Beginning Guitar

This class is for anyone who is new to the guitar. We’ll explore everything from how to hold the guitar all the way up to playing your first songs. If you’re just picking up a guitar for the first time this is a great place to start! Our guitar classes are multi-generational. Parents and grandparents can even sign up to learn guitar alongside your kids! Materials will be available online.

Guitar:  Preferably an acoustic or classical guitar, but an electric guitar will work, as well.  If the student only has an electric they will not be able to plug into an amplifier during group lessons and will be very quiet during class. Guitar needs to have relatively new strings and be able to hold a tune.  Questions about guitar and string quality can be directed to the instructor or S.M. Hanson / Midwest music stores.  The Stiefel does have 5 guitars that can be checked out during the workshop if you do not own your own.  They are first come first serve and a waiver must be signed making the student responsible for any damage. 

Flat Picks:  3 to 4 medium gauge flat picks

Music:  All music, including accompaniment tracks, will be available to students online. If the student does not have internet access, please inquire about having physical copies made for the student.

Contact Matt Gerry with questions: mattgerry@gmail.com

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How to properly hold their guitar

Proper fretting technique

Various right hand picking techniques including - rest stroke, free stroke, and using a pick

How notes are laid out across the fretboard

Basic rhythms including whole notes, half notes, quarter notes, and sixteenth notes

How to read both standard notation and tablature

Be able to perform both with a group and individually

Bass guitar root playing

Play at least 3 musical pieces in front of any audience

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