trim.DnHcJs This is a quick and short demo of me playing my 5 string dojo from Goldtone. It has the neck and tuning of a 5 string banjo. The body style is like a dobro, with two stereo pickups. It's a very unique sound for a banjo / dobro hybrid. It stays in tune and plays easy. Hope you like it! I have opening for 5 string banjo lessons here in Vancouver,...

Taking guitar lessons can be fun and challenging. It helps to have a good guitar to learn with. Above is a picture of my Tayor T5 electric / acoustic guitar. It's known as a hybrid guitar. It has the ability to sound like an acoustic guitar. With a switch of a knob, you have four different pick up selections to choose from. Neck, bridge, Gretsch and Fender Strat tone. Teaching guitar, I have discovered that it is important to find a guitar that is easy to play and stays in tune. When...

Here in Vancouver Wa, we have a lot of good teachers who teach electric guitar, with private lessons. Playing electric guitar, is way different than playing acoustic guitar, for more than the oblivious reasons. Playing an electric guitar has the same similar characteristics like acoustic guitar: you have to be able to play chords, know music theory, be able to finger pick, and know your scales. Playing an electric guitar involves using a amplifier, pedals for effects, and...

Acoustic guitar lessons Vancouver Wa Acoustic guitar playing is a great thing to learn. Taylor guitars are easy to play, have great sound and low action. I use a lot of teaching material from Alfred's music company. Lesson tips: Learn to play open position chords Learn various strumming patterns. Find a acoustic guitar that stays in tune. There are some great "used" acoustic guitars to be found on the web. Take your time, and choose a guitar that you like. Body shape, color,...

The summer is a great time to learn a new instrument...5 string banjo has become my favorite. It's very easy to learn, and there are a few good instruction books I use when I teach. My lessons cover: bluegrass or Earl Scruggs, frailing or claw hammer style, and the Woody Guthrie folk style. I teach music theory with my banjo lessons, so you will know why the chords are, they way they were written. Understanding the Circle of 5ths will open your improvisational skills. I use some IPad...

This is a picture of one of my favorite guitars: 1983 Gibson ES 335. Made famous by the Doobie Brothers, Eric Clapton during his Cream era, and Larry Carlton among others. This guitar can cover rock, blues, country and jazz. Dave Grohl from the Foo Fighters has his own custom model. Gibson gets a lot of bad raps on the construction of their high end guitars. I agree, to a certain point. But if you find a good guitar teacher and take some lessons, the guitar shouldn't matter. The...

Summertime is a great time of year to work on playing your acoustic guitar, with acoustic guitar lessons in Vancouver, Wa. Whether its a Taylor, Gibson or Martin guitar, everyone can benefit from private professional guitar lessons. Practicing tips: Practice at least 15 min a day... Not just noodling, but actual music. Guitar chords, open scales, finger picking. And choose a few songs, that will challenge you to grow as a guitar player. I offer private music lessons ( including...

Yes... Music theory can be challenging to understand. What's with all of the sharps and flats? The Nashville number system? What do you mean by the "tonic?" Will this make me a better musician? The short answer is yes! By taking music lessons, whether its guitar, piano, banjo, mandolin or voice, understanding the " why & how " of music will make your playing easier. And you will be able to jam aka improvise with others. Maybe you are a songwriter, and you can't find that " magical" chord...

Mandolin has become popular again with all ages. Here in Vancouver, WA, we have a strong bluegrass music scene, along with roots/ Americana music. Mandolin fits right in, tone wise and has a rich musical tradition. Learning to play a mandolin can seem hard. But if you have a patient teacher ( like myself ) use a good music instruction book, and take time to practice, you will learn quickly. Open position mandolin chords ( also known as two finger chords) are easy to learn. I encourage my...

It doesn't matter how young or old you are, all of us can benefit from music lessons. Here in Vancouver, WA, I offer private instruction for guitar, banjo, mandolin, voice and keyboards. I have two locations that I teach from: Mondays at Heritage Church Tuesday, Thursday and Fridays at Parkside Church, east of downtown Camas, WA I use a variety of music books, IPad for learning, and we have lessons in a safe and secure location. Guitar lessons are important, in being able to reach...