Toronto Guitar Lessons in the Beaches

Toronto Guitar Lessons

Toronto guitar lessons are available here :-)

If you're looking for fun guitar lessons that deliver results - if you practice! (chuckle) - then you're in the right place.

ADULTS...want to spice up your playing? Been strumming the same tired ol' chords for decades? I can show you how to juice up your playing.

GUITAR FOR KIDS...you'd love your children to get more exposure to music and learn to play an instrument? But the Conservatory style or Suzuki etc. seem too rigid and stiff. Perhaps music's an opportunity you never had as a child...

Adults, teens, kids, beginners... all are welcome! Toronto guitar lessons - aka Davidson Yeager - is pleased to serve.

Learn the basic guitar skills that will last a lifetime. Plus, I can show you how to play the songs you love that are in your i-pod!

Basic strumming, classic rock, folk, blues, jazz, lead guitar...Toronto guitar lessons has you covered :-)

Toronto Guitar Lesson InfoPlease note that all fields followed by an asterisk must be filled in.First Name

Free Guitar Lessons for Beginners.

Guitar Theory Lessons And How Not To Get Dizzy With The Cycle Of 5ths

but in my humble opinion beginners are more than welcome!

To get the most from this guitar instruction I highly recommend having a solid grasp of the following fundamentals:

The difference between the intervals in a major and minor guitar chord.

The Primary Chords for the following keys: C A G E D.

Be able to hear the difference between a major and minor guitar chord.

Where the semitones are located in the major scale.

If any of the above doesn't make sense to you, don't worry! Click here for a great introductory lesson to help get you started.

This guitar theory lesson is divided into 3 sections for ease of understanding. Enjoy :-) And please feel free to contact me with any questions or feedback. I'd love to hear from you!

Lesson One: Secondary Chords and The Major/Minor System

If you already know that the 3 Primary Chords are built in 3rds from the 1st, 4th and 5th degrees of the major scale, great. What a lot of people don't realize is that there are also 3 Secondary Chords in a Major Key

Guitar Scale Charts and Free Printable Guitar Lessons

Free Printable Guitar Scale Charts

Start learning guitar major scales with these free printable guitar scale charts and guitar lessons. This lesson is designed to boost the skills of intermediate level guitarists. What's an intermediate guitarist? You know how to strum basic guitar chords to a few songs and also know the difference between a simple minor and major barre chord. You know at least one version of a power chord and also know the names of the notes along your E and A strings. The ability to do some basic soloing with minor pentatonic scales would also be helpful in getting the most out of this lesson.

Why learn scales? OK

How to Play Electric Guitar. Free Guitar Lessons that Deliver.

How to Play Electric Guitar...
with continuous progress

Learning how to play electric guitar can be frustrating. There's so much information out there. These free electric guitar lessons and videos point you in the right direction so that you can enjoy learning. When you enjoy learning, you tend to practice more. When you practice more you tend to get better. When you get better, you tend to enjoy learning...

Where To Begin

If you're a beginner, I would recommend starting with beginner guitar lessons. If you really want to learn to play electric guitar, please don't be in a rush. Make sure you get each piece of the "puzzle" along the way.

You really should know how to play all the basic guitar chord charts. Click on the preceding link if you're not sure. If you know those basic chords or variations of them, we're good to go.

How to "do" these lessons...

The best way to approach these electric guitar lessons is to take an honest look at your own playing. Just saying "it sucks" doesn't help you pinpoint the areas that need work. Read through whatever lesson you're working on carefully - and if there's a guitar lesson video on that page, watch it.

Go through the above procedure for each lesson that interests you. Not only that, but I strongly suggest repeating each of your lessons a minimum of 3 times. That way, it becomes like a seed that grows as you nourish and water it. It will eventually expand into all your guitar playing. It does take some discipline to learn how to play electric guitar - but it truly is worthwhile :-)

Fun - da - mentals...I spelt it like that on purpose. If you're like most guitar players, there are some huge gaps in your knowledge. Those gaps always point back to fundamentals. What are fundamentals? To start with, I'm amazed by how many students come to me and they don't know what the controls on their electric guitar are for. Or how to get a good sound from their amp.

On the other hand, If you've been playing for a while, you're electric guitar playing is probably "stuck" in a rut. You play the same tired old licks. In your case, you could benefit from learning the guitar fretboard more thoroughly.

People who are in the beginning stages of how to play electric guitar need to stick with basic stuff. Like picking, simple rhythm guitar, pentatonic guitar scales, etc. If you take an honest look at your playing, you'll be able to figure out for yourself what needs work. And when you figure it out for yourself, you'll learn more.

