Find a rock guitar tutor

Start with a song you would like to play and something you can already manage, even if it is only a few notes. These starting points can help you describe the next useful step. They are learning goals, rather than grades you need to have passed.

Here is a practice example for a player who already knows two power chords, often written with a 5, such as A5. The task tests whether the change fits the music, not just whether each shape sounds right. It builds on Fender’s counting and metronome guidance.

A louder or faster solo can still sound unsettled if the bend finishes below its intended note. To check a whole-tone bend, first play a reference note two frets above the starting note on the same string. Return to the starting fret and bend that note until its pitch matches the reference. The fretting position stays put during the bend. This target-note method is demonstrated in Jared James Nichols’ bending lesson. Choose a comfortable position with your tutor; the useful test is the sound you reach, not how far the string appears to move.

Phrasing needs a different kind of attention. Try this separate example with three familiar notes in a suitable key. Play them in order on beats 1, 2 and 3, then leave beat 4 silent. Next, hold the first note through beats 1 and 2, play the second on 3 and the third on 4. Keep the same pulse and compare the two versions. You have changed the phrase without adding notes or speed. Trinity’s Grade 6 phrasing resource demonstrates how note lengths and techniques change musical character; this short exercise is an illustrative starting point.

For a tighter rhythm-guitar sound, compare ringing notes with lightly damped ones. Palm muting uses the picking hand near the bridge; position and pressure affect how much the strings ring. Keep the pulse unchanged while listening to that difference. Fender’s palm-muting guide explains the technique.

Latimer provides online-first, one-to-one tuition. In-person lessons need an individual arrangement with the tutor. Microsoft Teams is the default online platform, and you can agree another platform together.

Before the first paid lesson, arrange a test call. Position the camera so the tutor can see both the hand forming notes and the hand picking or strumming. Check that speech and guitar are audible, and explain what guitar, amplifier or other equipment you already use. This follows the practical visibility and test-call advice in the ISM’s online-teaching guide.

Ordinary video-call delay can make playing in time together difficult. A workable arrangement to discuss is taking turns to demonstrate and play, with a metronome or backing track running at your end. The ISM explains the timing limitation. Agree the setup before buying extra audio equipment.

Look for teaching experience that fits the rock styles and playing stage you want to explore. Latimer tutors offer a free introductory meeting to discuss goals, approach and arrangements. Use it to explain what you enjoy, what is difficult and what would make practice manageable. It is an introductory conversation, not normally a full teaching lesson.