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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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
Scales and Modes
Songs and Repertoire
Guitar Techniques
Strumming and Picking Techniques
Ear training
Music theory
Chords and Rhythms
CoTutorAI modules
Summary
Podcast
Quiz
Learnings
Flashcard
Spotlight
Zero Risk Guaranteed
15-days refund
Free tutor swap
No cancel fee
1-yr validity
24/7 support
Learner for guitar lessons
Guitar for kids
Guitar for beginners
Guitar for adults
Guitar for intermediate
Rated 5 stars for engaging guitar lessons
94% students find the lessions fun, focused, and easy to follow
Guitar lessons have strong results in a short time
91% Parent feel they kids have started playing songs within weeks
Guitar lessons that balance theory and fun
Includes just enough music theory to support practical learning
Types of guitar lessons
Acoustic Guitar
Electric Guitar
Bass Guitar
Guitar concepts taught by Eric
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)
Power Chord Fundamentals
Fretboard Navigation with Dot Markers
Locating Root Notes for Power Chords
Utilizing Open Strings for Power Chords
Playing a Song with Power Chords (Green Day's "When I Come Around")
Exploring Multiple Positions for the Same Power Chord
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
Single Note Playing: High E String (E
F
G)
Basic Chords: Finger Placement and Transitions
The Student and Tutor engaged in an introductory guitar lesson covering technical audio setup, fundamental chord theory using the CAGED system, and initial concepts for lead guitar improvisation with the pentatonic scale. They also discussed the Student's goal to improve alternate picking technique. Future lessons were outlined to be flexible, focusing on the Student's specific interests in alternate chord positions, lead playing, and advanced techniques.
Fretboard Fluidity & Lick Integration
Developing Consistent Pick Articulation
Extending Pentatonic Scale Shapes
Optimizing Online Lesson Audio
Bar Chord Fundamentals & Root Notes
Introduction to the CAGED System
The Student and Tutor reviewed basic guitar techniques, including finger stretching and string names, and practiced G7 and C chords. The session introduced and extensively practiced power chords on both the E and A strings, with a detailed explanation of fretboard note logic. The Tutor also demonstrated how to use amplifier settings to achieve a distorted guitar sound, and assigned practice on power chords and fretboard note identification for the next week.
Optimal Guitar and Hand Positioning
Guitar String Names & Basic Tuning
Understanding & Playing Power Chords
Fretboard Note Logic: The 'Half-Step' Rule
Introduction to Full C Major and G7 Chords
Exploring Guitar Amp Settings: Distortion/Drive
Student and Tutor reviewed guitar tuning and practiced two one-finger chords, G7 and C, focusing on smooth transitions. They then introduced and practiced power chords, discussing proper finger placement and hand posture for this essential rock technique. The Student was assigned to print a chord chart and connect their amplifier for the next session.
Tuning Review & String Names
One-Finger Chords: G7 and C
Strumming & Chord Transitions
Introduction to Power Chords (G5)
Power Chord Technique: Hand Position & Muting
Sliding Power Chords & Note Names
Safe Practice & Injury Prevention
The Student received their first guitar lesson, covering basic guitar anatomy, string names, and the concept of tuning using an online tuner. They learned and practiced two beginner chords, G7 and C, applying them to a simple song, "Paperback Writer." The Tutor outlined a personalized lesson plan to focus on the Student's interest in metal music and power chords.
Tuning Your Electric Guitar
Guitar Fundamentals & Setup
Playing Your First Song: "Paperback Writer"
Basic Strumming and Chord Transitions
Learning Your First One-Finger Chords (G7 & C)
Learning tools used in guitar classes
Chord Diagram Apps
PDF Sheet Music
Backing Track Libraries
Metronome Apps
Guitar Tuner Apps
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Every tutor is interviewed and selected for subject expertise and teaching skill.