Skip to main content

Why I Still Don't Give Lessons

 I had this conversation (again) the other day, this time with a friend who does give guitar lessons.

I, as a general rule, refuse to. Most people who say they want to play guitar really only like the idea of playing guitar. They want to magically be able to play anything, as if there's a trick to it. Well, there is. It's called working at it.

On the occasions when people ask for lessons, the first thing I tell them is that I will NEVER teach them a song. Never. Under no circumstance. What I would do, if I can be convinced to give lessons, is teach them the skills to figure out how to do it on their own. Trust me, it's ultimately far more rewarding this way. 

I could, if I chose, in one hour teach someone 3 basic chords. With those chords they can play a million songs. But that's not what they think they want. "Teach me how to play my favorite song!" No. I'll teach you how to figure it out yourself. Nowadays, if you want to learn to play that killer riff, I'm sure there's a YouTube video. You might learn how to play it, note for note. But have you really learned anything? Probably not.

Scales? Modes? Sure, I'll go over them and how to apply the knowledge, but I won't sit down and teach them or expect you to practice them. Trust me, no one wants to hear anyone try to play a solo using scales and modes. I would, however, try to teach you what to listen for in them. 

Chords? Yes, I'd teach you as many as you could handle. Understand chords and chord progressions and the rest is easy. Once you learn to recognize patterns, you can probably figure out any song you want to play. If there's a 'trick' to it, that's probably it. 

In my 40+ years of playing professionally, I've only ever once sat down and worked out someone else's solo. And that's because nothing else fit! (Hats off to Don Leady) I think I've done OK with it what I do. At least the hundreds of thousands of people I've performed for have seemed to think so. 

The rhythm section I usually work with, I've worked with off/on for 30 years. I don't think we've even tried to rehearse anything in over 20. We understand how the music is structured. As long as we're in the same key, and more importantly IN TUNE, we can make it happen. Sure, there's a lot of improvisation involved. I might even be able to teach that to someone...but only after they've learned the basics.

Flatpicking, fingerpicking, string and gear recommendations, yep. I can (and often do) freely give my thoughts on those. I occasionally will make a video lesson for someone on a specific subject. I do this gratis because I love to share the knowledge that was shared with me. It's how any art and/or craft survives, continues, and grows. 

Sure, I could give lessons, but generally won't. It's just far too aggravating for me. I had a student once question whether or not I actually knew what I was talking about, because he believed there had to be an easier way. Last I heard, he sold his (very crappy) guitar, probably at a loss. He gave up. That was actually heartbreaking for me. He could have been a decent player, but he chose to give in to his ego. 

So yeah - nah, I don't give lessons. If I offer them, understand that this means I think a person is worthy of my aggravation. It is probably the greatest kindness I can offer them. 

Remember this, what is a potential hobby for you, has been my life. It's what I do. It's what I've done for 45 years. I've made every mistake you can think of. I've figured out what usually works and what often doesn't. I'm sure you can find someone who will teach you how to play your favorite song. It just won't be me. 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Not At MY Age! (for the nebby folks)

 This will come as no surprise to anyone - I'm not a morning person. Those of us who prefer the dark, quiet hours of the night do occasionally have to deal with the reality that there is a 5:30 in the AM as well as PM. It's an uncomfortable reality, but that's just life.  I had to deal with the AM version yesterday. Long story short, I had a doctor's appointment at 8:30, had no idea where the office was, and still had to attempt to function. My morning routine is non-negotiable. It's really the only way I can deal with most people. Yes, copious amounts of coffee are involved.  I had a check-up last week. My regular doc (I call him "Doogie" but I'm not convinced he fully understands the reference), who is younger than some shoes I own, was concerned about a growth on my nose. I wasn't...but I don't have the magic letters following my name, so my opinion is moot.  Let me be clear, I've dealt with this before. As cancers go, my previous bout o...
Post a Comment
Read more

Meatball

 I was always a dog person. I grew up with dogs. Dear ol' dad was never a fan of cats. Mom loved all animals. But ours was a dog house. Plain and simple. My first experience living with a cat was thanks to a roommate. He had a 40-pound lump of feline ferocity named Meatball. When he moved in with his girlfriend, the cat was left behind, due to the girlfriend's alleged allergies. I believe the reality was more like she was allergic to the oversized beast's personality.  Meatball was just mean. Maybe that's the wrong word. In his defense, he was a foundling. My roomie worked at a pizza joint, and Meatball was found in the alley behind the place...noshing on a discarded meatball. This was the cat's preferred food.  Aside from his obesity, Meatball had ear mites or something as a kitten. His ears flopped down, not unlike a pig.  Just imagine a 40-pound cat, with floppy ears, and a bad disposition. Oh, he was mostly white with some black spots. On the rare occasions he w...
Post a Comment
Read more

The Alleged Life and Times of Wynn Rainey

Inspiration can come from the most unexpected situations. - MCM Everyone in town knew Wynn Rainey, but no one really knew Wynn Rainey. Even today, in and around Downey Bluff, the Rainey name will get folks to talking. As far away as Norwich, people still remember him. Everyone has a story, and more importantly, an opinion. Depending on who you talk to, some will say Wynn Rainey was a man of means. The Wenberg family, who owned and ran the local savings and loan, did a lot of business with him, if stories are to be believed. Oddly enough, there never seemed to be an active account in his name. The same people who told these tales were the same ones who’d tell you that assets are better than cash. Wynn Rainey always seemed to have the latter. Usually at least a pocketful. Some would tell you he was loose as a goose with his money. Some would tell you he could squeeze ten cents out of a buffalo nickel’s ass. Lots of the old timers will share stories of Rainey paying everyone’s tab at...
Post a Comment
Read more