Portland, OR Blues Guitar Lessons

Whether just starting out, or having played for years, the focus will be on helping the student become proficient - or to improve - in their ability to express themselves in the Blues.

Everything you need to achieve the styles of Blues you want to play, learning the chords, scales, finger picking, hybrid picking and how to apply them into the Blues as a style, so you can achieve your goals, even developing your own style and approach.

Blues guitar was my first true electric guitar obsession. It continues to be a huge part of my playing today. Having a strong blues foundation is something that any serious guitar player should have. Just about every music genre we hear today can be traced back to blues roots. I teach anything and everything about blues guitar playing. The blues method and approach I use gets musicians at any level seeing significant results in a short amount of time.

Experienced guitar teacher available for eager beginning students of all ages! I structure my lessons so students learn what they want to learn, while also building a strong foundation of musical skills. I taught myself to play guitar in high school, so just know the basics. I played keyboards, my main instrument, in several rock bands, so know some blues riffs that could transfer well to guitar. I enjoy helping people to find the fun in playing guitar!

Minor pentatonic, sixth-string root blues scales, transposing sixth-string root scales to other keys, blues scales, fifth-string root connecting scale positions, transposing fifth-string root scales to other keys, major pentatonic, fifth-string root alternating between minor and major pentatonic, 12-bar shuffle rhythm patterns, walking bass lines, how to add fills to rhythm patterns, using hybrid picking and palm muting, classic blues turnarounds, and expressive elements, such as finger slides, sweeps and bends and much more.

Open and individualized lessons will teach each student in a unique fashion to fit them best. Chords, theory and musical reading will be the main focus of these lessons. My individualized approach works well for many students so that they learn what they want, how they want, and see the results that they specifically are looking for.

Students can expect to learn anything from basic chords to advanced theory and improvisational techniques on their instrument.

I am a professional gigging blues/rock/indy musician with a strong understanding of jazz and blues guitar. I have toured while playing both modern and styles of blues and recently graduated college with some emphasis on blues/jazz guitar. I have spent the last 8 years of my life dedicated to my specialization in blues guitar and have a complete mastery over blues guitar and improvisation.

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

I like to format my guitar lessons based on what style of music my students would like to play. We could learn how to hold the guitar and use our fingers in the most efficient ways to build and learn chords, we could be tackling tabs and learning about finger picking techniques, or we could focus on songwriting, song structures, chord families, and theory. Whatever fit your style, you'll be able to play your favorite songs after we work hard together!

I've been teaching in the Portland Metro area for over 10 years. I am knowledgable with many styles and very experienced with all skill levels. I have an Associate of Science in Music from North Idaho College, as well as musical instruction from the University of Oregon School of Music and Portland State University.

I've taught through Ethos Music Center, Youth Music Project, Chordination, as well as maintain my own studio.

My main objective is to find an angle that will help the student cultivate a love for playing the guitar. I incorporate classical notation as well as reading tablature, playing and understand scales, and helping you execute the style and songs that most interest YOU.

We will also be covering, but not limited to, how to transcribe guitar parts from recorded music, music theory, singing while playing, songwriting and guitar maintenance.

I also regularly perform locally and nationally. Past and present, I play with groups Ages and Ages, Rio Grands, Hockey, ...

Hi! Thanks for taking a second to read about me. I love music and that's why I'm here. Each instrument is a channel through which we individually learn how to interact with music. I chose guitar when I was a kid and never looked back. Now it's your turn to learn!

What I found most effective in my years of learning is what I'll teach you. Since every student is different, I'll listen for your cues and provide the guidance that you need. For example, some students simply want to play a few country songs and look to me for interpretation where other students what to understand the mechanics behind the theory and jazz.

I do believe some basic music theory will help you more quickly absorb all the music you hear around you and put it into a context so you can play it quickly, without reinventing the wheel every time. It's a great long term investment into simplifying music.

I'm great with beginners and I always learn something during a class too. I'm looking forward to ...

I have over 13 years of experience. My father was a guitar instructor for over 25 years, and taught me everything I know. I have won 1st Place in a National Guitar Competition and have been recognized by World Re-known guitar players and musicians. I have a huge library of knowledge and techniques for the instrument and theory.