Hollywood Guitar Lessons For Advanced Players

Please Note: Although this page was written for musicians living in the Hollywood area, the information below applies to all experienced musicians.

The farther you get along, the more particular you need to become about who you chose to study with. It is also true that the farther you get along, the more specific your needs become. Advanced players tend to fall into one of three categories:

1. They play well but feel that there is something missing in their playing. Most of these musicians feel a little bit ashamed to admit this. The truth is that most of us have something that we are missing in our playing. Most of us can benefit from instruction from someone with expertise in areas less familar to us. If you find someone who has a quality to their playing, why not pay them for a lesson and glean valuable knowledge?

2. They know how to play by ear but are hungry for a better understanding about what they are doing. People in this category are a little less ashamed. I once had a student who played with the Allman Brothers. I can guarantee that he didn't come to me because I was a better player. He came for better understanding of music. The truth is that I would prefer great ears and feel over knowledge, if only one wish could be granted. But both can work to a person's advantage. One caveat is to be careful to never let knowledge limit your free spirit as a player.

3. The third category entails those who are very experienced and knowledgeable but are looking to study under a master. For example Mike Stern studied with Charlie Bonacas.

Recommendations for category 1: Be selective and find someone who you envy. Buy them lunch, set up a jam session or request a lesson. I personally do not have any issues with this. Although I understand a great deal about playing guitar, I can accelerate my playing greatly by continuing to learn more "tricks of the trade"!

Recommendations for category 2: Consider studying with one of us at LA Westcoast Music. We have refined systems to simplify the process of learning harmony and theory. We also put a strong focus on applying theory so that it is relevant to your specific goals.

Recommendations for category 3: It is a big world out there. If you do not know of a particular "guru" to follow, get the names of a few faculty members at M.I. Check them out at Myspace or buy their CDs. If you like their style, that is a good sign. You can also get an idea as to their teaching methods buy buying any instructional books that they have authored.

Recommendations For All Three Categories: Supplement your studies with our online program, especially for our innovations in the areas of speed and phrasing. For a nominal charge, you will get an immense amount of benefits from our one year membership.