In 1985, five years after I began learning to play the guitar and studying music, I started teaching private guitar lessons. Initially, I shared the same methods that had been taught to me, but before long I began developing my own approach. What I present here is a collection of exercises, etudes, and concepts refined over 40 years of working with students.
Many of these ideas emerged as solutions to challenges I encountered in my own playing—ways to address gaps in my musicianship and improve specific skills. Some of the materials are focused on advanced topics, such as complex line studies or in-depth music theory. Others are rooted in the basics, including simple chord progressions, scale positions, and reading exercises. There is something here for every level of student.
I’ve always believed that learning music should be an individualized process. Every student’s path is different, and their materials should reflect that. Use what’s here to address specific areas you want to strengthen or explore further in your playing. I’ve organized the materials into categories for easier navigation.
Over the years I put to paper some of my thoughts that I feel are relevant to learning music as well as some quotes from some of my favorite musicians.