Student guide

Online guitar lessons — how it works

This is the setup and workflow. It’s built for working adults and working musicians: clear goals, clean feedback loops, and repeatable improvement.

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Teaching philosophy

I built this approach while touring with The Killers. It started as a practical solution and became the preferred method: flexible scheduling, high accountability, and no loss of clarity.

  • Diagnosis first: find the bottleneck quickly
  • Decision-making: choose parts and techniques that hold up under pressure
  • Repeatability: small systems you can execute every week

The aim isn’t “more information.” It’s better output: better time, better tone, better choices.

What we work on

Your “voice” comes from choices. We build the mechanics behind those choices:

  • melody and phrasing
  • chord progressions and harmonic function
  • song form and section contrast
  • integrating lyric, groove, and arrangement

Video support

After sessions, you may receive short custom videos when useful—targeted demonstrations of exactly what you need to drill.

  • reinforces the session without overwhelm
  • re-watch anytime at your pace
  • becomes a personal reference library

Core development (the two pillars)

  • Form studies: how songs create meaning—sections, tension/release, and arrangement economy
  • Sight-reading: pitch + rhythm literacy for faster learning and better timing

These two areas create compounding gains: faster song learning, cleaner time, stronger pattern recognition.

Progress monitoring

You’ll periodically send short recordings (phone or computer). This is non-negotiable if you want fast improvement.

  • specific feedback on what’s actually happening
  • documented progress timeline
  • performance confidence through exposure

Required setup

You don’t need a studio. You need a reliable signal and a clean workflow.

  • high-speed internet
  • webcam + headphones (recommended)
  • quality mic if you have one (not required)
  • Zoom (preferred) or Skype

Recording tools

  • PC: Audacity (free)
  • Mac: GarageBand or Logic

If you can record a clean 30–60 seconds, you’re set.

Guitar + essentials

  • acoustic guitar recommended (electric + amp is fine)
  • electronic chromatic tuner (~$20)
  • medium picks (~$5)
  • audible metronome (~$20)
  • Kyser capo (~$20)
  • music stand (~$10–$20)

Learning materials

  • A Modern Method for Guitar – Volume 1 (Berklee Press) (~$10)
  • NoteFlight account (free) for assignments

The method book is a tool, not a religion. We use it to build literacy and consistency.

Getting started checklist

  • Acquire the guitar + essential accessories.
  • Create your NoteFlight account.
  • Install and test your recording software.
  • Send your Zoom/Skype contact info.
  • Set up a practice space: good light, low noise, stable chair/stand.

Next step

Book a session

If you’re not sure what to book, email a link to a video or demo and tell me your goal in one sentence.

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Online Guitar Lessons - Student Guide

Teaching Philosophy & Background

I developed my online teaching approach during my time touring with the Killers. What began as a practical solution has evolved into my preferred teaching method, particularly since remote learning became mainstream during the COVID pandemic. Online lessons offer unmatched scheduling flexibility while maintaining educational effectiveness.

My mission is to help students develop their musical voice in a way that genuinely connects with audiences. This is accomplished through focused study of:

  • Musical melody and composition

  • Chord progression development

  • Understanding song structure and form

  • Integration of lyrics with musical elements

Teaching Methods & Resources

Video Support

After each lesson, students receive custom instructional videos that:

  • Reinforce concepts covered in the lesson

  • Can be reviewed multiple times at your own pace

  • Serve as ongoing reference material

Core Musical Development

The foundation of my teaching approach centers on two key elements:

  1. Musical Form Studies

    • Understanding composition structure

    • Learning how music creates meaningful experiences

    • Grasping the "big picture" of musical storytelling

  2. Sight-Reading Development

    • Mastering pitch recognition

    • Developing rhythmic precision

    • Building fundamental musical literacy

These skills lead to:

  • Faster song learning

  • Improved timing accuracy

  • Enhanced pattern recognition

  • Better musical comprehension

Progress Monitoring

Students must regularly submit recordings using their phone or computer. This practice:

  • Enables specific feedback on performance

  • Creates a documented progress timeline

  • Builds performance confidence

Required Equipment & Materials

Technology Requirements

  • Computer setup:

    • High-speed internet connection

    • Webcam

    • Quality microphone

    • Headphones (recommended)

  • Recording software options:

    • PC: Audacity (free)

    • Mac: GarageBand or Logic

  • Video platform account (Zoom or Skype)

Musical Equipment

  • Guitar ($100+)

    • Acoustic recommended

    • Electric with amp acceptable

  • Essential accessories:

    • Electronic chromatic tuner ($20)

    • Medium-gauge picks ($5)

    • Audible metronome ($20)

    • Kyser capo ($20)

    • Music stand ($10-20)

Learning Materials

  • Required textbook:

    • "A Modern Method for Guitar – Volume 1" by Berklee Press ($10)

    • Available through Amazon (physical) or iTunes Store (digital)

  • NoteFlight account (free) for homework assignments

Getting Started Checklist

  1. Acquire all required equipment and materials

  2. Set up your NoteFlight account

  3. Install and test recording software

  4. Provide your Zoom/Skype contact information

  5. Prepare a practice space with:

    • Good lighting

    • Minimal background noise

    • Proper equipment setup