Take a look at the guitar lesson titles and descriptions below. The lessons are designed to give you top notch instruction on how to play electric guitar. I'm sure you'll find something that can benefit you :-)

The Lessons

Amp Settings
The place to begin if you don't know how to get a good sound.

Guitar Power Chord
A great lesson to get your feet wet with rock guitar styles.

Rhythm Guitar Lessons
Now that you've got some power chords, how do you make them "rock"?

Guitar Bar Chords
These chords are essential to learning electric guitar. This lesson will help you to master them and know how to use them. Also learn the correct spelling for "barre" ;-)

Guitar Finger Exercises
If you're serious about your guitar playing, these exercises will turbo charge it to the next level very quickly.

Guitar Pentatonic Scales
The scales everybody learns when beginning lead guitar. Find out how to get more "bang for your buck" when using these scales.

Free Guitar Licks
This beginner to intermediate rock guitar lesson will give you new ideas on how to play better lead guitar.

Learn Guitar Fretboard
Do you know the names of the bar chords you've been playing? Learn the notenames quickly and easily. Here's how...

Guitar Scale Charts
Start learning guitar major scales with these free printable guitar scale charts and guitar lessons. Designed to boost the skills of intermediate level guitarists.

I hope you're enjoying these free lessons on how to play electric guitar. There's a ton of value here - everything you need to learn and improve your guitar playing. Please take advantage of it. I'd love to here your stories about how you stay motivated with your guitar playing. In the meantime, I'm grateful to be a part of what inspires you to "keep dusting off your guitar".

Dave

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Fingerpicking Lessons Teach the Proper Technique for Beginning Fingerstyle Guit

Fingerpicking Lessons...
Start With Good Technique.

If you want to start learning acoustic fingerstyle guitar, these fingerpicking lessons will get you properly started. A free video guitar lesson is included to help you see what your fingers need to do. This lesson is best for those of you who already have some experience strumming basic guitar chords. Now you can add some new tricks to your bag ;-)

These instructions will be worded for right-handed guitarists. If you're a lefty just reverse everything. In other words, if I'm talking about your right hand, it means the hand you use to "pick" the strings. And that is the hand we will be dealing with the most in this lesson.

The 1st of these fingerpicking lessons will focus on the right hand technique exclusively. We'll also discuss a little about fingernails. In the 2nd lesson we'll use some basic guitar chords along with our fingerstyle techniques. Both lessons will be demonstrated in the free video guitar lesson below.

So... what's so great about Fingerpicking?

I'm sure you've heard some of the great guitar playing of artists like Paul Simon or James Taylor. You may even already have learned the classic Beatles tune "Blackbird". That's fingerpicking. Sounds pretty cool, doesn't it? Some call it Travis picking...which was made famous by Chet Atkins. This is a particular technique of fingerpicking which is well worth looking into. We will touch upon it in these lessons.

Of course, there are also more exotic styles of fingerpicking such as some of the folk blues and open tuning approaches. Those are fascinating approaches to the guitar but beyond the scope of this lesson. We'll stick with getting your right hand organized first. Then apply that to some chords. The right hand is doing most of the work in fingerstyle guitar playing :-)

The main advantage to using your fingers as opposed to a guitar pick is that you can have multiple lines of music. You can have a bass line moving along with the other "voices" of the chord. It's also much easier to add a melody on the top strings. You can also play 2 notes that skip strings at the same time. Just like a piano player.

LESSON 1

This lesson will focus on "planting" the right hand properly on the strings. The technique comes from classical guitar. This sets the stage for all of your fingerpicking endeavors in the years to come :-)

Planting is simply placing your fingers in a "ready to play" position. The flesh and nail of you fingers will be grabbing the string.

Fingernails?...Regardless of what you may have heard, fingernails are mostly a matter of preference. On nylon string guitars it's definitely a plus with both the sound and control. On steel strings it also helps...but some players do exceptionally well fingerpicking with no nails. No nails gives a warmer sound, but it's probably more challenging to get the same amount of control and volume.

There are plenty of opinions around...I would suggest "picking" up a good classical guitar book for beginners from your local music store. Try out what they suggest, but don't be afraid to experiment. I'll also show you my nails in the fingerpicking lessons video.

My opinion... I don't want something that's too difficult to maintain. I have a basic shape that allows my nail to "glide" across the strings without getting snagged. It also allows the flesh of my fingers to be a part of the string attack. Since I don't specialize exclusively in fingerpicking and enjoy playing piano, I keep the length as short as I can get away with. I also play classical guitar and have no major issues with tone or control. That's my way of doing it. You'll have to find out what works best for you and your situation :-)

Let's Play!

