Looking for acoustic guitar lessons in Dundee? I offer tuition in traditional folk accompaniment and fingerpicking or fingerstyle guitar playing. In-person and online lessons available.

I provide acoustic guitar classes in and around Dundee. If you want to learn accoustic guitar or fingerstyle guitar I would love to hear from you. Whether you are a beginner or a more advanced player, I can help you get the most from your instrument in a relaxed environment.

This page explains a bit more about the acoustic guitar styles that you can learn with me, with examples of folk accompaniment, and fingerstyle or fingerpicking guitar. If this is the type of sound you are wanting to learn then please get in touch.

I live in the countryside just to the north of Dundee, having moved here permanently in 2022. I’d previously been living and teaching in Edinburgh for many years (hence the website address!). I have a waiting list for acoustic guitar lessons in Edinburgh, but most of my time is now spent around Dundee.

Fingerstyle, or Fingerpicking guitar

Fingerstyle playing is very versatile and can be heard in lots of different types of music. It’s a percussive style commonly heard in country and folk music. Fingerstyle, or fingerpicking guitar involves using your thumb and fingers independently in order to play each string individually (compared to strumming). Complex patterns can be built up which combine melody, chords, bass lines, harmony and rhythm. During lessons we would work on developing:

  • Rhythm/picking hand position and technique, using each finger independently
  • Fretting hand strength
  • Knowledge of the guitar neck and chord positions
  • A repertoire of pieces that progress your technical skills
  • Arrangements of your favourite songs or tunes

Folk guitar accompaniment

This is the kind of playing you might hear at sessions or ceilidh dances where the guitarist provides chordal and rhythmic accompaniment for the melody players or a singer. During guitar lessons we would work on developing:

  • Rhythm hand technique, use of a plectrum for strumming and picking
  • Fretting hand strength
  • Knowledge of the guitar neck and chord positions
  • A repertoire of tunes you can accompany or lead by picking out on the guitar
  • Techniques to help you play and sing at the same time

Da Lounge Bar/The Shores of Lough Gowna (Annlaug Børsheim/Trad) – Played by Rachel Walker and Michael Starkey

What to expect from guitar lessons

You do not need to have any prior experience, knowledge of musical theory or ability to read music in order to be able to play the guitar! We can go at whatever pace best suits you and I encourage learning by ear. To help with this I like to send students audio recordings and guitar tablature to support practice at home. If you’re unfamiliar with tablature we can go through how it works together.

I am based in the countryside just outside Dundee and you are welcome to come to my house for lessons – it’s a relaxing and inspiring environment! Or if you prefer I can visit you anywhere in Dundee or the surrounding area.

What instrument should I bring?

Hopefully you’ll have your own acoustic guitar to practise on. There are many types of acoustic guitar available and any of these are fine for learning on. The important thing is to make sure your instrument is the right size for you (i.e. it’s comfortable to sit with and hold). If you’re unsure what instrument you should bring along please get in touch using the contact form and I’ll be happy to answer any questions.

Lesson cancellation policy

Please note that once we have agreed on a date/time for a lesson I will consider it booked in the diary. If you wish to cancel a booked lesson (unless in exceptional circumstances) and we cannot find a suitable alternative slot in the same week, I still require full payment for the lesson. Thanks for your understanding.

Get in touch…..

If you’re interested in trying guitar lessons please get in touch using the contact form or directly at [email protected]. Or have a look around the site for more information about me, banjo lessons and links to some of the projects I’m involved with.