I'm 67 years old. I quit playing the guitar in 1984 because I got a C- in my guitar recital, the final exam, in a class I took when I attended San Diego State University. I was devastated and depressed, sold my acoustic and electric guitars and never played again - until I found your RUclips channel. As you know, there was no RUclips in 1984. I wish there was. I recently purchased an inexpensive acoustic. After 4 months, I think I play better now than I did in 1984 - because of your RUclips lessons! My friend walked in on me while I was practicing Led Zeppelin's "Babe I'm Gonna Leave you," and she knew what I was playing, and was impressed! Even though you don't have a RUclips video for that song, your other videos (My Sweet Lord; Hurt; Melissa...etc) helped me move onto that song. Thank you, Lauren!
Hi Paul, you and I have a few things in common here with the guitar. I too learned 'Babe I'm Gonna Leave You' as my ex teacher who I have not seen in 35 years is a big Zeppelin Fan. I had to relearn it two years ago. Did it myself with no You Tube as I could remember the chords 35 years later. It was originally finger picked by Jimmy Page. What I did to put a twist on it is rather than play it with my finger nails, try it again with a pick. It will really test you and make you even better. I can play that song along with Stairway to Heaven with or without a pick. It makes it fun and really challenges you. Give it a try. You'll see and feel and even hear the difference. Rick
@paulgriese8243 I graduated college in 1984. All the Music classes where you play an instrument were pass/fail , no letter grades , maybe for this very reason.
And it's still going on today with you tube teachers as well using titles like why you're playing sucks or how to stop sounding like a noob these teachers shouldn't be posting material or teaching in private using deprecating language isn't going to inspire anyone and just exposes their over inflated ego and narcissistic personalities the proper way to encourage students is just pointing out mistakes but in a kind way with positive reinforcement
I have a similar story. Put down the guitar in 1983, and just bought an acoustic last month (June). I'm 69, so if not now, it ain't gonna happen. Best of luck, Paul, and enjoy yourself no matter what level you achieve.
as a 78 year old beginner into month six I am taking it slow and easy.....I coached baseball for 15 years and an old successful high school coach taught me to eliminate "contractions" as in can't, won't, shouldn't ....these represent dead ends...instead use a term like "I have difficulty learning chords"...it leaves an opening for future success...he also said don't talk down to players as in standing over a 9 year old to explain something...,get down on one knee and talk to him or her face to face....Lauren gets down to our level to teach and she eliminates contractions.....keep up the good work..
Thank you. I'm turning 70, just started taking lessons last October. It's all about having fun for me. I have an older teacher who understands that my primary goal is to be able to strum songs and sing along. It's enough for me that he asks me what songs I'd like to play and he writes out the chords for me, helps me with my fingering, suggests strumming patterns, and makes these songs (mostly) playable at my skill level. Sometimes I don't understand what he's trying to show me until the light comes on when I'm practicing. I've put songs away without being able to play them, and then come back to them to find that I now can manage that song because of what I've picked up in the meantime. I must note that I seek additional help online, watching covers of songs I'd like to play and watching lessons of teachers like you. And I have to echo that comment about teaching humanity. I spend plenty of time shooting the breeze with my teacher while still managing to learn a few things.
I'm in the same boat. I too just want to be able to strum or finger pick to accompany myself when singing some of my favorite songs. I am making progress toward that end. 😊
I’m 71 and suffer with wrist and finger restrictions from old injuries, which makes playing guitar tricky. I’m a woodworker and when I used to teach woodwork I always explained to my students that building nice furniture is partly about having the knowledge to do the job, partly about having patience to do the job, but mostly about solving problems which almost always happen. You are teaching guitar with a very similar philosophy - overcome the problems and you’ll get a result. It may not be perfect in some people’s eyes, (or ears), but it’s good enough and it’s great to achieve. I love your style Lauren, thank you.
Lauren…this is what sets you apart from so many other teachers. You have so much insight, patience, compassion & common sense. Many of we older students have arthritis & conditions in our hand, wrists & bodies that make it hard to fully fret the guitar. Thank you so much for making it ok to modify the chords. You are wonderfully loved & appreciated. Hugs.❤️
I'm 74 and have been playing for 3 years, I recommend watching and listening to this young lady she's a great motivator and this is a great motivation video, well done Lauren.
A youngster here in the comments at 49 ;-) ... I 'learnt' playing the guitar as a student, on a roommate's guitar, with one of those 'simple songs' chord books. After 20 years I've dusted my guitar off (well, 2 actually, electric and western), and with these courses I've already come further than back then. You're friendly and patient, build the lessons up logically, and give so much bits and pieces that I can later build on! We didn't have RUclips tutorials back then, and I'm very happy to have found yours!...
100% totally agree. I actually learned to play the full chords from first playing the easy ones. I am dealing with the three Dy-s but after watching your videos, it has "forced" my brain into working with the information. You might have not realized that I have mild Dyslexia, severe Dyscalculia and Dysgraphia. Learning guitar is not impossible. Even playing 3 chords is still playing guitar. This is why you are the best guitar teacher, you recognize that people learn at different paces and you never overwhelm.
Lauren, I taught myself in my late 50s, using U Tube. Those finger Positions I couldnt get, I took short cuts. My entire thought process was to be able to strum a couple of songs. This would allow me to be encouraged and continue. The first song I learned was Horse wnn. I learned it in a day and had that funky strum in a week. In two years I was playing in public. We had just moved into a new house. I was out back playing and a neighbor came and asked if it was live or is memorex. I now go to jamming sessions. If I can do it anyone can! Start very simple and add things in. Great show today. 100% agree with everything you said!
I repaired computers and taught people to use them for over 20 years. The first conversation I had to have with a new employee is that they are not there to make customers feel stupid! For some reason tech & now, I guess some guitar teacher feel that their job is to glorify themselves and make the client stand in awe of them and fell dumb. What a crock! I told my employees if you were dropped behind the desk of a real estate agent, or insurance adjuster or probably even a lemonade stand, they would probably have no idea how to proceed. Why then do you expect these folks to know how to repair the computer. And, if they did, we would be out of a job. Thank you, Lauren, for taking that same approach with your clients. I'm one of those who played some 40 - 50 years ago, I reached a level and never improved, then put it up because of life and now I have time once again. Thanks for the encouragement.
It’s like these teachers are trying to weed people out. Like “if you can’t play a barre chord on day one you are not worthy of being my student”. I had this type of guitar teacher when I first started guitar. After a few months, I decided I’d rather just learn by myself, and I’ve gotten pretty far since then :) Lauren, teachers like you are a treasure.
