Colton Charlie
About
Beginner Guitar Lessons with Colton Charlie
If you've always wanted to learn guitar but weren't sure where to start, I'd be happy to help. My lessons are geared toward beginners and focus on building a strong foundation while learning skills you can immediately use in real songs.
Some of the topics I teach include:
• Open chords and smooth chord changes
• Barre chords and proper technique
• Learning your first songs
• Major and minor pentatonic scales
• Blues scales and beginner lead guitar concepts
• Strumming and rhythm playing
• Understanding guitars, amps, and pedals
• Basic recording setups and signal chains
• Developing effective practice habits
I'm a singer-songwriter with a passion for helping new players avoid the frustration and confusion that often comes with learning on your own. My goal is to create a relaxed environment where questions are encouraged and progress happens at a pace that works for you.
Whether you want to play your favorite songs, write your own music, jam with friends, or simply enjoy a new hobby, I'll help you build the skills and confidence to get there.
Genres: Folk, Country, Americana, Blues, Rock, and Singer-Songwriter
Skill Level: Beginner to Early Intermediate
Teaching Style
Teaching Style
My teaching style is relaxed, patient, and focused on practical results. I believe people learn best when they're playing music they enjoy, so I tailor lessons to each student's goals and interests. I break concepts down into simple steps, explain the "why" behind what we're learning, and make sure students feel comfortable asking questions along the way.
Whether you're learning your first chords, struggling with barre chords, or trying to understand scales and gear, I'll meet you where you're at and help you build confidence one step at a time. My goal is for every student to leave each lesson with something they can immediately apply to their playing.
Curriculum
Teaching Method
I use a hands-on approach that balances technique, music theory, and real-world playing. Lessons are structured around each student's goals, whether that's learning songs, improving rhythm, understanding scales, or building confidence on the instrument. New concepts are introduced in manageable steps and reinforced through practical application rather than memorization alone. Students can expect a combination of guided instruction, demonstrations, exercises, and song-based learning.
Recommended Student Texts
No required textbooks. Students should have access to a guitar, tuner, and notebook or note-taking app. Supplemental materials, chord charts, scale diagrams, practice exercises, and lesson notes will be provided as needed. Song selections and learning materials can be tailored to the student's musical interests and goals.
Credentials & Affiliations
I am a guitarist, vocalist, songwriter, recording artist, and music educator with over 20 years of experience in songwriting, guitar performance, recording, and music production. Since beginning my musical journey in 2006, I have continued to write, perform, record, and teach music while developing my skills as an independent artist.
My original music has been released under my artist name, Colton Charlie, and is available on major streaming platforms including Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, and iHeartRadio. I have written, composed, recorded, and produced multiple demo records and original releases from 2007 to the present. My songwriting experience includes lyric writing, melody development, chord progressions, song structure, arrangement, and preparing songs for performance and recording.
I have performed contemporary Christian music, original songs, and acoustic material in churches, community events, and live venues. In 2008, I performed at the Spartansburg Festival in Pennsylvania in front of an audience of more than 5,000 attendees. I have also participated in online live performances, including one in 2009 that reached more than 1,000 concurrent viewers.
In 2009, I graduated from Corry Area High School, where I was selected as the male lead vocalist for the school's production of Little Shop of Horrors after being recognized through a school talent show performance.
My musical education began through years of self study, continued through collaboration with other musicians and bandmates, and expanded through structured instruction. I have completed guitar courses through Paul Davids and studied music theory through coursework at Hawaii Pacific University.
From 2013 to 2020, while serving aboard the USS Stout (DDG 55), I taught guitar and songwriting to fellow sailors and military family members through a command-supported program coordinated through my chain of command and the ship's Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) officer. This experience helped me develop a practical and encouraging teaching style focused on helping students build confidence, creativity, and real-world musical skills.
My goal as an instructor is to help students develop their abilities as guitarists and songwriters while building a strong foundation in technique, creativity, and musical expression. I enjoy helping students discover their own voice and find the confidence to create and perform music.