Name: How to Play Guitar 101 - Proper Beginner Techniques
Uploaded: 2023-07-13T21:25:50.487Z
Duration: 33 min 14 s

We are going to cover the basics of getting started on guitar! In this class we start at the beginning: how to hold the guitar, how to hold a guitar pick, and how to use the fingers to play a note (or two) on the guitar. If you are trying to just figure it out and see if guitar can work for you, then this is where you need to be! 

I'm here to help! Check out my profile page for some great intro lesson discounts!

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 Guitar 101 - Proper Beginner Techniques

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Electric Guitar

Acoustic Guitar

Beginner

Intermediate

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 my 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.

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!

In this livestreamed lesson, we will explore how to play the Top 3 U2 songs on guitar that you can consider easy. No need for delay pedals!
They are:

I Will Follow
Sunday Bloody Sunday
Vertigo

If  you wanna learn more songs like these, check out the intro lesson deal on my profile page!

How to Play 3 Easy U2 Songs on Guitar

Here are what could be considered 3 must-know guitar songs by the Doobie Brothers (hint: they are all before Michael McDonald - lol). In this Pre recorded live lesson I'll be showing you the signature parts to each of the songs.
Thanks for watching the lesson!

3 Must-know Doobie Brothers Guitar Songs

In this video I address and debunk 6 guitar myths that I hear from beginner guitarists all the time.


6 Beginner Guitar Myths Debunked!

Want to know how to strum the guitar the right way? Check out the video for some basic, get-you-started ideas and techniques to get going! I do have openings available. Check out my profile for some private lesson specials!

Guitar Strumming for Beginners

How do you tune your guitar without a tuner? We have all been accustomed to all the different tuners out there. How about tuning your guitar without any devices? Why would you need to know that? We will be talking about all of that and more.

How to Tune a Guitar Without a Tuner

How to play the song Already Gone on guitar. In this video you will learn the basics of the song as well as the guitar solo. Check out my profile page for more videos and discounted private online lessons!

How to Play Already Gone by The Eagles

Here is how to play Sister Golden Hair by America on acoustic guitar. Be sure to check out my profile page for more videos and discounted online lessons!

How to Play Sister Golden Hair by America

Take your guitar playing ability to new levels! Want to have an easier time practicing? This class is for you! Before you play your guitar, it is ALWAYS best practice to warmup the fingers. You will play better and avoid painful injury by doing some simple warmups. No need for guitar in this lesson. That means you can do this anywhere at any time! 

LIVE Recording: Guitar Finger Exercises I: Warmups

As you learn this song, you will cover a few different strumming patterns and chord changing techniques that can help you, regardless of where you are at, on your guitar playing journey. There is a lot here, so take it in sections and master that section before moving on.  If you need more help on this or anything else with guitar, please visit my profile and grab a quick private lesson! I make my lessons fun and enjoyable and tailor them to suit YOUR needs and goals! 

I do have TAB's to this song that include everything including the strumming patterns. Head over to my profile and send me a message so that we can figure how you can get a copy!

How to Play Give a Little Bit (Supertramp) on Acoustic Guitar

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!

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

A fun song to practice not only your strumming but also how to mute the strings while playing. 