VERY good information, Lauren. I'm 71 yrs old and have taught myself the basics with the help of RU-vid. It has taken me YEARS to understand that it's all about the journey. I don't have to be Stevie Ray Vaughn or Eric Clapton. Progress is slow but not painful and frustrating if you just remember: IT'S THE JOURNEY and it is unique to me. It's a life lesson that, once you genuinely understand it, can be applied to all aspects of ones life and you'll be better for it.
I had a couple teachers that made me want to quit. The one that stands out in my mind was a teacher that refused to teach any chords at all. He wanted me to sight read in all positions 1st. I left after a few months. The 2nd biggest obstacle was, believe it or not, my mother. At 14 years old she told me that I might learn to play some notes but I would NEVER be a musician. I'm now 63 and that still sticks with me. I won't give up this time.
I had a teacher that made me quit. I had a hard time learning and grasping the lessons. He called on me in one of the sessions and I couldn't give the answer then he said I don't pay attention. Right in the middle of the class. It was the first time with a guitar I was new only 9 years old and I really struggled from the beginning that was why I couldn't answer him when he called on me. My apologies if it looks like I'm venting but an experience I had would certainly cause a lot of people to lose their enthusiasm and drop out like I did if it happened to them.
KUDOS Lauren. I purchased your Seven level guitar system seven months ago. What sold me was the fact you are patient and work with old folks like me, I just turned 78 in October. When I started I didn’t know a guitar from a banjo…just kidding. Actually I’ve been exposed to music my whole life; piano, trumpet, church choir, and even guitar at one point. But none of it stuck, because I didn’t like practicing. It is different this time-you said this is a journey. I moved into step four…in fact I received an email yesterday to that effect. I don’t play any of the chord changes to 100bpm, but what I do play sound nice to me at “my speed” I’m sorry for being so long winded just to say “This Gal is the real deal”. Her seven level guitar course and her videos with their close ups of where to place your fingers and why are all excellent. Lauren is the best. Bless you girl!
That's why many of us benefit from your lessons Lauren: your lessons are so user friendly, pure and lean no grizzle! Many of my friends tell me they have always wanted to learn guitar and I quickly refer them to you!
I was so pissed off with my other guitar teacher that I was ready to sell everything and then I discovered Laurens guitar course. She has the ability to think outside of the box and her methods built my confidence up to the point that I can play 2 songs and do a decent job of finger picking, and this is all in 2 months time. I would recommend her course to anyone who wants to learn guitar :) Awesome as always Lauren :)
I had to brace myself for this video but I found that I agree with everything you say here. Even though I love playing jazz and diving into more advanced (in air-quotes) musical concepts, I LOVE teaching beginners of all ages and helping them to learn to play and sing. Reading music may be important for some players depending on their goals but learning to strum and fingerpick common chords and well-known songs is what is going to be rewarding for the majority of students and will allow them to start playing with others sooner.
Phew!!! Ha ha. Yeah, see you have skills I don't. I'm not a Jazz person so wouldn't be suited to teaching a student who wants to go in that direction. And I think being honest with your students about what you can and can't do is also important. Glad you enjoyed the video.
Hi Lauren! You're absolutely right!! There are some great teachers (on YT). But some teachers have no plan at all and mix everything to a confusing content. So you make no progress and learn the wrong things until you quit in frustration. It's so important to learn from the basics and theory up to next levels. Learning digital gives you the chance to repeat as often as you want. So courses like your's are perfect. The positive attitude of a teacher and the fun of playing guitar is elementary. Keep on, Lauren! U'r great!
Yep. 100% accurate, especially using the C chord as an example. I have done the same thing with the G chord... open G string, open B string and 3rd fret on high e. Makes a huge difference. Great video!
I’m 65 and resurrected my old dried out guitar from its casket of 41 years. I found you on RU-vid recently and so thankful I did. My interest in playing again has ramped up exponentially over the last 5 months, some of that because the inspiration you have instilled in me. I have started going to worship practice with our church group. Considering enrolling in the 7 step. You’re the best Lauren, keep up the great work!
I am doing the 7 level guitar course, and I strongly recommend anyone thinking of taking up the guitar to do this course . If you follow the lesson plan and practice the results are fantastic. I'm on level five at the moment and already looking at the other courses of Lauren,s.