I’m 64 and I’ve learned so much from u I’ve visited other RUclips channels and noticed I just wasted my time you have a lot of patience ur amazing thank you❤❤
Lauren, your video on common issues with guitar teaching is so helpful! Your insights and tips can make a big difference for beginners. Keep up the fantastic work in empowering aspiring guitarists! -Macy (Team Evan)
Hi Lauren! Love this video. My guitar instructor Brian May is like you. A few years ago I met a guitar player that does tribute songs to my favorite Canadian Stompin Tom Connors. He offered to teach me guitar for less than what Brian charges. I took him up on the offer but I did not quit Studio Arts. This person told me at one point don't come back until you perfect this. That is not a guitar instructor. I am still friends with the guy and he saw a video of me fingerpicking Can't Help Falling in Love and he was impressed and told me to keep going on the fingerpicking. I am not quiting and Brian May is a great instructor. I will be performing Can't Help Falling in Love on June 15th at a recital with Brian May. He will sing I will play the guitar.
I am mostly self taught. I know all the basic chords. And I will hear a song from way back when and tell myself I want learn that and mostly do that. I am 73 and just keep playing what I like. You have taught me lots of songs and I appreciate that. I play by the beat of the song. I am not great but it is my therapy. Thank you for what you do.
Yes and YES!!!! Lauren you nailed it. Having a decent but not great instructor, I get it. I felt intimidated, miserable and spent so much time doing scales and all those other things and never got a song I wanted to play. My new teacher. I said 'I can do Stray Cat Strut' but I need technique for the solos. Can we do this?" Old instructor 'no, too advanced'. My new instructor. "That's a great song for an intermediate player'. Let's do it." And my skill set improved dramatically. He gave me confidence. He gave me encouragement and after four lessons, I stopped being terrified of him and can play the solos decently and told him, 'ya, I can do this now. Let's keep going'. You have NO idea the pride I had. Also, another footnote. Playing partial chords - is really great when I have to learn a song quickly to play with someone else and the chord changes are rapid and I'm not familiar with the song. My G7 chord, for example, is just G# and the top strings. Saves time when I need to slam through it the first time. So, that's useful for anyone.
Hi Lauren, my name is Doug. I’ve played guitar since I was in the teens. I’m 67 now still learning a lot I played with a guy that was blind. He did great and I’ve also played with a guy that is only had one finger and he done fantastic alsoit is so nice to see people play and just have fun doing it
I have learned from many of you awesome folks that put your classes up here for us. I haven't encountered any with this type of attitude, but that type of teaching correct technique has been my favorite style. Sadly everyone who wants to learn guitar wants to go away playing entire songs after their first half hour lesson or they aren't having enough fun.... I'm 56 and have been at it for a little over a year and my wife still says she never heard me play a whole song. Well, I can, I can crank out a song, usually now days I get the strumming and cadence right, you can tell which song it is. I need a singer, some accompaniment or something. All that said, Lauren, you are the one of the multiple courses I've used, that I tell my friends and my nieces to start with because you DO break it down to simple cords to get them going, and you are fun to watch, and your content works!!! Thank you.
I agree with everything you said here. Everything needs to be easy, fun and simple in the beginning, and be focused on learning fun songs. Music theory and all that can wait for much later.
Yes! We have very similar teaching strategies! I’ve been told, not only do I teach guitar, I build relationships! 😊 I express… Have fun, fall in love with the guitar and the rest will come 👍🏼
Hi Laura thanks for the beautiful video, you make me cry I’m 52 old and I trying to learn guitar but also have arthritis and it’s more difficult to learn thanks for the support it’s help me a lot. God bless you
I'm 44 years old and I have Arthritis in both of my hands. And thanks to you Lauren, I have learned many songs since finding your channel a year ago. You're the best guitar teacher I've ever had. Most teachers on RUclips make learning the guitar incomprehensible without realizing it, but not you. You make it fun without having to put us through learning theory or scales. Because of your lessons, the first and only thing I've learned on the guitar is songs. By the end of each lesson I feel accomplished an fulfilled. And for that, I wholeheartedly say....thank you.
Lauren, are you aware that Guitar World Magazine listed you as one of the best on-line guitar teachers? I’ll bet you are, but you are too modest to mention it, so I’ll point it out here for you! You deserve recognition!!!
@@LaurenBateman It was an on-line article that popped up in my Apple newsfeed one morning about 3-4 months ago. You and Justin Guitar (Justin Sandercoe) and at least one other, possibly Marty Scwartz. I'll see if I can find it and provide a link.
You talking is giving me so much encouragement, as when you are just learning like me sometimes you need reassurance that it is possible to learn to play. Thanks for the great videos too.
And this is why I have improved immensely in just over 4 weeks. I was in no mans land for a number of months with other Courses/coaches, until I started with Lauren . If you're truly investing time and effort in practicing and aren't seeing improvement in your playing, or you feel that you don't have any real guidance moving forward. Then from my own experience as a Sports Coach and as a Student of Lauren's, it is probably because your Coach, online or not, isn't as good as they think or say they are. Lauren, you have made me feel I'm capable and therefore lifted my confidence, that confidence carries over to my Guitar Playing, and importantly, to other aspects of my life. So thank you Coach Lauren...Fun I am having :)
@@LaurenBatemanIt's the truth Lauren. To many Coaches whether it is Guitar, Sports, or an alternative let their Ego's guide the ethics of their Coaching. A Coaches job is firstly to enable, secondly to instruct and make it fun, and finally to instill confidence in their Students. You do all that in spades 🙏
I love your style and subscribed. I’m a teacher and RUclipsr as well and I always say to my students “everything is simple once you know it” … kudos love your approach
Fully agree with you At 65 I don't want to be a professional but yes when I play for a house party I'm on top of the world Thanks to you Lauren you are doing a great job with senior citizens like me
started again 1 of many times last December and I finally got fret hand muscle memory last month for the first time. That one thing has been transformational and I can now see me being able to chord in the future as long as I keep plugging away at it. At 69 I'm taking it as a huge win for me.
These are excellent tips: humanity, patience and, love goes further in playing any instrument. I also think guitar players should have more confidence when they are playing: The creativity will make it more fun. I've played guitar for over 35 years, electric, acoustic and, me being 62 years young I learned something that most teachers in guitar playing don't teach. I developed arthritis in my fingers and, found out pressing them steel strings were more painful, even had toughness built on my fingertips over the years, still painful. I decided to get a classical guitar and, it gave me more of a chance to do more Arpeggio or broken chord picking. My wife purchased one for my on our anniversary. I did better because the treble strings are made of plastic, easier on my fingertips so, I purchased a more expensive 2nd classical guitar and, I never looked back. The other technique a lot of teachers don't touch enough on is exactly where to press a string exactly, you can press on too high on a fret or too low, it's not how hard you press a string rather, it's where it's pressed?
You are a kind and compassionate human being overall . You are a gifted musician. God bless your work Lauren . Liked and subscribed. Cheers from Toronto.