Before we begin the fingerpicking lessons, I just want you to aware of a basic point. You can rest the body of the guitar on the same leg as your picking hand or on the opposite leg. The opposing leg is classical position...if you prefer this way, you'll need something to raise your foot with. There are guitar footstools you can buy or you could use a yoga brick or book... as long as it's fairly stable.

When playing my acoustic steel string guitar I generally keep the guitar on the same leg as my fingerpicking hand. When playing my nylon string guitar I use classical posture. I'll demonstrate these 2 postures in the guitar lesson video.

Side Note: I tend to use classical posture when practicing on my electric guitar as I find this feels more like how it does standing up. I can also execute wider stretches with my fretting hand :-)

Watch the fingerpicking lessons video and then follow these tips and pointers...you'll also see Lesson 2 demonstrated. Just watch it for now and then come back here for some more tips.

Keep your thumb ahead of your fingers when fingerpicking.

In books, you'll see "p, i, m, a" . This is thumb, index, middle and ring fingers.I'll use the same terminology so you can get used to it.

Pick from your knuckles...not from the middle joint in your fingers.

Slow down! This is probably the most important advice of all. Aim for a good sound and clean production of the notes.

Practice the patterns over and over. A large part of good guitar playing is muscle memory. This comes by getting your reps in.

Try This...

Plant "p" on string 6

"i" on string 3

Guitar Chord Lessons Show How To Add Flair to Basic Guitar Chords

Guitar Chord Lessons.
Add Some Flair to Basic Chords

So your can strum some basic chord guitar... now what? These free guitar chord lessons teach some cool techniques that add flair to basic guitar chords.They aren't difficult...just takes some patient practice.

If you know how to count and tap your foot while strumming basic chords, you're ready for this lesson. If you can't tap your foot and strum go to guitar strumming patterns. Work with the information in that lesson and then come back here. Bookmark this page so you won't forget :-)

All the lessons in this 'Acoustic" section of the website are connected. None of them are truly independent...but they each stand on their own. Certain techniques or concepts that are presented in other lessons will definitely help with the techniques or ideas in other lessons. Sometimes its important to understand material in one particular lesson before going to the next lesson. When that's the case, I mention it and include links. So once again, be patient and have fun. Explore.

What these Guitar Chord Lessons Cover...

It's not necessary to "give" the whole chord away. Breaking the chords up into smaller pieces sounds more interesting.

Dynamics... What? Playing soft to loud and in between. Makes a huge difference in how musical your acoustic guitar playing sounds.

Using some alternate picking to arpeggiate the chords.

Maintaining a steady sense of timing while doing this :-)

LESSON ONE

This chord lesson is on how to break up chords. Read through the instructions below. Everything is demonstrated in the guitar chord lessons video.

Grab a C chord in open position. The rhythm is in what's called a cut time feel. Don't worry, just follow along with the video.

The beats that fall on the numbers are downbeats and the ones that fall in between are upbeats.

Hit the root of the chord on counts 1 and 2.

Hit string 4 open on count 3. Hammer on with your 2nd finger for the offbeat.

On count 4 hit open G string with an upstroke.You'll also need A minor in open position.

You'll be counting 1 2 3 4 5 6 with the strong accent felt on 1 and 4. In other words, we're in 6/8. Again, it's demonstrated in the guitar lesson video.

This exercise will use alternate picking throughout.

On beat 1, pick down on string 5 while grabbing a C major chord.

On beat 2 pick up on string 3.

On beat 3 pick down on string 2.

Switch to G/B chord.

On beat 4 pick down on string 5.

On beat 5 pick up on string 3.

On beat 6 pick down on string 2.

Switch to A minor chord in open position.

On beat 1 pick down on string 5.

On beat 2 pick up on string 3.

On beat 3 pick down on string 2.

On beat 4 pick up on string 1.

On beat 5 pick down on string 2.

On beat 6 pick up on string 3.

Whew! That was a long list of instructions. Once again, watch the guitar chord lessons video. It'll help you to understand these instructions even better.

Any of the other ideas for these guitar chord lessons are in the free guitar lesson video on this page.

I hope these guitar chord lessons are helpful to you and your guitar playing. Thanks for joining me here and allowing me to play a small part in inspiring you to keep dusting off your guitar :-)

Rhythm Guitar Lessons for Electric Guitar

Rhythm Guitar Lessons...
Add Some Sizzle!