There are excellent guitar teachers online who are like you 🙂. You're one of them. You're right, you can know if you're progressing (slow or faster it doesn't matter). Thanks Lauren 🎶🎶🎶
I've been blessed to be awarded the Guitar Teacher Of 2020 by Guitar World Magazine and let me tell you, this incredible woman is SPOT ON on everything she says! Thanks Lauren!
You are by far the best video guitar teacher I've seen....I wish the internet, RU-vid and you had been around in the mid-70's while I was trying to learn the basics of guitar 🎸...trying to learn how to string, tune and learning chords was a struggle...while I was practicing back then my two college apt. mates would sit me out on the stairs outside our apartment 🤣
Hi, Lauren, Thank you so much for your videos, especially this one about the five red flags. I wish I had know this when I was 16, now I'm 67. My guitar teacher ticked all the red flags!! I'm left handed and went to my first lesson and was holding the guitar the way a lefty would, but it was my sister's right handed guitar. He refused to teach me left hand made me turn the guitar around to play right handed. His excuse was he didn't have time to change the strings around for me. So, I struggled to play right handed. He also wanted me to write out songs that I would like to learn. When I gave him my list he shook his head and said no, and gave me pages of chords to practice. Anyway I gave up. Until a year ago I found an online guitar store in Brisbane, Australia, I live in Australia down in Melbourne and this store make guitars for left handers at same price as right handers. I then discovered your videos and subscribed. I'm still a beginner but enjoying your videos. So thank you so much. Cheers, Lawrie
Wow you were preaching with basically everything you've said. I've learned alot from learning guitar by watching your lessons overtime, it's not to long ago I had one of my own relatives that told me they wanted to learn guitar and right when they told me that I instantly recommended that they go to your youtube channel and watch your videos immediately.
Fantastic points, Lauren! Actually, most of what you're describing applies a lot more generally than just guitar instruction. Developing a curriculum, planning a lesson, knowing your audience and adjusting your delivery to communicate with them effectively are all qualities of a good teacher of anything. Very often, people equate someone's mastery of the subject material with an ability to effectively impart their knowledge to others, but I've had too many Ph.Ds who were terrible teachers to think that's true. Sometimes the two qualities occur in the same person, but those so fortunate are rare gems. As a student, I'd much rather get instruction from someone who might not be a virtuoso but *is* really good at teaching.
Lauren.... at 70.. I'm very lucky to have ran into your RU-vid lessons ... also I'm very lucky to be able to move my fingers fairly darn well.... also I'm a lefty ...... Lauren... a girl with a vision ✨
Been there, done that. Thanks for the important lesson in avoiding wasted time, money, and confidence! As you clearly explained, there's much more to being a good teacher than knowledge.
You are a Damn good guitar teacher! I just love the way you break down songs to the point where you feel like you are making progress and are inspired to learn more. Thank you!
Wow, talk about feeling immediately inclusive. What a breath of fresh air. I am just finding the channel, but I am immediately subbed and looking forward to what you are obviously providing with generosity. Thank you!!!
I believe you are very patient person that's why you are a great teacher I think you play guitar beautifully I am just over 50 I took lessons over 31 years ago for a short time I put the guitar away life got busy I always hold on to my guitar where ever move too I took her out of the case few years ago trying to learn and play music I bought a lot of books I am glad I found you on RU-vid there's only three people I watch on RU-vid and you're one of them and the most I watch keep up the great work thank you for sharing big hugs and smiles 💜😊🎼
Lauren you are our music teacher there's no if ands or buts about it you in my opinion are the best teacher on RU-vid and I've been to them all and I return to your class and I'm not an idiot! I wish I were working so I could spend more on your courses... You're the best.... Once again... Thanks Teach... 🍎
After learning on my own and (with youtube videos) for 2 and a half years I went to a guitar teacher. I told him I wanted to learn Travis picking. He said what's that? I mentioned Big Bill Broonzy and he never heard of him. I signed up for a month but after that first lesson I doubt there will be a 5th lesson.
I can relate to what you are saying about working with disabled students. I have cerebral palsy and can barely use my left hand. However, I use a finger pick on my left index finger and I can still move my left arm up and down to strum, so I'm still able to play, using my right hand (which works perfectly fine) for fretting. I took guitar lessons for the first time about 15 years ago. I remember my teacher gave me six weeks to learn "Hotel California" and then perform it. Two weeks in, I barely knew the first chord! He was rushing me, pressuring me, so much so that I gave up and sold my guitar on Craigslist! (I've since bought another one and picked up the hobby again, but it took a while to find the courage.) I really respect your attitude and willingness to work with people. Keep it up!
