Benjamin Kunkel
Guitar lessons tailored to the needs of each student, designed to help you progress and reach your goals as a guitarist and musician.
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Benjamin Kunkel
Bachelors degree
/ 55 min
Benjamin - Know your guitar teacher
My name is Benjamin Kunkel, I am a professional classical guitarist and music educator. I hold a master’s and bachelor’s degree in guitar performance, and have over 15 years of teaching experience. I am an active solo and chamber musician, and have performed concerts across the United States, Europe and China. I have been a member of the acclaimed Minneapolis Guitar Quartet since 2014, with whom I have toured extensively, recorded a CD, and taught numerous workshops and masterclasses. I have performed in many other ensembles, including a guitar duo with my wife. While my specialty as a performer is classical guitar, I also have years of experience playing and teaching many other styles of music, including jazz, rock, blues, folk, and fingerstyle. As an educator, I have taught guitar and music at many schools, and am passionate about teaching students of all ages and abilities. So whether a complete beginner, or an experienced guitarist who wants to push your playing to the next level, I'm excited to work together!
Benjamin graduated from University of Minnesota
Your guitar teacher expertise
Strumming and Picking Techniques
Guitar Techniques
Music theory
Fingerstyle
Guitar for beginners
Learner for guitar lessons
Guitar for kids
Guitar for adults
Guitar for advanced
Guitar for beginners
Guitar for intermediate
Guitar lessons quick guide
I offer engaging guitar lessons to students of all ages and ability levels. My lessons are focused on you, and I love finding the music and approach that works for each individual student, always in a relaxed and positive environment. I have taught students of all kinds, from young beginners to college students, aspiring professionals to older adults. My online teaching focuses on building sound technique and musicianship from the beginning, no matter what style of music you are interested in. I strongly believe that a good foundation is key to a student’s success, and I prioritize building good habits (and avoiding bad ones!) while applying them to music you’re excited about. Whatever your background and ability level, I approach our lessons with your goals in mind. I tailor my approach to your needs and interests, building confidence, creativity and fun!
Types of guitar lessons
Guitar
Acoustic Guitar
Electric Guitar
Classical Guitar
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15 days Refund
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Free Tutor Swap
Guitar concepts taught by Benjamin
The Tutor and Student worked on learning the guitar part for "Hotel California," specifically focusing on the picking patterns and chord progressions for the intro. They practiced breaking down complex measures into simpler patterns and discussed strategies for efficient practice and memorization.
Picking Pattern Simplification
Wrist Motion vs. Hand Motion
Picking Guidelines and Flexibility
Pattern Recognition and Practice Strategies
The Tutor and Student worked on advanced guitar techniques, including fingerpicking patterns, hammer-ons, pull-offs, and interpreting tablature. They practiced specific chord voicings and picking patterns within a song, with a focus on building sections systematically and establishing a rhythmic foundation. The next steps involve the Student practicing these techniques independently.
Chord Voicings and Fingerboard Navigation
Reading Guitar Tablature (Tab)
Travis Picking and Bass Note Emphasis
Hammer-ons and Pull-offs
The student and tutor worked on refining guitar playing techniques, focusing on fingerings, chord voicings, and song structure. They discussed specific song sections, alternative fingerings for efficiency, and advanced concepts like legato playing and wrist positioning. The student plans to practice the discussed techniques and concepts.
Guitar Tablature Interpretation
Chord Voicings and Inversions
Guitar Fingerpicking Patterns
Legato Playing Techniques
Guitar Tuning and Capos
The Student and Tutor worked on learning the chord progression and picking patterns for "Hotel California" on guitar. The session included learning new chords, practicing chord transitions, and developing a basic picking pattern for the song's intro. The Tutor will send chord charts and simplified picking patterns to help the Student practice during the week, with a follow-up lesson scheduled to solidify these skills and continue learning the song.
Chord Voicings and Variations
Chord Switching Techniques
Picking Patterns and Alternation
Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs
Application of Music Theory
Capo Usage and Function
The student and tutor worked on advanced guitar fingerpicking techniques, focusing on proper right-hand finger assignments for "Blackbird" and efficient left-hand chord voicings. They discussed principles for fingering chords based on fret distance and introduced strategies for chunking and memorizing song structures by identifying repeating sections.
Right-Hand Fingerpicking Principles
Legato and Smoothness in Playing
Chord Fingering Strategy
Musical Structure and Memorization
The tutor and student reviewed guitar tablature symbols, including those for note continuation and string bends. They then focused on practicing the song "Wish You Were Here," working through specific chords, bass lines, and the integration of strumming patterns. The tutor provided guidance on fingerings, transitions, and rhythmic feel, with plans to further explore techniques like bends and slides in future sessions.
Hammer-ons and Pull-offs
Combining Basslines and Chords
Chord Voicings and Fingerings
String Bending Techniques
Guitar Tablature Symbols
Learning tools used in guitar classes
Chord Diagram Apps
PDF Sheet Music
Metronome Apps
Guitar Tuner Apps
Engaging guitar lessons
Record lessons
Weekend lessons
Parent feedback
Mobile joining
Chat for quick help
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Every tutor is interviewed and selected for subject expertise and teaching skill.