitar concept taught by Ben
During a recent lesson, Ben and Ryan honed their violin skills, beginning with a review of first position scales, rhythms, and intonation. Their focus then shifted to music theory, where they delved into the A major scale, intervals, and chord construction. Ryan dedicated time to improvising within the A major scale and performed finger exercises designed to enhance his coordination and intonation. Ben concluded the lesson by assigning practice exercises centered on finger placement, scales, and thirds, with a continued emphasis on metronome use.
Simultaneous Finger Placement
Key of A Major
Musical Intervals
Major Scale Formula
In a recent violin lesson, Ben worked with a dedicated student from Sacramento State University on violin techniques, focusing on rhythm exercises, intonation, and finger placement. The learner practiced scales, rhythms from page 23, and exercises for quick finger preparation, including the use of the fourth finger. Ben provided feedback on bow technique, timing, and intonation, and suggested practicing with a drone and verbalizing rhythms to improve timing and accuracy.
Rhythm & Pacing (16th Notes)
Bow Control & Tone
Finger Pattern One (Scale Extension)
Quick Finger Preparation
Fourth Finger (Pinky) Placement
Ben and Leo recently focused on enhancing Leo's violin skills, covering bowing techniques, rhythm exercises, and string changes. Leo dedicated his practice to quarter, eighth, and sixteenth notes, using a metronome to ensure consistent tone and rhythm. For the upcoming week, Ben assigned long bows with mirror practice and provided an audio recording of rhythmic exercises. Their next lesson is scheduled for next Tuesday.
Long Bows Technique
Changing Strings Technique
Rhythm Counting Verbalization
Bow Perpendicularity
Metronome Speed for 16th Notes
During a recent violin lesson, a student from Fresno State University focused on violin practice, specifically rhythm and intonation exercises. The learner worked on rhythms A through E, string-switching, and left-hand finger patterns in the A major scale, using a drone for pitch reference. For their continued practice, they were assigned rhythms on page 23 and encouraged to use the provided A drone link for intonation work.
Metronome Practice
Rhythm Verbalization
Left-Hand Finger Pattern One
Drone Practice
Bowing Consistency
Ben provided Holly with an introductory violin lesson, focusing on the instrument's basic components, proper bow holding, and foundational rhythms from the Suzuki book. Holly actively engaged in practicing various bow techniques, rhythm counting, and playing simple rhythms specifically on the A string. For continued progress, Ben assigned practice using a metronome, emphasized the importance of a mirror for monitoring bow positioning, and recommended that Holly obtain a tuner app before their next lesson.
Rhythm Counting
Metronome Use
Bow Hold Technique
Violin Parts
Bowing Fundamentals
Ben Lassiter recently guided Uday Naik through a violin lesson, with a primary focus on rhythm and bowing techniques. Uday diligently practiced rhythms A, C, D, and B from his book, utilizing a metronome to enhance his timing and precision. Their discussion also covered the importance of proper posture and consistent practice. Uday informed Ben that he would miss their upcoming lesson due to attending a Starship launch.
Rhythm C
Rhythm D (Triplets)
Rhythm E (Sixteenth Notes)
Rhythm B (Eighth Notes and Rests)
Metronome Use
Importance of Right-Hand Technique
Rhythm A
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