Awesome! It's great seeing a teacher showing great care for her students and giving encouragement to those who may only see this video. You have me hooked! I've been struggling with what direction to take in learning. Going to start with your beginner videos. Not going to start on a paid course yet because it's difficult to often play through pain and physical limitations. But once (if) the docs address some of the issues and I'm able to sit for more than a few minutes without changing positions, I will decide on moving forward. And your course gets priority consideration.
I’ve been playing for 37 years and never had a formal lesson. I agree that lessons should have a fundamental start and a plan to progress. One thing I have learned is that you become what you listen to.
Powerful message and your red flags are spot on. Thank you especially for your acknowledgments about how we may all be at a different spot on our own journeys with guitar. I'm so much on your team!
You are so right on this Lauren, and maybe not just for guitar teaching. Your advice would go a long way in making this world a much better place, if everyone thought and cared about the repercussions of what they say. Thank-you!
Only had tried with a teacher once in person. Went there and a group was there and straight away playing songs he asked if I played before I said 2 months I couldn't keep up and left back to RU-vid again now playing for 2 years and love it .
Hi Lauren! It took me awhile, but I figured out why you looked so familiar! I think we were both part of the same online course a decade or so ago. I didn't stick around with it for very long as I picked up on some things I didn't like very quickly that I won't get into here, but I am very glad to see your success! I was out of the industry for a few years but got my love of music/teaching guitar back and recently started my channel a couple of months ago. All the best in 2021 and the happiest of holidays to you and yours!
@@LaurenBateman I'd rather not say here, but you get the idea, I picked up on things very quickly and didn't stay for too long. I can't tell you how happy I am for you I think it's awesome how good you are doing. :)
Wow Lauren!! That was awesome...Hearing your words on this subject was like a breath of fresh air. I think every new guitar enthusiast needs to hear your message. Thanks so very much for your time, dedication and eagerness to teach...I totally appreciate you sharing...Tommy
So True, years ago I worked at a music store. When someone bought a guitar they got 3 free lessons. There were 3 other guitar teachers besides myself. One was a college graduate who always spoke fluent theory. Another was a local "Rock Star" who would pretty much just shred for the entire lesson time, Then the other was a classically trained guitarist and was an amazing guitarist, just not interested in folk or rock. Then there was me, who was no where near as talented or as knowledgeable of guitar theory as them. However, more of my students who stayed with me for lessons after the free ones, and even some of their students signed up and paid for lessons with me. Which is why I actually learned to play the electric, The owner gave me an electric guitar and amp and said he wanted me to start giving electric guitar lessons. I know when I am learning a new song, I break it down to it's most simple form, then add in all the spice and stuff. Also it is awesome that you teach easier ways for your students to play a chord. It is better they play a smaller C chord so the can play and enjoy it, then give up because it seems to hard! Keep up the great work... The world needs more guitar players!
Hi Lauren you are so right I’ve had two teacher both asked me what music I liked when I told them I like the shadows and music in that style they then tried to teach me bar chords and how to play jazz And at. 60 years old with arthritis I gave up until I found you thanks so much Regards Derrick
You're welcome. Yes so many teachers focus on what they want to learn VS the student. I wasn't a big fan of country but then I learned lots of song for students and the genre grew on me.
Laura, I agree 100%, first I read your site completely so I knew your degrees, which is very impressive. But I further agree with teaching. I began this year teaching guitar to other disabled veterans, as I learned through the Guitar 4 Vets program, but my teacher because I picked up quickly and I do play fairly well. I do the same thing, I plan ahead before my lesson what I want them to work on, the on,y sad thing it’s only 10 weeks to graduate the program.
I wish you were in the UK - I would definitely want to have sessions with you because you seem to understand the teaching process in the same way as I teach tennis - not at all like the majority - get to know the person and how they tick - this gives you the insight as to how to teach them and as the teacher every person should challenge you to find the best way to break down what is necessary to achieve every little step. It is very hard to find someone that has that understanding. I imagine you are very busy - as I have a waiting list lol. Keep dropping these videos - they are invaluable. Thanks a lot.
To your point about the easy C major: In a band situation, I have sometimes been asked to not play the whole chord, because it gets in the way of the bass or the keys. It's full circle, in a way.