I took a guitar class many years ago at my local community college. I had one of the teachers you described -- really nice guy, but way over my head. I had never played guitar before entering that course, and he expected me to learn Hotel California -- and perform it -- in three months time. I knew right away that wasn't going to happen. I love your RUclips lessons, Lauren. Not only are they more my speed, but since they're online, I don't have to hurry through them. Thanks for doing what you do!
Some teachers do not have the patience to teach and especially when the are dealing with older beginners. To date, I have never had a guitar lesson from a teacher and I progressing very well. Just by watching your videos, taking notes and most of all practice, one has a higher sense of achievement in learning guitar. Lauren, you have the skill and patience, so this makes it easier to understand and motivates one to want to play at every opportunity. Recently i bought myself a new Acoustic guitar, my first one wasn't doing it for me, now I feel more motivated and confident. Your lessons are really informative. Really appreciated. Best wishes from Cape Town, South Africa.
I'm 62 and a year into my second attempt to learn guitar. I've used your finger dexterity exercises and use many of the songs during my warm up, I'm also working through your finger picking course. So thank you for all you do and you are an inspiring teacher.
Goodmorning everyone! I am 46 female from Sydney, and complete beginner. I tried other online lessons then came across Lauren. You guessed it, I'm staying and have purchased the beginner course. You could be an outstanding guitar player, but that doesn't make you a great teacher.
Thank you, Lauren. I wish more teachers shared your mindset. I was fortunate to discover your course when I first started a few years ago. You are my go-to resource for learning, and I always recommend your courses to others.
Lauren you are totally correct I’m 72 and I have discovered your channel and I have learned from you in general most people can’t teach they maybe gifted but they haven’t got the natural ability to teach you have this ability i must confess I really haven’t got as far as I would like to but I can go through the chords and produce a tune that’s listenable and it’s fun doing it 👍
You are an absolute blessing, 3 months into learning acoustic, getting a bit frustrated with myself and this video really helped. Thank you, and thank you for being you!
Thanks, yeah learning the easier methods from you helped me a lot.. yeah from experience when I tried to learn when I was younger it seems like a lot of great guitar players learn at a really young age and can not see from an older person's perspective. keeping up with consistent practicing every day is also important for the student to see improvement.. especially on the days when I don't feel like it, just like everything else. Thanks for the videos.. you've helped me at a hard time in my life.
Thanks Lauren for keeping it real. Some people just aren't teachers. I am a beginner of 3 months. I know music theory, however I also know that some chords are beyond my capability at the moment. When I'm practicing strumming I mostly use chords where I only have to use two fingers. Then I switch between major and minor chords and this sounds coherent. Now I know why so many songs were played on guitar using these easy chords. 😉
Love your take... Thank you for what you do.. Ive been following you chanel for a while now.... I'm just learning guitar 55 yrs old Used to play the drums And so very thankful for your channel Thank you
I wish all teachers had your mentality. Thank you for all of the great videos. I have ms and my left hand doesn’t cooperate like it used to and I thought my guitar playing days were behind me. Your videos have helped me tremendously to adapt and keep making music. The principles of that adaptation translate to so many other things in my life, thank you 🙏 God bless you
I love everything you just said you are an awesome teacher I played baritone ukulele so most of my cords are partial chords a lot of the stuff that I have learned is because of you thank you so much Lauren❤❤❤❤❤
Im left handed I play elizabeth cotton style. When a teacher spends 5 minutes telling me where to put my fingers. That's 5 minutes of pissing me off. I don't do easily what you do easily but if we have to do something exactly the same lets see them do it my way. They would fail. You don't want 2 guitars playing the exact same way all the time. My pet peeve with online teachers is it take 5 minutes for them to put their fingers on the guitar and if you think that's the end of unnecessary talk. Another is teaching a intermediate song and telling all students where to put your fingers on a E maj chord. Send em to a beginner lesson I would not block so many channels if the teacher values my time. And I'm not criticizing this really pleasant teacher because she is right. Always learn it the easiest version possible and add bits and pieces to make it hard. Jimi didn't play hard pieces he played easy pieces really well.
Thank you, I am not a teacher of guitar but I do get a group of seniors together who had given up because of teaching methods. First yes believe in yourself and use easy chords, work out what's comfortable and laugh your head off. Thanks Lauren you are awesome.
This is a VERY good video. You are an exceptional teacher IMO and I’m RIGHT! I will be 80 years old this year. I am so glad I found you! I purchased your guitar course and several other courses you had available a couple of years ago. I watch your RUclips channel regularly thanks to your reminders that come to my email inbox. All this to say, I am moving along at the pace I WANT! Still can’t play any songs, but I probably could if I practiced them. But, I can play chords and they are musical to me…there is so much to learn and practice…one should never become bored. Oh ya, I keep my guitar in the bedroom where I see it everyday and feel guilty if I don’t pick it up for even as little as five minutes…sorry this is so long. You are amazing!
Lauren you really are a wonderful and empathetic teacher that emphasizes putting the "fun" into learning the instrument. I love that approach. If it's not fun then most folks will give it up altogether. I'm soon to be 65 and am a self taught guitar player mostly from you tube lessons. The information out there is overwhelming . So many rabbit holes to go down can also lead to quitting the guitar. Pick a few good teachers like yourself and have fun while learning to play songs and learning to listen. Keep up the great work Lauren. Btw....love that Taylor you're rockn.
Right on, Lauren!! I started lessons when I was about 35. My teacher was a graduate of - you guessed it - Berkely School of Music. Started in Mel Bay Book 1. I was a good student and practiced every day. Completed Book 1 and started Book 2. After almost a year of lessons, I couldn't play a song. I could play my lesson, but no songs. Because after working in the book, all he wanted me to do was: SOLO OVER BACKING TRACKS. And I sucked at it. When I started lessons I told him my main desire was to PLAY MY FAVORITE SONGS. But that wasn't his desire for me. Tablature was just taking off and I brought some in and he said, "Well that's just paint-by-numbers. I'm trying to teach you how to paint without the numbers." Screw him, so I quit taking lessons from him. I'm 64 now and started learning again about 2 years ago and am having a blast.
I'm 69,and started playing guitar a few years ago. You where the first person I started to follow. Still use you two finger c chord to this day. Love your easy style. Cheers 🍻. John Australia 🇦🇺 👍
I love how you’re not afraid to use the language that’s required to get your point across. There’s nothing worse than when it says “for a beginner” then they have bar chords and strange strumming/picking and doesn’t teach the rhythm so you can understand that first.
Hi Lauren, I’m glad to have found your channel. I’m 69 years old and I have been teaching myself with the Mel Bay Method for Modern Guitar Complete Expanded Edition for about a year and a half. I’m 1/4 the way through book 2 and though I am progressing, it is boring. My goal is to be a proficient player or as good as I can be. I want to learn theory and be able to sight read but I also would like to play popular songs. One problem is I can’t sing so when I’m strumming a song the chorus is just a repetition of the same 3 or four chords. No one knows what I’m playing without the lyrics,😂. I’m hoping that you will be able to aid me in my eternal quest to master the instrument. Bye for now, Bill.
