San Bernardino, CA Blues Guitar Lessons

I have written methods that I have found to work very well in teaching the student all aspects of music and how to apply it towards the instrument. My methods include the essentials in reading, finger exercises, theory, and ear training. I like to prepare my students for any and all genres. The key is to teach the student how to teach themselves.

One of my favorite styles of music to teach, perform, and write music in! Love the soul in this style of music! Teach all levels.

How to play blues chord progressions, basic form, soloing skills, rhythm, etc.

“Jim is a blues-rock guitar master from Florida who can play as well as blues greats like BB King and Stevie Ray Vaughan.”
- Gail Worley
I have been an on-call recording artist and producer for Full Sail University for over 10 years. It is my duty as such, to have quality musicians available for both audio and video recordings, usually on very short notice.
I have also been teaching guitar for 40 years.
James is currently on several radio airplay lists with The Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, ZZ Top, AC/DC, Joe Satriani, Ozzy, Albert King, Led Zeppelin, and many more.

Because of touring and recording for decades, I've got whatever you need related to acoustic OR electric guitars. They are wonderful instruments and their creative potential is limitless....and ALWAYS exciting and inspiring. I teach you right out of my studio where I'm, most of the time, recording a brand new song for my next album RIGHT THERE. If I can do it, so can you....and I'll teach you how.

Instead of a rigid model of teaching, I teach by getting to know what my students like and get them to learn the guitar by songs they're inspired by! Guitar can be pretty difficult to learn especially in the beginning. So I want to make sure my students enjoy the process of learning as much as possible!

I teach on an individual basis as every student learns at a different pace. Each week is a structured lesson to help the student reach their individual goals. I have been teaching for 20 years privately and in the University academic world. I also work as a musician and artist. My background in pretty much all styles of music helps me access the students individual needs and desires for personal musical growth. I have helped students in every age bracket reach their musical goals. I HAVE A DEEP BACKGROUND IN JAZZ ROCK METAL SOUL R&B SOME COUNTRY, CLASSICAL, FINGER-STYLE BLUES AND OTHER NON TRADITIONAL FORMS OF GUITAR PLAYING.

I approach each student differently. Every musician and person is unique. That being said I believe everyone learns differently. I make learning guitar fun by focusing on music that my
Students are passionate about. I discover where their strengths are and build on them
for confidence as I continue to include exercises that build on skills my students are having difficulty with, without them even knowing. I beleive teaching music deserves a custom approach. I also truly believe if your not having fun playing music, you're not going to get better. I teach with the balance of fun and strengthening weaknesses. Theory, chord transitions and shaping are my focal points.

Guitar lessons with me are designed to help students achieve their musical goals. I place high importance on building student self confidence, through improvisation, composition, and technique building exercises. I also place high importance on the use of technology in lessons (beat making, recording techniques, amplifier/effect pedal usage, etc.)