Awesome video Lauren thanks for sharing! I couldn't agree more, Theres a lot of questionable "experts" in our field - And yes my sight reading sucks too! James
I think finding a great teacher can be hard to find. I kind of made my old teacher work for me, but he kept me stuck in scales & finger exercises for 80% of the lesson. Then he wanted me to only play rhythm guitar while he played lead. So, I basically became his Avenue to Jam. We were stuck in the Mel Bay 1 book, & only sight read - he never really read Tablature. I wanted to learn the Blues. He would introduce Folk songs to me. I eventually broke away after a year. He did give me a good foundation, but I’ve learned more on my own by watching teachers like Lauren, & others. Beware of teachers who just wants you to play scales, or the Circle of Fifths. Boring music theory.
I was very fortunate from the beginning. I bought two guitar courses on DVD. One I won't mention, a total waste of money. The second was Learn & Master Guitar. Steve Krenz is the teacher, and what can I say, he is just exceptional. Weekly workouts or additional knowledge online and the 20 lessons and Advanced workshops on the DVD's. I am now 3/4 of the way through and have the L&M Fingerstyle, and the L&M Blues. But online at RU-vid, I am sick of the instruction that goes like "Finger on 6th string, 4th fret ........." so I generally avoid that. I read music.
@Grog: I did two and a half years lessons, four times a month. The problem was the instructor was one of the "what do you want to do today" guys. I was just starting, how should I know. He was a good person, but teaching for him, was just a revenue stream IMO. I did memorized several songs, and learned limited hammer on, and pull offs etc. I quit him and went back to RU-vid, until I came across the the Gibson Learn & Master Guitar course by Steve Krenz. I agree, it is a really good course. It is tough, and I am still plowing through it, but it gave me the structure I needed. I am 66 years old and left handed, I play right handed. I am not as far along as you are, but I can now play simple melodies by reading music by sight, know both many open and bar chord formations. Know various strumming patterns, and several simple finger picking patterns, even a little Travis picking. I do think music theory is important, but most books start out simple, and then get deep way too fast, skipping crucial steps or assuming you just know whats they are talking about. Much like many math courses/instructors I have had. Bruce Emery's Skeptical Guitarist Music Principles book really helped me. He starts out simple and does not skip any steps getting me to practical usable music theory I can apply directly.
Ironic that you posted this video because I was just thinking this about you. Your videos make me recall my days in martial arts as a young man. My teacher had a brother with his own school. His brother was younger than he was, faster and an objectively better martial artist. However my instructor had many more championship winning students, because although his brother was a better martial artist and competitor he was not as good of a teacher. I see other videos by other online instructors who play faster, more complex licks than you play on your videos, and that's very impressive, but not very helpful to me. Your videos help me improve because you are more focused on teaching people how to play than showing off. Your videos are very helpful and appreciated.
I learned piano in udemy around 10 years ago, and yesterday I enrolled to your guitar lesson there. I just searched "guitar for beginners". Showed me results with male teachers, but the testimonial video of that sweet old lady about your lessons made me sign up. I'm 38, married and have 5 kids and my motivation to learn guitar is out of frustration because of my children's guitar tutor. I don't know how to play the guitar, as in zero, can't even pluck the do-re-mi in a single string. My husband hired his very talented friend (who can play piano, guitar, violin and drums) to teach our children how to play guitar (as the first instrument at the moment). I taught my kids a little with the piano and they are happy, enthusiastic and excited. Their feeling spells different with the guitar tutor, they say it's difficult, complicated and can't understand the dots (chord diagram on the paper). I'm positive, it has to do with the tutor's teaching approach. Not sure how long will it take for me to learn how to play (I just finished printing the lesson materials, need to find a tuner, metronome, pick and a guitar strap; and my guitar is still in transit). I hope to learn the basics fast, so I can show my kids, it's easy, it's fun, nothing to be frustrated about the guitar and play with like making a background music for everything that happens inside the house, or while the youngest (1 year old boy) plays with his feet, something to that effect.
Oh my Goodness! So happy to have you in the course. Yes everyone's teaching style is different and I do think I add a much needed woman's touch in a world dominated by male guitar teachers. Let's get that guitar singing!
Hi Lauren, I would make one exception on the left-hander who is made to play right handed. IF, the person who is left handed, also plays the piano for a few or several years, his or her right hand has good dexterity, to play well as a right hander. On piano, we all play melody with the right hand, so left-handers can play pretty well as a right hander on guitar. I know this from personal experience. But no one should be forced to play right handed, if they have access to a l.h. guitar. Great points on your list.