Wonderful…. Inspirational… The karate analogy, I’m 75, took me fourteen years to reach my black belt, now with a heart condition I still train occasionally but not so intensely. Love my guitar lessons with a fab, patient teacher who understands my limitations. Your channel and method of teaching gives me hope, Bless You, 🕉️
This is a great way to start the day and that is by watching this video. All your comments are so true. Like you said, if you want to play the guitar you can.
The fundamentals of teaching anything are: (1) KISS (keep it simple stupid), (2) Teach to the level of the student not to your level, and (3) Just because you can do, doesn't mean you can teach it!! Some teachers completely forgot that they to were once a student. In other words they can't put themselves back into their students shoes. This is what sets you apart from sooo many others and why you're such a fantastic teacher. Thanks so much for your channel; I've learnt heaps from you.
Here are some “make it easier to play guitar” that were game changers for me: dont need to strike all 6 strings to get a chord. This was especially useful playing F chords. You are allowed to use your thumb to fret notes. Granted that its not a beginner’s technique, but it allowed me to break free of first position. I have more more grip strength with my thumb hanging over top of the neck tha I do with the thumb behind the neck. Play with a guitar that has low action. Then reason barre F chords were so difficult was primarily because my first guitar had too high action. Either adjust it lower (get help from a professional guitar repairman) or buy a better guitar. If you cant do either of these , sometimes playing with a capo (2nd fret or higher) can help mitigate poor action.
Thanks so much for saying this. I feel as if you’re talking directly to me and you know the only teacher I ever used for in-person lessons. After several months I knew he played guitar very well but only wanted to show me how good he was and didn’t care about any issues I had.
I too teach a lot of older adults and making things easier for those students who can't perform a particular task (yet!) is an absolute pleasure. At that kind of age, they're so delighted to be able to actually play after thinking they can't, sometimes for many years. Sure, more advanced students aren't as stimulated by the same things but I see it as my job as a guitar teacher to meet the learner wherever they are in their journey and adapt to their needs.
I am so glad that came across your site. I’m 72 and a retired educator. I must say, from one pro teacher, to another, YOU GET IT!! I also teach Fly Casting, and run into too many instructors who let their ego drive their teaching style. The idea is to INSPIRE the student to want more, not to tell them what they should know. You do that so well. I’m new to guitar, and at the end of your 7-Level course, as well as a few of your other courses. I am so grateful that I found an instructor who puts the student’s interest ahead of their own ego. YOU GET IT. THANKS. (Denis D)
Thanks for this Lauren. It seems to me that people like myself take up guitar playing because they love music. Therefore it makes sense to get someone playing something however simple. I think of it as like learning our own language as a baby, we dont learn theory, we just listen and repeat.
There are teachers for everyone. I noticed some folks with channels for long periods of time progress from super simple breakdowns at the beginning but more recent videos are not. You are great for early beginner to intermediate learners because you make it simple enough that we feel successful at the end of a lesson. Very important skill, Lauren, you have helped me stick with it even though I'm still not very good.
Justin Sandercoe relearned to play lefthanded to understand the difficulties the newbes have, so he could set up the training in best possible way. So amazing done 🙂
Most musicians and teachers are very impatient, condescending and simply cannot teach ! This is a very valuable video for those of us who have met with such ppl in an attempt to learn guitar. Because of Lauren Bateman I am learning how to play guitar, even at 59 yrs old ! Lauren teaches you literally from the ground up, and teaches accurately; she does not "dumb down" the lessons, she teaches "humanity" and makes it easier to learn ! THANK YOU LAUREN: TWO THUMBS WAY UP !! ❤🙂👍👍
I really like your approach. I taught guitar over 28 years and something I always told my students is music is a toy. That's why we say we "play" music, not "work" music. Have fun with it. I started simple, like you and gradually worked up to more complicated stuff, depending on the individual student. Everyone learns at a different pace so you need to adjust according to each student. I had some students working from the Berklee School books at a young age others I didn't. I even had a few learning college level theory as young as 12 years old if they could handle it. I didn't tell them it was college level because I didn't want to scare them off. I've been playing since 1961 when I was 9 years old.
You are right on Lauren. There are some great guitar teachers out there. The common characteristic of these effective instructors is that, whether or not they realize it, they already adhering to best practices for instructional design, a field that the researches how we learn. For example, you have to break the knowledge down into its constituent elements, and you have to let people train on those, but without separating them from a larger meaningful context, such as a song. You do an amazing job, because you would adhere to another best practice: do you understand your audience and you start from there: and you work hard to keep their cognitive load focused on the next step in the scaffolding. You slow down, you use relevant visual aids, and you stay on the point without taking side trips to show off what a great guitar player you are and how much you know. Ultimately, I think most of the less helpful teachers are more concerned with showcasing their talent than they are teaching.
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I'm 67 years old. I quit playing the guitar in 1984 because I got a C- in my guitar recital, the final exam, in a class I took when I attended San Diego State University. I was devastated and depressed, sold my acoustic and electric guitars and never played again - until I found your RUclips channel. As you know, there was no RUclips in 1984. I wish there was. I recently purchased an inexpensive acoustic. After 4 months, I think I play better now than I did in 1984 - because of your RUclips lessons! My friend walked in on me while I was practicing Led Zeppelin's "Babe I'm Gonna Leave you," and she knew what I was playing, and was impressed! Even though you don't have a RUclips video for that song, your other videos (My Sweet Lord; Hurt; Melissa...etc) helped me move onto that song. Thank you, Lauren!
Excellent women that can teach guitar in comfortable way,thank you!
Hi Paul, you and I have a few things in common here with the guitar. I too learned 'Babe I'm Gonna Leave You' as my ex teacher who I have not seen in 35 years is a big Zeppelin Fan. I had to relearn it two years ago. Did it myself with no You Tube as I could remember the chords 35 years later. It was originally finger picked by Jimmy Page. What I did to put a twist on it is rather than play it with my finger nails, try it again with a pick. It will really test you and make you even better. I can play that song along with Stairway to Heaven with or without a pick. It makes it fun and really challenges you. Give it a try. You'll see and feel and even hear the difference. Rick
@paulgriese8243 I graduated college in 1984. All the Music classes where you play an instrument were pass/fail , no letter grades , maybe for this very reason.
And it's still going on today with you tube teachers as well using titles like why you're playing sucks or how to stop sounding like a noob these teachers shouldn't be posting material or teaching in private using deprecating language isn't going to inspire anyone and just exposes their over inflated ego and narcissistic personalities the proper way to encourage students is just pointing out mistakes but in a kind way with positive reinforcement
I have a similar story. Put down the guitar in 1983, and just bought an acoustic last month (June). I'm 69, so if not now, it ain't gonna happen. Best of luck, Paul, and enjoy yourself no matter what level you achieve.
