Basic Principles

Our instruction follows 3 basic principles:

1) keep it simple = students are given printed lesson sheets that make the subject matter clear and easily accessible

2) learn by doing = students are given custom-designed audio files to use during their practice time to implement and develop what they’ve learned during a lesson

3) emphasis on music theory = music theory concepts are at the heart of what Guitar Lab students will learn

Emphasis on Music Theory

While learning songs is a vital part of a student’s musical development, if a student’s goal is just to learn songs, they can learn most popular songs by going to youtube, searching for that specific song and Marty (or someone like him) will teach that song. However, to speak the language of music, learning music theory is essential. But learning music theory is a process that takes longer, perhaps months or years, and requires learning concepts that build on each other over time.

Common music theory topics include:

1) How are chords built?

2) What scales do I use with a particular chord or chord progression?

3) Why does a particular set of chords sound good together?

4) What are modes and how do I use them in my playing?

5) What are triads & inversions and how would I use them?

6) How do I count when playing in 6/8 time versus 4/4 time?

7) What is the circle of fifths and why is it relevant?

8) How do I learn to play in other keys?

9) What is modulation and how would I use it in writing a song?

Benefits of learning music theory:

1) Learning songs & new music is far easier, as a musician gains an awareness of common patterns in music, such as song structures, chord progressions and the relationships between different keys, etc.

2) Being able to communicate clearly and confidently with other musicians, making rehearsal and performance times more productive.

3) Develops the knowledge needed to write original music.

4) Develops the student’s ear, since the student learns to identify chords, scales and song structures, etc by playing them and hearing them during lessons and personal practice.

5) Being able to more quickly learn another instrument, since music theory is instrument-agnostic; by learning the “language of music”, you can apply that learning to another instrument.

Guitar Lab provides students with printouts of simple, easy-to-digest materials for chord diagrams, scales, common song forms, etc. Various software programs are also used to create original custom-designed audio files that students use to accompany them while practicing on their own time. These files support the concepts that are presented during a lesson and provide students the opportunity to implement and develop what they are being taught. This also provides structure for the student’s practice routine, while also developing the student’s ear.

Online Learning

Why doesn’t Guitar Lab offer online guitar lessons?

For 1-on-1 instruction, online guitar lessons can be helpful, but assessing a student’s progress is difficult due to the size limitations of a computer screen, the lack of in-person interaction, along with the difficulty in reading a student’s body language, posture and hand positions, etc. Also, time is often time wasted resolving technical issues when trying to collaborate using different browsers, operating systems and internet speeds, etc.

Self-directed learning presents even more challenges. Students are unable to ask questions or interact with a teacher and it is difficult to avoid going down “rabbit holes” pursuing information that is not presented in a structured way, often wasting a lot of time. Also, it is difficult to maintain a commitment to lessons when there isn’t accountability to be at a specified time and place with another person.

While learning by taking online guitar lessons or by searching videos on youtube, can provide some positive results, in our experience, few people progress to the level they would have achieved had they taken lessons in person with a good teacher.

Music Reading

Most forms of contemporary popular music do not require music reading skills. However, Guitar Lab offers instruction in music reading for students whose goals require it. For students who want to play classical music or who are pursuing a career as a studio musician, for example, music reading skills are necessary. For these students, Guitar Lab uses the Mel Bay Classic Guitar Method Volumes 1 - 3 and/or the Modern Method for Guitar Volumes 1 - 3 by Berklee Press Publications.