I once had a guitar teacher (in a classroom setting) who is a pretty well known guitar player in this area. We got to the part where we were learning chords, and he was demonstrating strumming. After class, I went up to him and asked him how I was supposed to strum. (Meaning, what was the strumming pattern?) He just looked at me blankly and said something like, "You just do it." I'm 62 and I've tried to learn guitar several times over the years. My problem is I just don't have good rhythm. I've tried working with a metronome, but when I play something, it sounds nothing like it sounds in the instructional video. I guess I need to spend more time with it, but it's frustrating.
You just do it. Simple as that. Oh dear. So sorry to hear that. I do have quite a few rhythms videos on here. Search Lauren Bateman Strumming and you should find a few.
Hi Lauren, your comments in this video are outstanding and very inspirational !! Your style of teaching and mannerism is exactly what I like in a teacher, someone with lots of patience, and a genuine understanding of what the student is feeling as they try to make progress. I have only just started learning and only recently came across your videos. Even at my stage of learning (I'm a slow learner!), I want to say a big thank you to you for doing what you do.....you're awesome!! So thank you very much, and I look forward to learning as much as I can from you. Keep up the great work, Cheers!
Great video, Lauren! Of all the “teachers” on RU-vid, you are certainly one of the best. You inspire us beginners to have fun and keep at it. Thanks for all you do for us, may we enjoy the journey together!
The best teachers I have ever had taught me HOW to practice. Plateaus are normal, and good teachers help students how to problem solve. Changing chords smoothly was really hard at first, when I asked my teacher for help he gave me several ways to approach and practice, then reminded me-it takes time, patience, and hundreds of repetitions. Nobody escapes it- in a way it made me feel better that everyone goes through frustration- hang in there, and keep working. I’m a musician,/ pianist, guitar is a second instrument and for me I wanted a teacher with a music degree( I know theory etc). Finding a teacher is tough, it depends on your needs- and chemistry. I’ve been lucky.♥️
This is very common on RU-vid tutorial videos, where the teacher, is just being a show off and not actually teaching you anything. It's called exhibitionist teaching, what I love about Lauren is she is a born teacher, who is excellent at getting the message across. This is the mark of a good teacher, lessons well prepared and excellent presentation. I know I have spent almost 50 years teaching.
Excellent video! Wise approach about demistifiying knowledge...and not only in guitar plaing! May be your academic backround has helped. Please go ahead and TEACH!
I've had 3 teachers in recent years. All I sensed were not for me. The last who I thought would be the best turned out the worst. He showed most of the red flags but especially the last one. The problem I found with all of them was they did not adapt to me and my level. Teaching the basics is very difficult for an accomplished guitarist because I they've forgotten how difficult it was for them in the beginning and they can't put themselves in the shoes of a beginner.
Interesting! I'm a female guitar teacher too. I have a bachelor in jazz guitar but also in music teaching. And I think the same way as you. I feel that sometimes, people are good player but not really good teacher. You really need to go step by step and you need to take the stuff and make it easier. The student will have a result and he/she will have more motivation to continue learn the guitar. The only thing I'm doing that you say that you don't, is sight reading. I'm using fast track method book and I teach the students string by string, step by step and actually, after a while, I'm giving some nice tune in the easy pop melody (hal leonard). We can play together (melody and Chords) and my students actually enjoy that! It makes them practice to play some tune with other people that don't play the same thing as them. But anyway, I do chords and other stuff too. The most important thing is that your student needs to have fun. Other way, he/she will just quit.
That's awesome. Yeah I had a teacher who had a fantastic method for site reading a d it worked for his students. So it sounds like you have a great method and keep it interesting for your students. The bottom line is making sure the student is getting something out of it and having fun. If they aren't having fun, they will quit.
Great list. Only thing I would say, is If the student didn't practice AT ALL during the week, coming up to the next lesson with zero progress, its hard to follow through with a game plan/structure. Luckily I didn't fall into any of the categories you brought up so I don't feel too bad as a guitar instructor. There are times though, the lesson from last week will be part of the plan moving forward, and the students only practiced during the lesson and NOT at all when they were at home ALL WEEK. So theres that.
