James Cortright
Guitar lessons for all, with a focus on accessibility and fun, but also excellence through music
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James Cortright
Bachelors degree
Enroll after the free trial
Each lesson is 55 min
50 lessons
20% off
/ lesson
30 lessons
15% off
/ lesson
20 lessons
10% off
/ lesson
10 lessons
5% off
/ lesson
5 lessons
-
/ lesson
1 lessons
-
/ lesson
James - Know your guitar teacher
I've dedicated my life to teaching music, while constantly improving my abilities as a teacher and musician. For over 15 years of work experience I've taught lessons and ensembles, learned from some of the best teachers, and remained a life-long student of music pedagogy. My education includes a 4 year Bachelor's degree in music, and a 2 year certificate in audio technology. I've won first place as a performing member and a teacher with ensembles in world class international competitions, and received perfect scores in competitions as a soloist. Through all of this, I've learned that each student is a unique and special musical mind that requires adaptability from a teacher who has mastered their craft, but still has the ability to make the material understandable to a complete beginner. Thank you for reading this and considering taking lessons with me!
Your guitar teacher expertise
Guitar Techniques
Strumming and Picking Techniques
Guitar for beginners
Chord Progressions
Songs and Repertoire
Scales and Modes
Ear training
Learner for guitar lessons
Guitar for intermediate
Guitar for beginners
Guitar for advanced
Guitar for kids
Guitar for adults
Guitar lessons quick guide
My teaching methodology is based on a combination of studying a variety of music education techniques such as Orff, Kodaly, and Suzuki, while also learning from first hand experience teaching thousands of students. I believe that there is no one right way to teach music, but instead it is best to have a large tool kit and extensive background of knowledge to draw from based on the needs of any individual student. From beginners to advanced, from elementary age to adults, there will always be some creativity and flexibility involved in how I go about conveying the information that will help a student learn about music and improve their abilities on their instrument. I incorporate lessons from all areas of the subject of music including music theory, history, and ear training, while drawing from a variety of styles including classical, jazz, and folk.
Strumming made easy in class
89% students say rhythm and timing improved quickly
Guitar lessons that keep kids motivated
No reminders needed, students are eager to attend
Step-by-step guitar classes tracking
86% students see clear milestones across levels
Types of guitar lessons
Guitar
Acoustic Guitar
Electric Guitar
Classical Guitar
Bass Guitar
Flexible Scheduling
Allows 1h early scheduling
Allows 1h early rescheduling
Can wait for 20 mins after joining
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10 day Refund
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Free Tutor Swap
Guitar concepts taught by James
The tutor and student reviewed piano playing techniques, discussed rhythmic accuracy and musical goals, and delved into music theory concepts including scales, chord progressions (specifically the 1-6-4-5 progression), and the practical application of music notation software. The student was encouraged to practice scales, experiment with chord progressions, and begin writing down musical ideas.
Rhythm and Timing Accuracy
Musical Expression and Interpretation
Scales and Arpeggios: Foundational Building Blocks
Chord Progressions and Harmony
Music Notation and Composition Tools
The student and tutor reviewed the student's progress on "River Flows in You," focusing on rhythmic accuracy, hand positioning, and the difference between practice and performance modes. They also worked on the two-octave C major scale, with the tutor providing specific techniques for scale navigation and offering advice on future practice, including potentially starting the G major scale.
Practice vs. Performance Mode
Rhythmic Accuracy and Counting
Hand Position and Finger Numbering
Two-Octave Scales and Keyboard Navigation
Understanding Note Durations and Ties
The tutor and student explored advanced piano chord theory, focusing on triads (major, minor, diminished, augmented) and seventh chords (major seventh, dominant seventh, diminished seventh). The student practiced identifying and constructing these chords, with discussions on transposition, simplification, and their application in music. Future lessons will continue with chord theory and practice.
Chord Inversions and Sound Quality
Musical Notation: Ties and Slurs
Seventh Chords: Dominant and Major 7ths
Triad Types: Major
Minor
Diminished
Augmented
Scales and Arpeggios: Full Octave and Hand Position Changes
The tutor and student reviewed the student's progress on piano pieces and scale exercises, focusing on the challenges of two-octave scales and hand coordination. They practiced various scales and introduced a new piece, "Simple Gifts," emphasizing fingerings and hand positioning, and discussed strategies for managing practice-related fatigue.
Two-Octave Scales and Hand Independence
The Psychology of Practice and Brain Fatigue
Fingering Logic and Internalization
Developing Coordinated Hand Movements
The Student and Tutor worked on guitar techniques including hammer-ons, pull-offs, and slide techniques within the minor pentatonic scale, and explored shuffle timing. The Tutor provided feedback on finger coordination and offered to create instructional videos for articulation exercises. Future lessons were scheduled after the student's upcoming vacation.
String Bending and Vibrato Control
Chord Voicings and Voice Leading
Travis Picking Pattern
Shuffle and Swung Eighth Notes
Minor Pentatonic Scale Hammer-ons and Pull-offs
The tutor and student worked on piano scales, including major scales from the circle of fifths and fourths, focusing on proper fingering and technique. They also reviewed the song "Country Roads," addressing rhythmic accuracy and tempo, and began analyzing the introduction to Ed Sheeran's "Shape of You," concentrating on chord progressions and hand positioning.
Rhythmic and Harmonic Introduction to 'Shape of You'
Rhythm and Tied Notes in 'Country Roads'
Circle of Fifths and Fourths Scales
Learning tools used in guitar classes
Chord Diagram Apps
Ear Training Software
Metronome Apps
Amp Simulators
Backing Track Libraries
DAWs
Engaging guitar lessons
Record lessons
Mobile joining
Chat for quick help
Pets are welcomed
Open Q&A
Guitar teachers on Wiingy are vetted for quality
Every tutor is interviewed and selected for subject expertise and teaching skill.