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.
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.
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 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.
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.❤️
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.
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!...
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.
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.
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.
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
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!
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.
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.
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)
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 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
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
Triads (partial chords) are perfectly valid. I've used them for decades, when playing jazz style chord melodies, and they also make chord substitutions easier. Playing classical guitar, I have to use partial chords, in order to be able to do the arrangements. Theory came later. It just makes more sense when you've played for a while, so you already have a real world reference. Same with CAGED ... It's just chord shapes, from which I could visualize what the scale would be. All these tools are supposed to make it easier, not harder. I started playing when I was 7, and I'm 71 now.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
im 26, ive been trying to learn guitar for YEAARS and im still a begginner, I hate the most when these guitar teachers will say "lessons for begginers" and then they'll use the most advanced techniques i couldnt even hope to do to try and teach me. At this point ive just decided to learn songs and learn that way cuz i was tired of still learning chord changes for 3 years.
I agree. I hate a lot of these videos where the instructor is saying how easy this is and then starts going off on either music theory or quantum mechanics, I'm not sure.
Lauren such emotion... you said pissed off. LMAO love it and love your passion. Mahalo for thinking about TEACHING guitar and not your ego as a teacher. Always enjoy your lessons and attitude!
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 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.
"partial chords" are not only useful, they might be exactly what you want! "Mr Big Stuff" is a good example. I can play the whole song on the top 3 strings, and it sounds just like the recording. Jazz and blues music is full of "partial chords".
Lauren you are a breath of fresh air I’m 70 and tried for years with teachers who all did everything your talking about so I gave up feeling useless then I found your channel guess what I’m not useless I’m not good but at least I can make a tune thanks to your videos so thank you very much your a superstar
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.
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.
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 🙏
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.
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.
When I started playing I worked on just getting used to using all four fingers for about a year. I couldn't even tell tuning mattered. It wasn't until I started a guitar class in HS that I learned about chords lol. Guitar is a lifelong journey. We play because it's fun, not because we have to be immediately perfect at everything.
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.
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.
You're my favourite teacher ever , my dad thinks learning guitar was a waste of time and that i could never be able to learn it on my own but after 2 weeks i can actually play some songs now even though it not perfect yet but enough to make myself proud and prove my dad wrong . Your videos and advices helped ALOT , i could never describe how greatful i am thank you so muchhh!!!.
There is another advantage to learning partial chords especially at the beginning. To play partial chords you need to pay attention to your strumming, picking, hand. That is also a very important skill and a very good one to learn at the beginning of your journey.
I went to a guitar instructor many years ago and he scolded me for using my thumb to play and embellish chords like Jimi Hendrix and SRV on the low E string did and when he said my thumb should never move up past halfway on the neck - I responded well I do that when playing barre chords. I said (before I left the last lesson) that I’m trying to learn Nothing Else Matters by Metallica and can you help me with the lead portion. He asked me to play it and after I did he said no I can’t as I don’t know how to play it and just keep doing what you’ve been doing.
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.
About 60 years ago when I was in the sixth grade, my guitar teacher started a group of me and about 10 other kids learning simple four string cords all on the first four strings. By our second lesson we all were strumming a fun, easy version of Puff the Magic Dragon, which was popular at that time. I'm so grateful that he started us this way as it's led to a lifetime of fun for me. Those simple cords made transitioning to full six string cords almost fluid and easy. Later on it helped in learning triads and cord theory because it felt almost like I had already been there. Thanks for reminding me and keep up the good work.
