Eric Varillas

Discover the Joy of Guitar with a Fun, Encouraging Teacher Who Makes Every Lesson Engaging, Confidence-Building, and Enjoyable for You!

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Profile photo of Eric, Guitar tutor at Wiingy
Profile photo of Eric, Guitar tutor at Wiingy
Profile photo of Eric, Guitar tutor at Wiingy
Guitar learning materials by Eric

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Eric Varillas

Bachelors degree

/ 55 min

Eric - Know your guitar teacher

I believe every student learns differently, so I take time to understand their individual strengths, needs, and interests. By meeting students where they are, I create a supportive environment that builds confidence and encourages growth. My lessons prioritize clear communication, real-world connections, and opportunities for students to think critically and take ownership of their learning. I strive to make learning engaging, inclusive, and meaningful for every student. I have great skill and passion for music theory. My wife (who is a music historian) thinks it's "weird" but I love to learn how music is put together, why certain notes and chords fit better together than others, understand how the harmonic series works on guitar, and just 'nerd-out' with my scales and key signatures! When I teach guitar, I bring that same nerdy enthusiasm to help you understand why things work, not just what to play. Whether you're crushing your first chord or mastering complex fingerpicking, I'll break down the theory in fun, bite-sized ways that actually make sense. Expect plenty of "aha!" moments, zero judgment, and maybe a few funny analogies about food or pop culture. My goal? To make you a confident, creative guitarist who loves playing as much as I love teaching!

Your guitar teacher expertise

Ear training icon

Ear training

Guitar Techniques icon

Guitar Techniques

Songs and Repertoire icon

Songs and Repertoire

Guitar for beginners icon

Guitar for beginners

Music theory icon

Music theory

Scales and Modes icon

Scales and Modes

Chords and Rhythms icon

Chords and Rhythms

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Podcast

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Learnings

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1-yr validity

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Learner for guitar lessons

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Guitar for kids

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Guitar for beginners

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Guitar for intermediate

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Guitar for adults

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Rated 5 stars for engaging guitar lessons

94% students find the lessions fun, focused, and easy to follow

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Guitar lessons have strong results in a short time

91% Parent feel they kids have started playing songs within weeks

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Guitar lessons that balance theory and fun

Includes just enough music theory to support practical learning

Types of guitar lessons

Acoustic Guitar

Acoustic Guitar

Electric Guitar

Electric Guitar

Bass Guitar

Bass Guitar

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Guitar concepts taught by Eric

Student learned 1 day ago

Student and Tutor continued their guitar lesson, reviewing power chord transitions and song structure for "Circles." They then started a new song, "Numb," practicing new power chords and navigating its unique structural changes. Homework was assigned to identify and practice specific sharp power chords (G# and C#) and to listen repeatedly to a particular section of "Numb."

Power Chord Finger Technique & Practice Habits

"Circles" Song Structure & Dynamic Transitions

Introducing "Numb": New Power Chords & Progression

Finding Sharp Notes (♯) on the Fretboard

Chord Muting vs. Ringing for Transitions

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Student learned 23 days ago

The student and tutor reviewed guitar fundamentals, including string names and fretboard notes, before practicing power chords and learning new chord shapes (E minor and D). They worked on applying these skills to the song "Circles," focusing on rhythm, transitions, and chord clarity, with plans to reinforce these concepts and potentially introduce full power chords in future sessions.

Guitar String Names and Basic Notes

Power Chords

Chord Transitions and Rhythm

Introduction to E minor and D Major Chords

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Student learned 29 days ago

The Student and Tutor engaged in a guitar lesson, starting with an assessment of the Student's current skills, including chord knowledge and musical interests. They learned how to read lead sheets, practiced chord changes and timing using "Ring of Fire," and explored a country-specific "backbeat strumming" technique. The session concluded with a discussion of future learning goals, including a plan to fully learn "Check Yes or No" by George Strait.

Country Backbeat Strumming Technique

Applying Chords to Songs: 'Ring of Fire' Analysis

Personalized Song Learning & Practice Strategy

Understanding Lead Sheets for Guitar

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Student learned 30 days ago

The Student and Tutor practiced guitar tuning and reviewed fretboard notes on the low E and A strings. They worked on power chord techniques and transitions for the song "When I Come Around," and began learning new power chords (D, B, G, E) for the song "King for a Day." The Tutor emphasized practicing confident downstrokes, drilling chord positions, and verbally naming notes to aid muscle memory.

Fretboard Note Identification

Power Chord Fundamentals

Guitar Picking Techniques

Song-Based Chord Progression Practice

Effective Practice & Confidence Building

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Student learned about 1 month ago

The Student and Tutor reviewed guitar fundamentals, including string names and power chord shapes. They practiced fretboard navigation using power chords and learned a new song, "When I Come Around," focusing on G, D, E, C, and A power chords. The Tutor will provide an MP3 of the song in the correct key for homework practice.

Guitar String Order (Standard Tuning)

Exploring Multiple Positions for the Same Power Chord

Playing a Song with Power Chords (Green Day's "When I Come Around")

Utilizing Open Strings for Power Chords

Locating Root Notes for Power Chords

Fretboard Navigation with Dot Markers

Power Chord Fundamentals

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Student learned about 2 months ago

Student and Tutor engaged in a Guitar lesson, starting with a review of guitar tuning and string names. They practiced two previously learned chords, focusing on proper finger placement and smooth transitions. The session then introduced single-note playing on the high E string (notes E, F, G) and basic music notation for these notes. The Tutor assigned practice exercises using a PDF and video, and recommended using a metronome.

Guitar Tuning and String Names

Rhythm Basics: Whole and Half Notes with Metronome

Introduction to Music Notation: High E String Notes

Basic Chords: Finger Placement and Transitions

Single Note Playing: High E String (E

F

G)

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Learning tools used in guitar classes

Metronome Apps image

Metronome Apps

PDF Sheet Music image

PDF Sheet Music

Guitar Tuner Apps image

Guitar Tuner Apps

Chord Diagram Apps image

Chord Diagram Apps

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Backing Track Libraries

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