Guitar Lessons

The constant battle in the pedagogy of guitar between technique and music (songs) is a common topic of discussion within the guitar community. While many guitarists initially start playing to learn their favorite songs, some choose to focus on a technique- and theory-based approach to advance their skills.
It's not uncommon for students to come to us with the same issue - they can play a few songs proficiently but lack a deeper understanding of what they are doing. They feel like they've hit a brick wall in their progress. This is often the case for "self-taught" guitarists who learn what they want without considering the necessary technical material.
Teaching oneself without proper guidance can lead to inefficient practicing and playing habits that are difficult to break. While it's not ideal for students to solely focus on technical material such as endless scales and arpeggios, incorporating technique and theory into practice is crucial for development.
Scales, chords, and arpeggios are fundamental building blocks that should be covered, just like any other polyphonic instrument. Although a purely technical focus may seem daunting and dull, mastering these basics can significantly enhance one's ability to play and learn the guitar.
In the classical world, composers often wrote musical studies called "etudes" to develop an instrumentalist's technique. These pieces were musically pleasing, but their primary purpose was technical development. Classical guitar music provides examples of this, where many pieces feature consistent right-hand arpeggio patterns throughout.
In contrast, modern music written for performance often overlooks the necessary technical building blocks that guitar students need. A logically based musical and technical progression is crucial for a well-rounded education. By incorporating both technique and music into their practice, guitarists can strike a balance that allows them to progress effectively while enjoying the process.

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