Acoustic Guitar Lessons
The steel-string acoustic is the workhorse of popular music — pick, fingers or both. I teach every level, from early blues and ragtime to folk, rock, pop and indie, in London or online worldwide.
The steel-string acoustic guitar sits behind most styles of popular music. Strum it with a pick, play it with your fingers, or mix the two — and it comes in a range of shapes and sizes, each with its own tone and feel.
Not sure which body size suits you? We’ll match the instrument to your hands, your comfort and the sound you’re after before you spend a penny. In lessons I cover the lot: early blues and ragtime through to folk, rock, pop and indie. And if you fancy a whole different world of guitar playing, we can get into bottleneck / slide too.
Everything the
acoustic can do.
Strumming chords
Solid rhythms and clean chord changes — the backbone of every song.
Plectrum & fingerstyle
Pick, fingers, or a blend of both — whichever the music calls for.
Riffs
The hooks and licks that make a track instantly recognisable.
Songs — yours & your favourites
Learn the tracks you love, and how to work out new ones yourself.
Theory that sticks
Practical, hands-on, stripped to what you can actually use while playing.
Reading music, TAB & chord charts
As much notation as you want — never more than you need.
Playing across styles
Blues, ragtime, folk, rock, pop, indie — and much, much more.
Bottleneck / slide
A fun realm of guitar in its own right, once you fancy branching out.
New to the acoustic?
We start with a handful of basic chords and strumming rhythms, then move on to fingerstyle and more advanced strums as your hands settle in. You’ll be urged to pick songs you actually want to play — that’s how you keep it fun and keep making progress.
Already play?
Keen to fill in things you missed over the years, try a style you’ve never approached, or iron out some bad habits with better technique? We can do all of it. Play well but don’t quite understand what you’re playing? I’ll help you crack the code — learn the theory you actually use on the instrument, and leave out the rest.
Playing for singers
Struggling to play and sing at the same time? I’ll show you the tricks that make the two lock together with ease, so your voice and your hands stop fighting each other.
Fancy a twelve-string?
Twelve-string acoustics are available too, and they sound glorious. I don’t recommend one for a complete beginner — they ask for extra left-hand strength — but if you already play the six-string, we can absolutely give it a go.
A quick note on the classical guitar
The nylon-string acoustic, also known as the classical guitar, is a different instrument with a different technique. If that’s what you’re after, head to my flamenco & classical guitar page.
Where lessons happen
In-studio in London SE16, at your place anywhere in TfL Zone 3, or live online worldwide over Skype. When the weather’s kind, studio lessons can even move out to a private front-garden area. Get in touch and we’ll pick what fits you best.
Simple, honest rates.
| Lesson | Format | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 30 min · one-to-one | Studio · online | £30 |
| 50 min · one-to-one | Studio · online or 4 lessons for £150 | £40 |
| 50 min · group course | Per person 12 sessions upfront | £14 |
At-your-place lessons are £40 plus a small travel surcharge. See the full fees, blocks and referral cashbacks →
Ready to start strumming?
Tell me your level and the songs you want to play. I’ll get your first acoustic guitar lesson booked.