One of the best guitar teachers on line and I still follow her
as a 78 year old beginner into month six I am taking it slow and easy.....I coached baseball for 15 years and an old successful high school coach taught me to eliminate "contractions" as in can't, won't, shouldn't ....these represent dead ends...instead use a term like "I have difficulty learning chords"...it leaves an opening for future success...he also said don't talk down to players as in standing over a 9 year old to explain something...,get down on one knee and talk to him or her face to face....Lauren gets down to our level to teach and she eliminates contractions.....keep up the good work..
Thank you. I'm turning 70, just started taking lessons last October. It's all about having fun for me. I have an older teacher who understands that my primary goal is to be able to strum songs and sing along. It's enough for me that he asks me what songs I'd like to play and he writes out the chords for me, helps me with my fingering, suggests strumming patterns, and makes these songs (mostly) playable at my skill level. Sometimes I don't understand what he's trying to show me until the light comes on when I'm practicing. I've put songs away without being able to play them, and then come back to them to find that I now can manage that song because of what I've picked up in the meantime. I must note that I seek additional help online, watching covers of songs I'd like to play and watching lessons of teachers like you. And I have to echo that comment about teaching humanity. I spend plenty of time shooting the breeze with my teacher while still managing to learn a few things.
I'm in the same boat. I too just want to be able to strum or finger pick to accompany myself when singing some of my favorite songs. I am making progress toward that end. 😊
I’m 71 and suffer with wrist and finger restrictions from old injuries, which makes playing guitar tricky.
I’m a woodworker and when I used to teach woodwork I always explained to my students that building nice furniture is partly about having the knowledge to do the job, partly about having patience to do the job, but mostly about solving problems which almost always happen. You are teaching guitar with a very similar philosophy - overcome the problems and you’ll get a result. It may not be perfect in some people’s eyes, (or ears), but it’s good enough and it’s great to achieve. I love your style Lauren, thank you.
Lauren…this is what sets you apart from so many other teachers. You have so much insight, patience, compassion & common sense. Many of we older students have arthritis & conditions in our hand, wrists & bodies that make it hard to fully fret the guitar. Thank you so much for making it ok to modify the chords. You are wonderfully loved & appreciated. Hugs.❤️
Not only does the guitar world need more people like Lauren, the overall world needs more people like Lauren.
I'm 74 and have been playing for 3 years, I recommend watching and listening to this young lady she's a great motivator and this is a great motivation video, well done Lauren.
A youngster here in the comments at 49 ;-) ... I 'learnt' playing the guitar as a student, on a roommate's guitar, with one of those 'simple songs' chord books. After 20 years I've dusted my guitar off (well, 2 actually, electric and western), and with these courses I've already come further than back then. You're friendly and patient, build the lessons up logically, and give so much bits and pieces that I can later build on! We didn't have RUclips tutorials back then, and I'm very happy to have found yours!...
100% totally agree. I actually learned to play the full chords from first playing the easy ones. I am dealing with the three Dy-s but after watching your videos, it has "forced" my brain into working with the information. You might have not realized that I have mild Dyslexia, severe Dyscalculia and Dysgraphia.
Learning guitar is not impossible. Even playing 3 chords is still playing guitar. This is why you are the best guitar teacher, you recognize that people learn at different paces and you never overwhelm.
Lauren, I taught myself in my late 50s, using U Tube. Those finger
Positions I couldnt get, I took short cuts. My entire thought process was to be able to strum a couple of songs. This would allow me to be encouraged and continue. The first song I learned was Horse wnn. I learned it in a day and had that funky strum in a week. In two years I was playing in public. We had just moved into a new house. I was out back playing and a neighbor came and asked if it was live or is memorex. I now go to jamming sessions. If I can do it anyone can!
Start very simple and add things in. Great show today. 100% agree with everything you said!
I repaired computers and taught people to use them for over 20 years. The first conversation I had to have with a new employee is that they are not there to make customers feel stupid! For some reason tech & now, I guess some guitar teacher feel that their job is to glorify themselves and make the client stand in awe of them and fell dumb. What a crock! I told my employees if you were dropped behind the desk of a real estate agent, or insurance adjuster or probably even a lemonade stand, they would probably have no idea how to proceed. Why then do you expect these folks to know how to repair the computer. And, if they did, we would be out of a job. Thank you, Lauren, for taking that same approach with your clients. I'm one of those who played some 40 - 50 years ago, I reached a level and never improved, then put it up because of life and now I have time once again. Thanks for the encouragement.
It’s like these teachers are trying to weed people out. Like “if you can’t play a barre chord on day one you are not worthy of being my student”. I had this type of guitar teacher when I first started guitar. After a few months, I decided I’d rather just learn by myself, and I’ve gotten pretty far since then :)
Lauren, teachers like you are a treasure.
I am an older learner. Triads not only made chords easier, but opened up the whole fretboard for me
You are wonderful teacher. I start to learn week ago bit hard. But iam trying..thank you..
You can do it! :D
I’m 64 and I’ve learned so much from u I’ve visited other RUclips channels and noticed I just wasted my time you have a lot of patience ur amazing thank you❤❤
You make sense out of it. I am almost 60. I know that I will never be filling stadiums,I just want to play well. You are helping me get there.
Lauren, your video on common issues with guitar teaching is so helpful! Your insights and tips can make a big difference for beginners. Keep up the fantastic work in empowering aspiring guitarists! -Macy (Team Evan)
Hi Lauren! Love this video. My guitar instructor Brian May is like you. A few years ago I met a guitar player that does tribute songs to my favorite Canadian Stompin Tom Connors. He offered to teach me guitar for less than what Brian charges. I took him up on the offer but I did not quit Studio Arts. This person told me at one point don't come back until you perfect this. That is not a guitar instructor. I am still friends with the guy and he saw a video of me fingerpicking Can't Help Falling in Love and he was impressed and told me to keep going on the fingerpicking. I am not quiting and Brian May is a great instructor. I will be performing Can't Help Falling in Love on June 15th at a recital with Brian May. He will sing I will play the guitar.
Your instructor is ❤BRIAN MAY? As in “Queen”?!! 🎸 I’m envious!!!
@@debieaves4788 No it is not Brian May of Queen.
I am mostly self taught. I know all the basic chords. And I will hear a song from way back when and tell myself I want learn that and mostly do that. I am 73 and just keep playing what I like. You have taught me lots of songs and I appreciate that. I play by the beat of the song. I am not great but it is my therapy. Thank you for what you do.
Yes and YES!!!! Lauren you nailed it. Having a decent but not great instructor, I get it. I felt intimidated, miserable and spent so much time doing scales and all those other things and never got a song I wanted to play.
