Guitar Lessons
Patient, practical guitar lessons for beginner and intermediate players.
I offer guitar lessons for students who want to learn the instrument clearly, steadily, and enjoyably. Lessons are available for both acoustic and electric guitar, with a focus on helping students build real musical ability rather than simply memorize songs or exercises.
Whether you are picking up the guitar for the first time, returning after time away, or trying to move beyond the basics, I can help you develop confidence, rhythm, technique, musical understanding, and a better ear for the instrument.
who these lessons are for
My guitar lessons are designed for beginner and intermediate players.
They are especially suited for:
- New players learning their first chords and songs
- Students who want to understand how the guitar works
- Players who know a few chords but feel stuck
- Acoustic guitar students
- Electric guitar students
- Students interested in rhythm, strumming, chord progressions, scales, improvisation, or songwriting
- Adults, teens, or younger students ready for focused instruction
These lessons are not intended for advanced conservatory-level guitar study. They are for students who want a clear, encouraging, and practical path toward becoming more capable musicians.
what students can learn
Chords and Rhythm
Students learn open chords, barre chords, chord transitions, strumming patterns, timing, rhythm, and how to play smoothly through complete songs.
Technique
We work on hand position, picking, fretting, muting, clean tone, coordination, and the habits that make guitar playing easier over time.
Songs and Musical Style
Students can learn songs appropriate to their level while also learning the musical ideas behind those songs.
Scales and Improvisation
For students ready to move beyond basic chords, lessons may include pentatonic scales, major and minor scales, simple improvisation, melodic phrasing, and fretboard familiarity.
Music Theory for Guitar
I teach practical theory as it applies directly to the instrument: keys, chord progressions, intervals, scale patterns, rhythm, and how songs are built.
Playing by Ear and Musical Confidence
Students can work on hearing chord changes, recognizing patterns, and becoming less dependent on tabs or diagrams over time.
my approach
My goal is to help students make steady, visible progress without becoming overwhelmed.
I teach guitar in a practical, step-by-step way. Students need to understand what to practice, why it matters, and how it connects to actual music. I try to balance fundamentals with enjoyment: technique, rhythm, theory, and ear training are important, but students also need to play music they care about.
A typical lesson may include warmups, review of previous material, focused skill work, a song or musical example, and a clear practice assignment for the week.
I want students to leave each lesson knowing exactly what to work on next.
experience
My ability to teach guitar comes from 24 years of practical and formal experience playing both the acoustic and the electric guitars.
I have experience recording and mastering music and working in live performance settings, which helps me teach not only the mechanics of the instrument but also musicianship, tone, rhythm, and how guitar fits into real musical contexts.
I also have had extensive opportunities leading and playing lead guitar in corporate worship in evangelical settings. I am able to coach church musicians and lead guitarists in the art of helpful, stylistic accompaniment.
lesson format
I offer both online and in-person guitar lessons, depending on schedule, location, and student needs.
Lessons may be available as:
- Weekly lessons
- Occasional coaching sessions
- Short-term beginner instruction
- Intermediate skill-building
- Help preparing a specific song, performance, or recording
In-person lessons may be available in or near the West Monroe, Louisiana area, depending on location and schedule.
Online lessons are available for students who have a reliable internet connection and a setup where I can clearly see and hear their playing.
what students need
Students should have:
- A playable acoustic or electric guitar
- A tuner
- Picks, if using a pick
- A notebook or folder for lesson materials
- For electric guitar: an amp
- For online lessons: a device with camera and microphone
Beginners are welcome. Students do not need to know how to read music before starting.
request guitar lessons
If you are interested in guitar lessons, please fill out the form below. I will follow up about availability, format, goals, and whether online or in-person lessons are the best fit.
James W. Gunter 