By: Chris Layhe

The challenge of teaching guitar to groups of 10 or more players is quite simple, how to please everyone all of the time? This can be difficult when you have learners of mixed abilities.

A complete beginners class should be just that, but you will still find that some learners are faster than others and this can lead to frustration both for the learner and the tutor. It doesn’t take too long to spot the faster learners and they can be encouraged to mentor some of the students who might be struggling.

Practice Makes Perfect

“New skills need to be demonstrated in class sessions.”

A good practice regime is important. New skills need to be demonstrated in class sessions and then the learner needs to reinforce this through regular practice before moving on to the next learning topic.

I try to encourage players to invest in a guitar stand so that they can safely leave their instrument out at home for ease of practising.

A practice diary can also help: the tutor can start this with the learner by listing a series of warm-up exercises to run through each time; it’s also useful if the learner wants to jot down a query that they might forget by the time of the next class session.

Group Guitar Classes – Dynamics

“Icebreaker games can be good for getting students to talk to one another.”

It is important to make the group gel from Day One. Icebreaker games can be good for relaxing the atmosphere and getting students to talk to one another.

A simple example can include just getting a random collection of percussion and starting up a group rhythm.

Clapping is also easy, you lead and get students to repeat the clapping sequence, however if you clap once then they should ignore it, if not they’re out! The faster the better for this one.

Teaching Group Guitar Classes – Methods

“Set out an overall learning goal, with some specific targets for achieving that goal.”

An Individual Learning Plan (ILP) for each student can help the tutor take into account any previous playing experience they might bring to the class.

The plan should set out an overall learning goal together with some specific targets for achieving that goal.

For example, the learner might want to play the opening bars of “Stairway To Heaven” (well it’s a great song!) but first they will need to understand the correct technique for right-hand fingering, also a knowledge of the chords to be used, and an understanding of some methods (such as TAB) for reading music for the guitar.

Benefits of Teaching Group Guitar Classes

“Students can learn from one another.”

As a tutor you have to be open with your students; classes will not be the same as one-to-one tuition, but then neither will the cost.

There are spin-off benefits as well: students can learn from one another and the enjoyment of playing along with other musicians.

You need to find simple songs that the group can play along with, there’s lots of material in tutor books, and if you’re struggling then don’t forget you’re never more than three chords away from rock‘n’roll.

What are your thoughts and advice for teaching group guitar classes? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

RGT member Chris Layhe, formerly of chart band Icicle Works and now with Oyster, is a guitar tutor with Manchester Adult Education Service.

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