Guitar Foundations is a five lesson series (one class every two weeks) designed to help you establish the essential techniques of guitar playing. Together we will cover everything needed to enable you to tune a guitar, hold the instrument with proper posture and develop safe and healthy techniques for the left and right hands (fingerpicking and strumming).
Guitar Foundations will guide you through basic principles of rhythm, melody (intervals/scales) and harmony (chords) in a way that is clear, digestible and easy to understand. With this thorough, systematic approach we will apply all of the information culminating in learning a song by the conclusion of the course.
*Participants will receive links to digital teaching materials including diagrams, spreadsheets and videos as part of the course.
**Classes can be attended live as they air, or viewed later via link in email when convenient.
***The information and techniques covered in this course apply to all types of guitars - classical (nylon), steel string (acoustic or electric), etc.
Lesson 1 (May 6) - Guitar Anatomy, Names of the Strings, How to Tune a Guitar, Left and Right Hand Technique
Lesson 2 (May 20) - Basic Chords, Fingerpicking Exercises for the Right Hand, How to Practice with a metronome
Lesson 3 (June 3) - Basic Chords continued, Strumming Techniques and Fingerpicking continued
Lesson 4 (June 17) - Applying techniques to a simple song
Lesson 5 (July 1) - Introduction to the C Major Scale, Q+A, Optional student performance, Next Steps...
What you will need:
A properly functioning guitar (common issues and simple repairs will be addressed in the first lesson as needed)
A guitar tuner (either physical or an app on the phone, there are many free or paid apps available)
A metronome (physical/mechanical or digital app)
A pencil and notebook dedicated to guitar/music study
Suggested Donation: $150 for full series or $30 for a single class; no one will be turned away for lack of funds; email us for support.
You may sign up for the whole series or attend a single class.
Adrian DiMatteo (B.M. Jazz Guitar Performance, Eastman School of Music) is an international performing and recording artist, music educator and sound healer with over 18 years’ experience in the music world. He performs original and popular songs, children’s music and carries sacred chants and mantras from ancient native, tribal, and indigenous cultures. He is also the creator of “Chord Atlas”, an iOS app for aspiring guitarists of all levels.
Adrian teaches guitar, voice, music theory, songwriting and the principles of sound healing. His workshops, lessons and private sessions draw upon both technical academic expertise and ancient spiritual knowledge passed down by elders of the traditions, including his teacher Maestro Manuel Rufino of the Golden Drum in New York.
Adrian regularly facilitates and takes part in healing retreats and workshops around the world, including service for hospitals, senior centers, and children’s programs. He is a passionate educator who understands that creativity and heart-centered self-expression are keys to a healthy life.
Adrian offers workshops on the principles of sound healing, opening your voice, guitar and music theory, meditation, song study, poetry/songwriting/composition and music for children.
Connect, learn and listen at: www.adriandimatteo.com
Social Media
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/adriandimatteo
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/adriandimatteo
Instagram: http://instagram.com/adriandimatteo
Bandcamp: https://adriandimatteo.bandcamp.com
Soundcloud: http://soundcloud.com/adriandimatteo
E-Mail: adriandimatteo@gmail.com
Guitar Handbook: https://appadvice.com/app/guitar-handbook/1059621385