If you're into electric guitar playing, you know that it's not all about the solos. These rhythm guitar lessons will show you some basic techniques that will help you learn to play rock guitar. This lesson is best for "advanced beginners" to "intermediate" guitar players. However, if you searched this page you're probably here for a reason. Check it out...

If you're jamming or playing in a band, you'll notice that at least 95% of what you play is rhythm guitar. What is rhythm guitar? Well, it's basically anything you do that is supporting the song. Usually there's a singer involved. If not, another instrument could be soloing.

There's not one great rock guitarist you can name who's not a great rhythm guitar player. Oh, and by the way...your soloing will improve as you learn to play rhythm guitar. I'm going to list a few of the essential qualities and skills that make up good rhythm guitar playing.

Solid timing. Making the chord changes on the beat.

Good "feel". This means the strumming is synchronized with the drums and bass.

Listening to others. Not overcrowding the song with busy playing.

Knowing the song structure and realizing ahead of time where the song is going.

Coming up with creative variations on chords and rhythm patterns. Not just the same old, same old.

Not being creative just for the sake of it. In other words, we're back to listening to others. Sometimes it's best to keep it simple.

There are definitely more qualities to being a good rhythm guitarist. However, for the purposes of these rhythm guitar lessons, we'll stick with the basic issues that most people have.

Timing and Feel...these are the fundamental skills I'll be dealing with in these rhythm guitar lessons. We'll keep things basic with 4 beats to the bar. If you feel unsure about what this means, please see music theory basics for some important insights. I'll list below what the necessary ingredients of timing and feel are.

Being aware of how many beats are in the bar.

Being aware of how those beats are subdivided.

Is it "straight" or is it "swung"?

Remember... you can strum down or up. You can hit low strings or high strings. Keep it simple.

Knowing where the downbeats are and which offbeats are accented.

Being aware of where the backbeat is.

If playing with a drummer, being aware of how the above elements are expressed on a drum kit. For example, the backbeat is usually played on the snare drum. The subdivided beats on the hi-hats or ride cymbal, etc.

As in the guitar video lesson, practice playing your guitar like a drum kit. Remember the word strumming is very similar to the word drumming.

Knowing what the tempo is and not rushing it.

Again, if any of the points listed above are confusing, please see music theory basics. It'll help get you up to speed :-) And the guitar lesson video at the top of this page will also fill in some gaps.

In a nutshell...get your strumming hand together first. Then work out which chords or riffs you may want to play with your fretting hand. Be sure that you can synchronize both hands without losing the "groove". Make the chord changes on the appropriate beat. Don't be too early, don't be too late!

Some More Tips To Learn Rhythm Guitar

Count out loud when learning or working out your parts. I can't underestimate this point. Be disciplined with it if you want results!

Get comfortable with the volume knob on your guitar. If you're not playing for a couple of seconds, turn down completely. If it's a mellower part, turn down a bit. Experiment!

Maybe a guitar method book taught you to use alternate picking. That's fine for certain picking patterns or lead work. But with many rock rhythms, continuous down picking/strumming may give you a better feel. Experiment and find out.

Some funkier rhythms will be various combinations of down and up. Again, listen to the drums and try to copy them on your guitar.

Be creative. Listen to your favorite players and to the different effects or tones they use. This gets beyond the scope of this lesson, but you know what I mean.

The rhythm guitar lessons are demonstrated in the video at the top of the page. Watch the video. Take notes if necessary. Read this page. These are seeds that if nurtured, will grow. Trust the process. Enjoy your journey of electric guitar playing.

Thanks for tuning up ;-) I hope these rhythm guitar lessons have been helpful. They can't be learned overnight. I hope I've inspired you to keep dusting off your guitar :-)

Dave

Return From Rhythm Guitar Lessons To Electric

Return From Rhythm Guitar Lessons To Homepage

Guitar Lessons Resources

if you're new to guitar there's no better way to quickly memorize chord shapes than by drawing them on a fretboard. You'll still have to actually practice them of course ;-)

And if you've been playing a while -- even a long while -- these fretboard sheets are incredibly effective at helping to learn the guitar fretboard. Everything from advanced moveable chord shapes to arpeggios and scale forms can be drawn out. This practice improves memorization and retention by utilizing more of your sensory input. That's one of the main reasons for this lesson page to exist! To help you in every way possible with making your practice time yield quality results.

I hope you find these lessons resources as useful as I have. I've got pages and pages of various arpeggios and chord shapes mapped out! I like to use red or black ink. Try it :-)

Questions? I'd love to hear your questions and feedback about guitar playing or this website. Contact me here. Thanks for tuning in and tuning up!

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