My new teacher. I said 'I can do Stray Cat Strut' but I need technique for the solos. Can we do this?" Old instructor 'no, too advanced'. My new instructor. "That's a great song for an intermediate player'. Let's do it." And my skill set improved dramatically. He gave me confidence. He gave me encouragement and after four lessons, I stopped being terrified of him and can play the solos decently and told him, 'ya, I can do this now. Let's keep going'. You have NO idea the pride I had.
Also, another footnote. Playing partial chords - is really great when I have to learn a song quickly to play with someone else and the chord changes are rapid and I'm not familiar with the song. My G7 chord, for example, is just G# and the top strings. Saves time when I need to slam through it the first time. So, that's useful for anyone.
Hi Lauren, my name is Doug. I’ve played guitar since I was in the teens. I’m 67 now still learning a lot I played with a guy that was blind. He did great and I’ve also played with a guy that is only had one finger and he done fantastic alsoit is so nice to see people play and just have fun doing it
I have learned from many of you awesome folks that put your classes up here for us. I haven't encountered any with this type of attitude, but that type of teaching correct technique has been my favorite style.
Sadly everyone who wants to learn guitar wants to go away playing entire songs after their first half hour lesson or they aren't having enough fun....
I'm 56 and have been at it for a little over a year and my wife still says she never heard me play a whole song. Well, I can, I can crank out a song, usually now days I get the strumming and cadence right, you can tell which song it is. I need a singer, some accompaniment or something.
All that said, Lauren, you are the one of the multiple courses I've used, that I tell my friends and my nieces to start with because you DO break it down to simple cords to get them going, and you are fun to watch, and your content works!!! Thank you.
Fortunately, there are many great teachers here on RUclips. So happy you can crank out a song now.
I agree with everything you said here. Everything needs to be easy, fun and simple in the beginning, and be focused on learning fun songs.
Music theory and all that can wait for much later.
I strongly agree with you darling, is really blessed to become your student ❤ from Singapore 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼😁
Thank you for your awesome instruction and advise 👍 you’ve encouraged me a lot 😊
Yes! We have very similar teaching strategies! I’ve been told, not only do I teach guitar, I build relationships! 😊 I express… Have fun, fall in love with the guitar and the rest will come 👍🏼
Hi Laura thanks for the beautiful video, you make me cry I’m 52 old and I trying to learn guitar but also have arthritis and it’s more difficult to learn thanks for the support it’s help me a lot. God bless you
You are amazing! Thoughtful, intelligent and kind, especially to us older ones! It is appreciated and you are much loved on here.
I'm 44 years old and I have Arthritis in both of my hands. And thanks to you Lauren, I have learned many songs since finding your channel a year ago. You're the best guitar teacher I've ever had. Most teachers on RUclips make learning the guitar incomprehensible without realizing it, but not you. You make it fun without having to put us through learning theory or scales. Because of your lessons, the first and only thing I've learned on the guitar is songs. By the end of each lesson I feel accomplished an fulfilled. And for that, I wholeheartedly say....thank you.
Your absolutely right. First: It is all about having fun. Second: Explanations have to be as simple as possible. Third: Encouragement!
Lauren, are you aware that Guitar World Magazine listed you as one of the best on-line guitar teachers? I’ll bet you are, but you are too modest to mention it, so I’ll point it out here for you! You deserve recognition!!!
No way?! Really?! I did not know that. I'm going to have to look.
@@LaurenBateman It was an on-line article that popped up in my Apple newsfeed one morning about 3-4 months ago. You and Justin Guitar (Justin Sandercoe) and at least one other, possibly Marty Scwartz.
I'll see if I can find it and provide a link.
Fantastic instruction 🎉
Wish I'd discovered you sooner
I needed the smaller chords principle
X
Yes, my family and friends are really amazed by how many songs I have learned to play following your courses and videos! We are having fun!
Thanks for sharing!
100% agree with everything you said. It needs to be fun but still engaging, so much easier to learn when we are having fun.
Keep up the great work.
You talking is giving me so much encouragement, as when you are just learning like me sometimes you need reassurance that it is possible to learn to play.
Thanks for the great videos too.
And this is why I have improved immensely in just over 4 weeks. I was in no mans land for a number of months with other Courses/coaches, until I started with Lauren . If you're truly investing time and effort in practicing and aren't seeing improvement in your playing, or you feel that you don't have any real guidance moving forward. Then from my own experience as a Sports Coach and as a Student of Lauren's, it is probably because your Coach, online or not, isn't as good as they think or say they are. Lauren, you have made me feel I'm capable and therefore lifted my confidence, that confidence carries over to my Guitar Playing, and importantly, to other aspects of my life. So thank you Coach Lauren...Fun I am having :)
Wow, Stephen. Thank you so much!!!! Very kind of you. 🙏
@@LaurenBatemanIt's the truth Lauren. To many Coaches whether it is Guitar, Sports, or an alternative let their Ego's guide the ethics of their Coaching.
A Coaches job is firstly to enable, secondly to instruct and make it fun, and finally to instill confidence in their Students. You do all that in spades 🙏
I love your style and subscribed. I’m a teacher and RUclipsr as well and I always say to my students “everything is simple once you know it” … kudos love your approach
Fully agree with you At 65 I don't want to be a professional but yes when I play for a house party I'm on top of the world Thanks to you Lauren you are doing a great job with senior citizens like me
started again 1 of many times last December and I finally got fret hand muscle memory last month for the first time. That one thing has been transformational and I can now see me being able to chord in the future as long as I keep plugging away at it. At 69 I'm taking it as a huge win for me.
These are excellent tips: humanity, patience and, love goes further in playing any instrument. I also think guitar players should have more confidence when they are playing: The creativity will make it more fun. I've played guitar for over 35 years, electric, acoustic and, me being 62 years young I learned something that most teachers in guitar playing don't teach. I developed arthritis in my fingers and, found out pressing them steel strings were more painful, even had toughness built on my fingertips over the years, still painful. I decided to get a classical guitar and, it gave me more of a chance to do more Arpeggio or broken chord picking. My wife purchased one for my on our anniversary. I did better because the treble strings are made of plastic, easier on my fingertips so, I purchased a more expensive 2nd classical guitar and, I never looked back. The other technique a lot of teachers don't touch enough on is exactly where to press a string exactly, you can press on too high on a fret or too low, it's not how hard you press a string rather, it's where it's pressed?
I needed this! Thank you.
You are a kind and compassionate human being overall . You are a gifted musician. God bless your work Lauren .
Liked and subscribed. Cheers from Toronto.
Bravo. It’s 2024. The Young brothers have - since 1973 - crafted absolutely amazing, memorable songs with power chords. The vibe, the feel, the swing.
I took a guitar class many years ago at my local community college. I had one of the teachers you described -- really nice guy, but way over my head. I had never played guitar before entering that course, and he expected me to learn Hotel California -- and perform it -- in three months time. I knew right away that wasn't going to happen. I love your RUclips lessons, Lauren. Not only are they more my speed, but since they're online, I don't have to hurry through them. Thanks for doing what you do!