Lauren I had red flag #’1 & 4, on my very first lesson he gave a sheet of the circle of fifths,totally lost I was,I’m am scheduled for back surgery in September and as soon as I home on the mend I am signing up for your guitar course .perfect time to get back into it since I’ll have some time on my hands🥴I do know the beginner cords but my changes are slow…but I have confidence in you and in myself that with the right instruction I got this….thanks love your posts…
Absolute right,,I don't like when they say you must feel it,,teachers who count it out have more succes in there break down ,of course feel is a point but that comes with time I think,,for me it must fit the measers.
This makes me feel better because these things are all things I can't stand about some guitar instructors. I've taken in many students who came from previous teachers and a common complaint I hear is "all he did was show off". Many guitar players have big ego's and I think the feeling is they want to show a student that they are really good, but I am sure new students always assume you're good if you're teaching so you don't need to show off every week.
You are right. Some give you music theory and lot of music reading circle of fifths.and then walking out no music or playing occurred. Most of them suck as teachers. You're the best A couple of others are okay. Jonathan songbike Isn't too bad. But lately he has veered off in other directions. I am 76 years old . Music written to play is ridiculous. The way I write out songs is easy to play
i was left handed so when i was young no one is teaching me because it was hard for them. so what i did is i learn the right hand even it is hard. right now i keep doing it and im enjoying it.
Thank you Lauren Bateman. What videos on U- Tube. For those who know 6 or 8 cords, but have trouble strumming and when to change Thank you. You Awesome.
I had a guitar teacher who didn't give me an alternative to a full G and C chord. So I just stopped trying to play it as I really struggled. Ended up finding it out in a book. Just like the way you teach the G and C.
Hmmm, can I say something here. Oh, by the way, your video is excellent . Now, when you are older than 70 , then we are in bit of a hurry, well I am anyway, time is short (if you get my drift). My teacher asks me what I want to play, and that is a fair question at my age, I don't want to play some crap, I want to play songs that I recognise, so I am content finding songs I recognise on YT, I look at many, and I mean 'many', then find one which can be transposed to my chords and/or my fingers/wrist etc for my CBG, tuned to G. So I just wanted to say that for me, writing out the music for your guitar and get my teacher to transpose it to suit my guitar chords works really well, although I spend endless hours looking on YT . He always gives me encouragement, but at my age, I don't really believe it, but I am having fun learning anyway. The issue is where I live, there is nobody here who plays a CBG, so my teacher has to de-tune his guitar to my guitar, only 3 strings, which is good, and there are pretty much no music books for CBG here in Australia, everything is more about 6 string guitars, but nevermind. I'll never be a good player, I'm never going to be on a stage, but it's OK for me. I hope you can understand what I am saying here?
That's an amazing thing you have done! I absolutely love this. See you had an issue and found a way around it. I'm so proud of you for that. 💖💖💖 I can be a good player! None of that negative talk. Tuning the guitar differently has been done by many players over the years. Good players. Stick with it. Do the best you can but most of all have fun. Hats off to you my friend. 👏👏👏
It really depends on the teacher and the student. Many students do well online. Having an in person teacher can be helpful but many of my students have told me that my online course lessons were way better than their in person teachers.
We're on the level, you and I! Exactly my viewpoints..... Weird thing about the left-right issue though, is that I found that for a brand new skill (and playing guitar is one), it shouldn't matter, because your brain and your muscles haven't build up memory of it yet! Some things you just learn with both hands anyway, like ten finger system blind typing, for example! I am a lefty, by the way, and yet I've always picked up the guitar, and the violin, as right handed... left hand does the notes, right hand does the other job! For guitar, I like to learn finger-picking more than strumming, so I'd be 'training' the fingers of both hands in equal measure. You are totally right though in letting people choose which way feels best! I only found out 2 days ago I have to put my guitar between my legs (apparently classical sitting position), waist against my left leg, not resting on my right (standard sitting position?), because my left wrist simply doesn't bend that way far enough to reach with my fingers to the 6th string! It's fun, truly fun, to finally find those little niches that work for me! Thanks again, Lauren!
Nancy thanks so much for your comment. And yes, a lefty can learn righty and a righty can learn lefty. I often suggests this to students who have lost fingers. I have noticed with beginners over the years that there is a benefit to learning to the dominant hand. It's very slight and most people wouldn't notice it but I saw a lot of issue with the strumming hand. Especially when we got to more intermediate levels. Not sure mechanically why but was an observation. Again, so glad to have you as a subscriber and thank you for your comment. Much appreciated!
