Name: How to Play Closer to the Heart (Rush) on acoustic guitar
Uploaded: 2023-04-25T18:13:05.897Z
Duration: 8 min 14 s
Description: A very cool picking intro to this iconic Rush song! The strumming sections are fairly straightforward and only use 3 chords. Once you learn this song, you will have improved your picking technique if it was something you needed to work on. Have fun!

A very cool picking intro to this iconic Rush song! The strumming sections are fairly straightforward and only use 3 chords. Once you learn this song, you will have improved your picking technique if it was something you needed to work on. Have fun!

Acoustic Guitar

Want to have FUN learning and playing guitar? Want to play songs and riffs that interest YOU? I would love to help you do just that! I specialize in teaching beginners and intermediate guitar in all forms of rock plus pop, blues, alternative, and R&B.

My focus is solely helping you get to where you want to be in your playing.  

I teach a proven method in allowing students to find a love of playing music that keeps them engaged in the process of learning over the years. Students should be shown how to bring their own personal style and creative expression to their performance. They should also be able to adapt and customize songs in a manner that keeps the songs recognizable and enjoyable, but produces a performance that is uniquely their own. This is a method that I strongly believe in.

Depending on the student's ability and willingness to learn, they can be up and playing songs within a short time, all while learning the correct techniques, chords, notes, scales, etc. 

I have been playing guitar for over 35 years and have been in bands with numerous styles from rock to pop to metal to gospel. I have 15 years of teaching experience. I currently play in a local Rush tribute band: Animation – A Tribute to Rush. You might also find me somewhere on a Sunday morning playing for a local church.

How to Play Closer to the Heart (Rush) on acoustic guitar

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Guitar

Electric Guitar

Beginner

Intermediate

Advanced

Taught guitar to beginners and intermediate students

Guitar Instructor

Among the many artistic duties, I was responsible for the development and growth of artists at all levels, all instruments. Wrote charts for many of the songs that were used. Led the bands. Overseen auditions for all instruments, including vocals.

Music and Arts Director

Lead guitarist for the long running, Chicago area, Rush tribute band Animation.

Lead Guitarist

Guitarist/Vocalist/Songwriter for Water 2 Wine, local Christian rock band. Several songs played on local radio from our album, All Lines Open.

Lead Guitarist/Vocalist

Teaching guitar for beginner and intermediate students.  Specializing in rock, pop, blues, metal, progressive, and country.

In the 15 years of teaching, I believe in allowing students to find a love of playing music that keeps them engaged in the process of learning over the years. I specialize in all forms of rock, blues, and pop music. They will have fun and enjoy guitar as they discover their "artist within". Often they will learn songs from the very beginning. Through learning songs, they will become familiar and proficient with technique, scales, chords, etc.

Tony is helping me improve my technique via the vehicle of learning some Rush songs. My vibrato, bending and pinch harmonics are really improving and its helped get unstuck from my plateau.

I am a 64 year old who has always wanted to learn guitar.  I have owned a guitar for 5 decades and could never play.  Thanks to Tony, I have begun to make music come out of my instrument. His patience and customized teaching to the music l like listen/play have made my learning experience enjoyable and effective.  I highly recommend Tony for anyone wishing to learn guitar.

Really good fundamental exercises to start a playing foundation with.

I have been taking lessons with Tony for 6+ years. Tony has been very patient & supportive as I’ve worked to play the guitar. I have exceeded my goals with his help. He’s a master of guitar & an excellent instructor.

I have been taking lessons from Tony for a few year now.  First in person then when the pandemic hit we switched to virtual.  Virtual has been great and convenient.  I really enjoy the lessons and Tony is a fantastic teacher.  If you like Rush...go no further...Tony is the best!   He also has so many great general guitar skill lessons.   Highly recommended!

Tony is the best!  As an 80s child, playing guitar was always dream of mine. Finally at the age of 39 I decided to call Tony and learn "a few things" just so I could strum next to a camp fire and give my kids the gift of music.  Fast forward a few years I am having the time of life shredding solos I used to air-guitar as a kid!  Tony's approach is fantastic - we learn techniques by playing songs that I LIKE.  No matter what you are looking to get out of guitar, he will find a FUN way to teach you. 
 Thank you for everything Tony, Rock on!

Tony is an expert at everything guitar. He is an awesome player and a great teacher. I would highly recommend Tony for anyone who not only wants to learn and advance but also wants to enjoy the journey as well.

We would highly recommend taking lessons from Tony G.  We have two daughters who both have taken lessons with him. Our oldest daughter, who is 18 now, started taking lessons from him when she was 8.  Our youngest daughter started taking lessons from him a year ago when she was 15 and is doing an amazing job!  They both enjoy working with him and we, as parents have always been happy with their progress.  He listens to the students and what they want to do and what they enjoy and creates a teaching environment that suits them as an individual.

Tony is amazing guitar player and an amazing teacher! He is very patient and has high expectations for his students. I really enjoyed hang Tony as my guitar teacher!

Tony is a great guitar teacher, and an even better human being. My son has grown immensely under his tutelage; as a musician, and as a person. I highly recommend Tony's Guitar Studio!

Tony is dedicated to developing artists. He is patient with our progress, empowers us to take risks, provides guidance when we need it and gives us a vision for where we can be in the future.

My son has been taking lessons with Tony since 2004. He has been an awesome teacher and very accommodating with schedules. Great experience!  Highly recommend!

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Tony G.

How to Play Closer to the Heart (Rush) on acoustic guitar

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