Some teachers do not have the patience to teach and especially when the are dealing with older beginners. To date, I have never had a guitar lesson from a teacher and I progressing very well. Just by watching your videos, taking notes and most of all practice, one has a higher sense of achievement in learning guitar. Lauren, you have the skill and patience, so this makes it easier to understand and motivates one to want to play at every opportunity. Recently i bought myself a new Acoustic guitar, my first one wasn't doing it for me, now I feel more motivated and confident. Your lessons are really informative. Really appreciated. Best wishes from Cape Town, South Africa.
I'm 62 and a year into my second attempt to learn guitar. I've used your finger dexterity exercises and use many of the songs during my warm up, I'm also working through your finger picking course. So thank you for all you do and you are an inspiring teacher.
I am so impressed with this video. I am going to save up and enroll in your beginner guitar class. You really care about your students.
Goodmorning everyone! I am 46 female from Sydney, and complete beginner. I tried other online lessons then came across Lauren. You guessed it, I'm staying and have purchased the beginner course. You could be an outstanding guitar player, but that doesn't make you a great teacher.
Thank you, Lauren. I wish more teachers shared your mindset. I was fortunate to discover your course when I first started a few years ago. You are my go-to resource for learning, and I always recommend your courses to others.
Lauren you are totally correct I’m 72 and I have discovered your channel and I have learned from you in general most people can’t teach they maybe gifted but they haven’t got the natural ability to teach you have this ability i must confess I really haven’t got as far as I would like to but I can go through the chords and produce a tune that’s listenable and it’s fun doing it 👍
You are an absolute blessing, 3 months into learning acoustic, getting a bit frustrated with myself and this video really helped. Thank you, and thank you for being you!
Glad it helped!
Thanks, yeah learning the easier methods from you helped me a lot.. yeah from experience when I tried to learn when I was younger it seems like a lot of great guitar players learn at a really young age and can not see from an older person's perspective. keeping up with consistent practicing every day is also important for the student to see improvement.. especially on the days when I don't feel like it, just like everything else. Thanks for the videos.. you've helped me at a hard time in my life.
Great video. Great approach. Been a me,ber with Lauren and playing consistently for 4 years now. Highly recommend Lauren's program
You're a great teacher, keep up the hard work!
Thank you! 😃
I'm only self teaching, 1 and 1/2 months now, but so far this channel has been one of my 2 favorite resources to go to.
Aww thank you!!
@@LaurenBateman Your welcome. I am determined to learn. A bit late in life, but so far I love it.
I wish there was a fiddle/violin teacher like you. For now I follow you on guitar. Thanks.
Thanks Lauren for keeping it real. Some people just aren't teachers. I am a beginner of 3 months. I know music theory, however I also know that some chords are beyond my capability at the moment. When I'm practicing strumming I mostly use chords where I only have to use two fingers. Then I switch between major and minor chords and this sounds coherent. Now I know why so many songs were played on guitar using these easy chords. 😉
Love your take...
Thank you for what you do..
Ive been following you chanel for a while now....
I'm just learning guitar
55 yrs old
Used to play the drums
And so very thankful for your channel
Thank you
I wish all teachers had your mentality. Thank you for all of the great videos. I have ms and my left hand doesn’t cooperate like it used to and I thought my guitar playing days were behind me. Your videos have helped me tremendously to adapt and keep making music. The principles of that adaptation translate to so many other things in my life, thank you 🙏 God bless you
I love everything you just said you are an awesome teacher I played baritone ukulele so most of my cords are partial chords a lot of the stuff that I have learned is because of you thank you so much Lauren❤❤❤❤❤
Im left handed I play elizabeth cotton style. When a teacher spends 5 minutes telling me where to put my fingers. That's 5 minutes of pissing me off. I don't do easily what you do easily but if we have to do something exactly the same lets see them do it my way. They would fail.
You don't want 2 guitars playing the exact same way all the time.
My pet peeve with online teachers is it take 5 minutes for them to put their fingers on the guitar and if you think that's the end of unnecessary talk. Another is teaching a intermediate song and telling all students where to put your fingers on a E maj chord. Send em to a beginner lesson
I would not block so many channels if the teacher values my time. And I'm not criticizing this really pleasant teacher because she is right. Always learn it the easiest version possible and add bits and pieces to make it hard. Jimi didn't play hard pieces he played easy pieces really well.
Well said. Elizabeth Cotton style is very impressive. Good on you.
Thank you for this. Makes me feel this is still possible.
I love your attitude! Thank God for you!
Love you're excitement about teaching !
Thank you, I am not a teacher of guitar but I do get a group of seniors together who had given up because of teaching methods. First yes believe in yourself and use easy chords, work out what's comfortable and laugh your head off. Thanks Lauren you are awesome.
This is a VERY good video. You are an exceptional teacher IMO and I’m RIGHT! I will be 80 years old this year. I am so glad I found you! I purchased your guitar course and several other courses you had available a couple of years ago. I watch your RUclips channel regularly thanks to your reminders that come to my email inbox. All this to say, I am moving along at the pace I WANT! Still can’t play any songs, but I probably could if I practiced them. But, I can play chords and they are musical to me…there is so much to learn and practice…one should never become bored. Oh ya, I keep my guitar in the bedroom where I see it everyday and feel guilty if I don’t pick it up for even as little as five minutes…sorry this is so long. You are amazing!
LAUREN IS THE BEST!!! I want to move to Boston!! Haha. Thanks for being amazing Lauren! 🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸
Lauren you really are a wonderful and empathetic teacher that emphasizes putting the "fun" into learning the instrument.
I love that approach. If it's not fun then most folks will give it up altogether. I'm soon to be 65 and am a self taught guitar player mostly from you tube lessons. The information out there is overwhelming . So many rabbit holes to go down can also lead to quitting the guitar. Pick a few good teachers like yourself and have fun while learning to play songs and learning to listen. Keep up the great work Lauren. Btw....love that Taylor you're rockn.
Right on, Lauren!! I started lessons when I was about 35. My teacher was a graduate of - you guessed it - Berkely School of Music. Started in Mel Bay Book 1. I was a good student and practiced every day. Completed Book 1 and started Book 2. After almost a year of lessons, I couldn't play a song. I could play my lesson, but no songs. Because after working in the book, all he wanted me to do was: SOLO OVER BACKING TRACKS. And I sucked at it. When I started lessons I told him my main desire was to PLAY MY FAVORITE SONGS. But that wasn't his desire for me. Tablature was just taking off and I brought some in and he said, "Well that's just paint-by-numbers. I'm trying to teach you how to paint without the numbers." Screw him, so I quit taking lessons from him. I'm 64 now and started learning again about 2 years ago and am having a blast.