@@LaurenBateman, it's just weird! All the things I've said, I just signed up for your course, and going through the first intro lessons (accessories, what guitar, etc), and am now at the How to Hold Your Guitar, and there it is, you mention the classical versus standard! I just hear echos! :-D Cool!
Ha ha ha. That's awesome Nancy. I'm a big fan of options and guitar. just because something works for me doesn't mean it's going to work for every single one of my students. When I play my electric guitar I actually prefer the classical position.
I have taught many ciotôg/lefties, and I always suggest that if they have never held a guitar before they should try playing right handed. If they find it awkward, then by all means go left handed. Research shows that the majority of lefties learn to play successfully with right handed method. I only had two students who wanted to play actual left handed. The others all learned successfully on right hand. Look at the piano keyboard, lefties play piano right handed. I find that lefties do well with chords as they are using the dominant hand, they sometimes find strumming difficult. I am interested to hear your opinion. Don't get me wrong, I would never force anyone to do what doesn't feel natural.
I think that's a great approach. Right hand has more guitar options so that's helpful. I've talked a few lefties over the years and I find when we get into intricate strumming patterns they tend to have an issue with it. It doesn't mean I can't learn them but I just find it takes a little more concentration for them
Hmm. Before I started playing I had to decide whether to play left or right handed. I am a natural leftie but it actually feels more natural for me to play right handed and this is a decision I made on my own. It is easier to find guitars playing right handed - left handed guitars are harder to find, or you go somewhere a friends house, a party- they have a guitar 99% of the time its going to be a right handed guitar. There have been quite a few lefties who play right handed and play well; Duane Allman, Johnny Winters, Gary Moore, Joe Perry (Aerosmith), Mark Knopfler (Dire Straits), Steve Morse (named best rock guitarist in the world like 5 times), Kiko Loureiro (Megadeth), Herman Li (Dragonforce). It easier for me to learn chords, play scales. I do not play a lot of strumming songs mostly hard rock and metal type stuff (Kiss, Sabbath, Ac/Dc, Metallica) but my alternate picking is fine you, just have to work at it. I've only been playing 3 years but my progress is not bad and I'm an older player in my 50's.
Those are all awesome players but then you also have the lefties that stayed left like Paul McCartney and Jimi Hendrix. I think it’s all a matter of preference. I’m a lefty who plays left. I was once told by somebody that if you close your eyes and make believe you’re playing air guitar,which ever way you naturally hold your hands is how you should play.
I'm glad it worked out for you. You are right, it's much easier to find a left handed guitar. It's definitely not impossible, but it can make the process go a little longer.
I would have lost a lot of money because I would have gambled £100 to the penny that you had a music degree. Your the best 6 string Guitar teacher I've seen on youtube by far & I've been playing Rhythm Guitar for well over 50 years. Thank you Lauren.
My current guitar teacher threw us, my class, straight into the deep end. I had three different teachers throughout my school career and they all taught differently. The current one goes way to fast and gives way too hard stuff to learn. It’s only been around 5 months in his class and we’re already on fingerpicking and bar chords and complicated chord strum patterns. I was placed in beginner guitar again due to scheduling issues and this teacher was giving these sheets of fingerpicking to beginners who haven’t been playing for very long. Like, I understand if he wants to challenge us someway, but he makes it too hard :/ Edit: I should probably also say the I showed my complicated sheet music to my two past guitar teachers and they were surprised by what the current teacher gave his beginner class
Ha ha ha. I can be sassy when I want to. 🤣 I'm very passionate about teaching and it makes me sad and angry to hear stories from students how their teacher dashes their dreams.
I was born lefty. I bat both ways and play hockey both ways, golf righty and learned guitat righty. I feel like i could strum and fingerpick better with my left hand. I know many chords but cant seem to make any chord shape with my right hand. I have 4 years playing guitar righty and wondering if it would be worth the effort relearning as a lefty??????????
I wish guitar teachers would take the time to INTERVIEW EACH PROSPECTIVE STUDENT BEFORE THE GUITARS ARE EVER TOUCHED!!!! Too many teachers don’t feel out the personalities of the students, how they feel about music, what songs make them want to play, and most of all…THEIR ATTITUDE TOWARDS WORKING FOR A GOAL!!!!!!!
