'Pick up your guitar & play' .......with johnnymarrguitar!
A friendly, fun, relaxed environment to explore your creativity and begin your musical path with the guitar!
Guitar playing is all about enjoyment and my lessons are designed to reflect that philosophy.
Whether acoustic or electric, you'll feel comfortable and supported as you explore your musical journey.
Come along and discover the magic of playing guitar in a relaxed setting.

Why Learn the Guitar?
Reasons for learning vary from person to person.
You may want to entertain your friends at parties with a ‘neighbour-annoying’ singalong :)
You may have aspirations to join a band and tour the world.
Or you may simply be looking for a new hobby where you can entertain yourself at home.
 
Any reason is right, and once the bug bites it will be with you for life.
 
johnnymarrguitar
I prefer to begin with a brief introductory chat with the aim to assess whether I am the right person to guide you.
More importantly, it's an opportunity for you to determine  if you feel confident that I am the right fit for you.
 
Considering the guitar is basically six pieces of thin steel tightened across a piece of wood, it is wonderfully versatile, unique and magical.
 
If you were to learn the piano, violin or saxophone for example you would find that these instruments are heavily theory driven, meaning that a requirement of how to read and understand music goes hand in hand with learning how to play.
It can indeed be a bit heavy! :)
 
The guitar however is somewhat unique in that regard.
You can be up and running, playing songs and riffs in a short space of time with no musical knowledge.
It is an instrument where expression is encouraged.
The most useful parts of theory will be seamlessly worked in as we go along.
Sure, like with everything, there are rules and techniques that are required.
These are the backbone of expression, and knowing them gives confidence and reassurance.
 
I have played instruments in orchestras, brass bands and rock bands.
A different type of discipline is required with the former two.
Each time the same piece of music is performed in an orchestra or brass band it will be played identical.
This is because each note is followed precisely each and every time.
Playing guitar in a rock band however, the same song will be played differently at each performance.
Musical notes aren’t followed.
Instead muscle memory is relied on together with, that word again, expression.
Band members will bounce off each other too.

Please check out the next page for more information about myself.
 
Facilities
I have a purpose built music room/studio in Shinfield, Berkshire.
It is a wonderful environment to encourage development.
Every individual is different and it is important to construct sessions at a pace that is comfortable and enjoyable for all.

Playing and practicing should be a joyful experience, not a chore.
Embrace the fun in learning.
Remember, the journey is just as important as the destination, so relish each moment!
 
Musical Theory
'Musical Theory' is a phrase that can send people running to the hills in a cold sweat! 
From what I have said above, you may think that I don’t believe theory knowledge is useful.
This however is far from the truth.
Some people who learn guitar have no interest in delving into any part of theory as the mere mention of it sounds too daunting.
As previously mentioned, this is absolutely fine as guitarists can get up and running whilst ignoring the nagging theory devil.
However, learning a little theory can really help when it comes to unlocking the full fretboard and indeed, for the adventurous, when it comes to writing songs.
 
For those who are interested, we can explore it gently and painlessly.
​​
'Every great guitarist in history started off by picking a guitar up for the first time
........and not having a clue what to do with it!'
​
​
​
​​