Funny .. such a similar story. I was also following Melbay diligently and not getting anywhere and wasn't enjoying it either. I quit it all.
Many thanks for all you do. Impressive.
Very well said - thank you - I taught myself over 30 years ago - you’re absolutely right -
Thanks, I needed this.
I'm 69,and started playing guitar a few years ago. You where the first person I started to follow. Still use you two finger c chord to this day. Love your easy style. Cheers 🍻. John Australia 🇦🇺 👍
I love how you’re not afraid to use the language that’s required to get your point across.
There’s nothing worse than when it says “for a beginner” then they have bar chords and strange strumming/picking and doesn’t teach the rhythm so you can understand that first.
Hi Lauren, I’m glad to have found your channel. I’m 69 years old and I have been teaching myself with the Mel Bay Method for Modern Guitar Complete Expanded Edition for about a year and a half. I’m 1/4 the way through book 2 and though I am progressing, it is boring. My goal is to be a proficient player or as good as I can be. I want to learn theory and be able to sight read but I also would like to play popular songs. One problem is I can’t sing so when I’m strumming a song the chorus is just a repetition of the same 3 or four chords. No one knows what I’m playing without the lyrics,😂. I’m hoping that you will be able to aid me in my eternal quest to master the instrument. Bye for now, Bill.
Wonderful…. Inspirational…
The karate analogy, I’m 75, took me fourteen years to reach my black belt, now with a heart condition I still train occasionally but not so intensely.
Love my guitar lessons with a fab, patient teacher who understands my limitations. Your channel and method of teaching gives me hope, Bless You, 🕉️
I totally agree with you I am 63 and I have got further this way than I ever did paying for a teacher to come around I learnt very little from them
This is a great way to start the day and that is by watching this video. All your comments are so true. Like you said, if you want to play the guitar you can.
You are spot on LB, some utube teachers keep saying this is easy and I found it difficult! So depressing.
The fundamentals of teaching anything are:
(1) KISS (keep it simple stupid),
(2) Teach to the level of the student not to your level, and
(3) Just because you can do, doesn't mean you can teach it!!
Some teachers completely forgot that they to were once a student. In other words they can't put themselves back into their students shoes.
This is what sets you apart from sooo many others and why you're such a fantastic teacher. Thanks so much for your channel; I've learnt heaps from you.
Thank you for sharing this video with me
Here are some “make it easier to play guitar” that were game changers for me: dont need to strike all 6 strings to get a chord. This was especially useful playing F chords. You are allowed to use your thumb to fret notes. Granted that its not a beginner’s technique, but it allowed me to break free of first position. I have more more grip strength with my thumb hanging over top of the neck tha I do with the thumb behind the neck. Play with a guitar that has low action. Then reason barre F chords were so difficult was primarily because my first guitar had too high action. Either adjust it lower (get help from a professional guitar repairman) or buy a better guitar. If you cant do either of these , sometimes playing with a capo (2nd fret or higher) can help mitigate poor action.
Thanks so much for saying this. I feel as if you’re talking directly to me and you know the only teacher I ever used for in-person lessons. After several months I knew he played guitar very well but only wanted to show me how good he was and didn’t care about any issues I had.
I too teach a lot of older adults and making things easier for those students who can't perform a particular task (yet!) is an absolute pleasure. At that kind of age, they're so delighted to be able to actually play after thinking they can't, sometimes for many years. Sure, more advanced students aren't as stimulated by the same things but I see it as my job as a guitar teacher to meet the learner wherever they are in their journey and adapt to their needs.
I am so glad that came across your site. I’m 72 and a retired educator. I must say, from one pro teacher, to another, YOU GET IT!!
I also teach Fly Casting, and run into too many instructors who let their ego drive their teaching style. The idea is to INSPIRE the student to want more, not to tell them what they should know. You do that so well. I’m new to guitar, and at the end of your 7-Level course, as well as a few of your other courses. I am so grateful that I found an instructor who puts the student’s interest ahead of their own ego. YOU GET IT. THANKS. (Denis D)
Lauren you are a good teacher with a kind heart .love from uk
Thanks for this Lauren.
It seems to me that people like myself take up guitar playing because they love music. Therefore it makes sense to get someone playing something however simple.
I think of it as like learning our own language as a baby, we dont learn theory, we just listen and repeat.
There are teachers for everyone. I noticed some folks with channels for long periods of time progress from super simple breakdowns at the beginning but more recent videos are not. You are great for early beginner to intermediate learners because you make it simple enough that we feel successful at the end of a lesson. Very important skill, Lauren, you have helped me stick with it even though I'm still not very good.
There is a teacher out there for everyone! What a wonderful world we live in.
Lauren with the 🎤 drop!!! Great informative and inspiring take on being a teacher and a beginning student. 👏👏👏👏👏
You're absolutely right 👍
Totally agree with you! !
Loved this video as a 66 year old struggling with my guitar, going to make sure I have fun, thanks Lauren.
I am 61 and learned from you. You are a good teacher, you have respect, and patience.
Justin Sandercoe relearned to play lefthanded to understand the difficulties the newbes have, so he could set up the training in best possible way. So amazing done 🙂
Most musicians and teachers are very impatient, condescending and simply cannot teach ! This is a very valuable video for those of us who have met with such ppl in an attempt to learn guitar. Because of Lauren Bateman I am learning how to play guitar, even at 59 yrs old ! Lauren teaches you literally from the ground up, and teaches accurately; she does not "dumb down" the lessons, she teaches "humanity" and makes it easier to learn ! THANK YOU LAUREN: TWO THUMBS WAY UP !! ❤🙂👍👍
I really like your approach. I taught guitar over 28 years and something I always told my students is music is a toy. That's why we say we "play" music, not "work" music. Have fun with it. I started simple, like you and gradually worked up to more complicated stuff, depending on the individual student. Everyone learns at a different pace so you need to adjust according to each student. I had some students working from the Berklee School books at a young age others I didn't. I even had a few learning college level theory as young as 12 years old if they could handle it. I didn't tell them it was college level because I didn't want to scare them off. I've been playing since 1961 when I was 9 years old.
You are right on Lauren. There are some great guitar teachers out there. The common characteristic of these effective instructors is that, whether or not they realize it, they already adhering to best practices for instructional design, a field that the researches how we learn. For example, you have to break the knowledge down into its constituent elements, and you have to let people train on those, but without separating them from a larger meaningful context, such as a song. You do an amazing job, because you would adhere to another best practice: do you understand your audience and you start from there: and you work hard to keep their cognitive load focused on the next step in the scaffolding. You slow down, you use relevant visual aids, and you stay on the point without taking side trips to show off what a great guitar player you are and how much you know. Ultimately, I think most of the less helpful teachers are more concerned with showcasing their talent than they are teaching.
Happy birthday song. lol. Your 100% correct they are hung up on theory
My take on guitar theory should be in context with what your learning at that time