Lauren, agree with you alot, but disagree on this. A person's dominant hand should not automatically be the default hand for strumming and picking. In my case I wanted my dominant left hand to finger the chords, so I purposely play as a right-handed person. And I got good on chords fast. I was lazy to use a pick, but many years later finally did, and can also do Travis picking with all four fingers. Have all beginners try it both ways and give them the pros and cons of both. :-)
I have been playing since 1998. Luckily most of the teachers I had were pretty good. Also a lot of reading and research on my part as well over the years and still. Lessons are great mostly in my experience as critique and guidance. I have never taught myself. I would only do it if I had the confidence that I could put everything into it and really help people. From these horror stories, it sounds like some folks played guitar for just a few years and want to give lessons solely for money. I still take lessons at times for feedback on technique ,etc. The feedback is very helpful.
Love your videos, I’m a recent subscriber. Just wanted to pop in and say I’m left handed but I play guitar right handed. Not because of any teacher, but because it made more sense and felt more natural to me to use my left hand for the fingering and fretting. Strumming seemed easier to me so I gravitated to right hand for that. I sometimes wonder if left handed people think they HAVE to play left handed guitar, but it’s not always the case. Left handed guitar feels very unnatural to me. I’m self taught btw. :)
I'm left handed. The first lesson I ever went to with my current teacher whom I'm thinking about leaving now, tried to force me to play right handed. It took five lessons before he finally gave up and let me play left handed. I've always been left handed. I am still struggling with my teacher now and got told by many a people that I should leave him for my own sanity and go with someone else. I'm only on Grade 5 and the whole thing has been a slog and a chore. He never lets me do the exam board's fingering and it's either his way or no way and his fingering is so bad. I am only on Grade 5 and today he gave me a sight reading test with a piece for Grade 8! I can manage it, but the whole thing doesn't make sense to me. For a whole year and a half nearly, I battled with Grade 5 doing everything he told me to, kept up with his speed, fingering and really practised, knowing it would be easier for me if I could do the exam board's fingering. He totally disses everyone apart from the people he likes, but whenever I mention classical guitarists I like, it's a different ball game altogether. I am really unhappy and miserable. I got more enjoyment learning from books than his lessons. But I still want to do grade work. It's almost as if he has me in his power.
Aww. I'm really sorry to hear about that. I don't know much about the Grade system, but there might be a reason he has to teach you things in a certain way. I still don't know why you would have to play right handed though. 🤔
I work my butt off all week and then my teacher derails me with no plan ever and is inclined to show off chords I’m nowhere near playing. He got weirdly territorial over any music I chose even when he assigned me to choose something-and I think it was because he didn’t know that music because it was foreign. I also wonder if there’s a power dynamic problem too because I’m 1)female 2) am a professional musician but a beginner guitarist. He didn’t start from the beginning and every lesson is a pissing contest. So every lesson also I feel lost and like 20 mins of the hour is halfway playing and This helped me a lot. Thanks for helping me decide to try a new teacher
You are a realy inspiring Person and a awsome Teacher. No i am not one of your Students at the moment... I started at the age of 15 to "play" the Guitar for about 5 years and started it again in 2019. Now i am 45 years old. I found your 3 little Birds Guitar Tutuorial and a link to your Guitar Beginner Course for free, Amazing. In the last 3 weeks i get more inspired to learn anything on the guitar then in the 7 Years of self teaching. Thanks so mutch. Little Question about your 7 Level Guitar Lesson. There is a "normal" and a "Lifetime" option. Is this for the Materials or only for the Facebook, Zoom and Email Support? Grettings from Germany
Hi Ricky, Congratulations on getting back into the guitar! There is a Zoom Q&A once a month a Jam Session once a month with me. There is a private Facebook group as well to interact with me. Lifetime Membership also has some fun bonuses like my Fretboard Memorization course as nice copies and another special bonus I can't say publicly.
I agree that you shouldn't force a right handed guitar on somebody, but I'm left handed and play right handed, and I'm glad I did that, since finding a left handed guitar is waaaayyy harder. I don't agree that there's a dominant hand in guitar playing. Both hands are equally responsible, so I would tell my students that just because you are left handed doesn't mean you have to play left handed.
Great points. I've found students can learn to play Lefty or righty. But, I've also noticed left handed student who play righty tend to have serious disadvantages in their strumming. They can eventually work through it, but it just takes a little longer.
I wish my first guitar teacher forced to sight read. I’m just now starting to get the hang of it. It’s especially good the first time you see a piece and one off songs that you’re filling in a spot for and will probably never play again.
