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
Chords and Rhythms
Chord Progressions
Ear training
Songs and Repertoire
Music theory
Guitar for beginners
Fingerstyle
AI 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 intermediate
Guitar for kids
Guitar for beginners
Guitar for adults
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 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
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
Understanding Lead Sheets for Guitar
Personalized Song Learning & Practice Strategy
Applying Chords to Songs: 'Ring of Fire' Analysis
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
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.
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)
Guitar Tuning and String Names
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
Introduction to the CAGED System
Optimizing Online Lesson Audio
Bar Chord Fundamentals & Root Notes
Learning tools used in guitar classes
PDF Sheet Music
Ear Training Software
Chord Diagram Apps
Guitar Tuner Apps
Metronome Apps

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