Guitar Resources

I definitely recommend a nylon string/classical guitar for beginners. The industry standard is the Yamaha C40, and is probably the most affordable decent classical guitar out there. I would definitely avoid the cheap classical guitars from Amazon or Sam's Club, as they are not high quality and usually come strung with the wrong strings. Anything that doesn't have any sort of brand name is likely to be of low quality, making it more difficult for students to play. For some other suggestions for nylon string guitars, see this website.

If you/your student prefer a steel string acoustic guitar, here is a website with some recommendations of some decent steel string guitars. Again, if possible, avoid the cheapest guitars or those without any sort of brand name, as these guitars are usually harder to play. 

Here are some links to some options for some decent accessories. These are certainly not the only ones out there, but these are the ones that I use. 

Strings

• For Guitar Strings, here are a couple that I recommend:

  • Normal Tension is great for a classical or nylon-string guitar. Here is one good option.

  • Light gauge is nice for beginners and is easier on the fingers. Here is the one I recommend.

Electronic Tuners

• Donner Guitar Tuner Clip-On

• D'Addario Accessories Guitar Tuner

Capos

• WINGO Guitar Capo

• Guitar Capo, 2-pack with Picks

Books

These are books that we use in class. I do have sets in my classroom, but if you would like to use them at home, here are some links to purchase them. 

• Essential Elements for Guitar - Book 1

• Mastering the Guitar Class Method - Mel Bay

• Sound Innovations for Class Guitar - Student Edition

Here are some options for renting or buying a guitar:

Guitar Center

Riverton Music

Summerhays Music

Bert Murdock Music

Fort Herriman has a limited number of guitars for rent for $50 per semester.

General Strategies

• Slow it down

• Play it with a metronome (slow at first, then getting faster as you get more consistent)

• Ask for help (either a friend or Mr Davis)

  • One option is to play it for a friend and get feedback. Then apply the feedback.

• Make notes in your music

• Circle trouble spots 

• Practice trouble spots separately

• Find and watch a video about the technique you’re working on (THEN APPLY IT!!!)

• Play the trouble spot correctly multiple times in a row

• Separate skills (do one hand at a time)

• Listen to a recording

Working on Notes

• Review correct fingerings (look at a fingering chart)

• Practice fingerings only (no right hand)

• Practice slowly so you play every note 100% correct then slowly speed it up

• Isolate the measure that’s tricky, then put it back with the rest

• Practice using right hand only

• Write in the fingerings or note names (use sparingly, just the ones you need helpful reminders for)

• Check your key signature, maybe write in accidentals

Working on Rhythms

• Clap, snap, or tap rhythm (count out loud)

• Write in the counts

• Practice with a metronome

• Check your time signature (Is it in ¾?????)

• Review note relationships, how long each is held out?

• Practice slowly until you get every rhythm correct

Here are some links to some folks who provide private lessons on various instruments:

• Summerhays Music

• Day Murray Music

• The Piano Place

Fort Herriman Band and Orchestra

Mountain Ridge High School Choirs