Author: Liesje

Fretboard Diagrams

The guitar is an amazing instrument, and may be the most versatile instrument in common use today. Its versatility derives in large part from its tuning and and the layout of the fretboard.

ODSS Battle of the Bands

Image of a group pf high school musicians playing on a stage in a high school auditorium

For the last few years, I’ve had the great pleasure to be invited to Westside High School in Orangeville to spend a day coaching student rock bands.

The Circle of Fifths

The circle of fifths is a way of organizing the keys so that their patterns become apparent by arranging the 12 keys like the 12 positions on a clock, with each position being a fifth away from the keys on either side.

How and Why I Teach the Way I Do

A photo of Stew Gunn playing classical guitar.

I tailor lessons to the individual student. I have always loved music, and my life has been enriched by music, so I believe helping students find a lifelong connection to music is the most important thing I do.

Larghetto and Étude, Op. 35 – by Fernando Sor

Larghetto No 3. and Étude No. 4 introduce some more challenging techniques for the classical guitar, like partial barre chords and ornaments. While still considered “easy” pieces, there will be measures that require extra attention.

One Octave Scales in Three Positions in 12 Keys

An image of the A Major Scale for guitar in first position.

The most common one octave scale positions in all 12 keys. These are a great way to begin to see the different shapes a major can take on the classical guitar and the electric guitar and will prepare you for 2 octave scales.

Sight Reading Exercises for Guitar

I’m in the process of making a book of exercises for students learning to read notation for the guitar, suitable for all musical styles.