Bernard McLaughlin

I teach pupils via Zoom from all over the world, so location and timezone is not a barrier. I have an Masters Degree in Composition and a Licentiate in Music Teaching. 

I have over 30yrs experience teaching music and the guitar and can help you whatever your current level. Beginners are always welcome and my tuition is fully inclusive, so if you have any special needs or learning difficulties please do not think this is a barrier to learning the guitar. Get in touch I'll be happy to help.

Musical Styles include: Folk, Rock, Pop, Classical, Jazz, Blues, Reggae, Punk, Basic Improvisation, Advanced Improvisation, Songwriting and more...

Areas Covered include:

** Round the Campfire Course **   - Like the idea of just picking up the guitar and playing through some songs (campfire optional...but you get the image)? Almost all of my pupils, regardless of what direction they want to take their guitar journey, will learn the skills required to pick up a buskers songbook and play some campfire classics.

** Beginner Electric/Acoustic/Classical Guitar ** -  whether you want to prepare for guitar exams (all syllabuses and grades covered) or just learn the styles and songs of your favorite guitarists I can help. If you are a complete beginner, just starting your musical journey on the guitar you will find me a patient, understanding teacher and I will be glad help.

 - Basic techniques - lets not bake in bad habits. I will help make sure that from day one you develop great playing and practice habits and make sure you don't hinder your future playing with poor technique.

Intermediate to Advanced Guitar Concepts include:

** Fretboard Mastery ** - Understanding the fretboard is essential if you want to take your playing to another level. I can help you to de-mystify the fretboard structure and how you can use this information to elevate your playing.

** Picking Technique ** - Poor picking technique is one of the biggest issues with self/badly taught players. I can help retrain and tidy your technique so you can reach your full potential.

** Pentatonic Mastery ** - The meat and 2 veg of the lead guitar world...the Pentatonic scales. I will show you how to play and understand the major and minor pentatonics all over the neck, in all keys and how to use them to improvise over you favorite genre of music.

** Breaking Out of the Scale Boxes ** - A common problem is getting stuck in a scale box, leaving your playing predictable and stale. I will show you how to break free of the boxes and unleash your lead playing all over the neck...and don't worry, those boxed scales are still useful so you haven't wasted any time there. 

** Improvisation ** - Basic concepts through to advanced phrasing and melodic development.

** Modes ** - Often the most confusing and overly complicated concept taught for your lead playing are the modes. I can help simplify this for you and help you to incorporate the modes into your guitar playing in a meaningful, logical way.