You're bang on Lauren with what you say. I consider myself intermediate. I'll likely never hit the pro level at my age or play in a band but I continue to practice. I am re-learning songs I first learned in the 1980's. I quit from 1992-2022. 30 years. Partly frustration and new things in life that came up. Arthritis is tough on the hands. After taking 30 years off I am beyond words of how fast it has come back to me. Most of the pro's I have seen on here go too fast. They teach at their level as you said. I looked a few up wanting to figure out how to play lead which I do not understand at all. After watching 4 teachers I shut the TV off. I have found that the good guitar players here on You Tube are the worst teachers. They simply don't know how to teach. They take the most butchered song, 'Stairway to Heaven' and put their own twist on it. I took lessons in 1982 and would ask this teacher one question and he would spend the rest of the lesson playing my question on his guitar. After 4 lessons I told him off and quit him. We are only in competition with ourselves. The person we see in the mirror everyday is the one that we work with. Don't compare yourself to Jimmy Page, Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, etc. You're just setting yourself up for disappointment. These guys are the elites and don't come around that often. Like a Babe Ruth of baseball. They make it look so easy. I did everything wrong when I started. Held the pick wrong, did not sit right, did not get the left hand under the guitar. On and on. Yes you have it nailed perfectly. Sure wished you lived here in Canada. But I can look into your course. I have made up some finger exercises that I practice for half an hour, and man have they ever helped me so much. At times I cannot believe it is my fingers playing. I did that myself. With You Tube today one can teach themselves a lot if and I mean if they find the right teacher. I went to re-learn Classical Gas.Thats a tough song with the speed and the finger picking. Only found one person that taught it right and he was the best of the worse. Again he went too fast so thats where the rewind button comes in. When I last practiced it was put the record on the turn table and then the headphones. Up and down with the needle so many times you wore the record out. Now with You Tube you sit on the couch and it is like having the teacher right there in front of you and much cheaper than lessons. You just keep rewinding till you understand it. It is a real brain thinker which we all improve on. Although I cannot read and write music I can certainly help out people that are just starting out. That is where I am anchored. You bet it is hard. Anyone that says playing any instrument is easy is either a liar or just loaded with talent. One person can play 3 hours a day, while someone else practices just an hour, and the person that practices for just a hour is advancing quicker. Why? Because we are all different. It is the quality of the practice not the amount of time. Our brains process the info at different speeds. Just like in school. You had the brainchild and you had the regular students and then you had the ones that struggled. It all originates in the brain, the control room. Like eating a slice of pizza. You just take one bite at a time. You then chew it, swallow it then process it. Look at all the big name professionals out there. What do they all have in common? They all started very young and stayed with it. You're doing a fantastic job and you're a million percent correct on everything you say. Most teachers on You Tube are great guitar players but terrible teachers. Teaching in itself is an art. Thanks so much. I love your videos. Rick In Canada. Age 65
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 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!
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 🙂
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)
I am honest with you Lauren, after I watch your video's over strumming, I such no more for a nieuw teacher because you explain to us in a special way. I hope you that read this right now, please go to Lauren's videos and such for strumming. I garanted you Cowboy, YOU NEED NOTHIS ELSE... Lauren, for me, you are the best on RUclips... And by the way, THANK YOU FOR YOUR STRUMMING VIDEOS... I learn every day Hou to listen and to play my country music!!! Pure love for you, girl!
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, 🕉️
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.
I agree wholeheartedly. You need to teach where each student is, with something achievable at the student’s level and that makes it fun and enjoyable. Shortcuts are good!
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!
Wow Lauren! Thank you for taking the time to explain how you view some teachers, versus your method of teaching. You are so correct! I was a school teacher for 23 years and I also taught in the Business Schools at night during the summers. I taught basic music theory, the recorder, hand bells, taught them songs and worked with the children to perform for the holiday shows. I seldom stuck to the curriculum because I did whatever I could to simplify everything with the younger grades. My goal was to make music fun. As teachers we were thrown these difficult boring textbooks that I simply could not make use of. I was also tired of the impressional curriculum that was being forced down our throats. Teachers have to be so worried about keeping to the curriculum and the children become weary, discouraged and bored! No wonder we have so many drop outs as they get older! I always tried to make things fun and I was very much loved by my students. Also, thank you for your advice on what guitars are best to buy. Although I did not purchased those exact ones, but it was similar. I have a beautiful 3/4 Yamaha APXT2 3/4 Thinline Acoustic-Electric Cutaway Guitar Old Violin Sunburst, which I purchased yesterday. I am ready for lessons. Too many online teachers who are trying to impress people and I am not buying any of them. I will look into your courses instead. Petra
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.
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 👍
100% Lauren! I'm a guitar teacher of more than 30 years and it's only in the last 10 years that I really "got it". I was always more concerned about my own playing career when I was younger, and very strict about playing it "correctly". Since Covid I've retired from live music and finally enjoying my weekends! Now I get a buzz out of trying to find a way to teach each unique individual that comes through my door. They're all different and there are plenty of 1 and 2 finger triads and smiling faces! Keep up the good work!
Dear,love it, when you come with a new chapter.Every class feels like we are primary students and you are a very nice person and of course a guitar which is our toy.I want to say one thing. I really want to know. Whenever we sit down to practice the guitar for 30 minutes or 1 hour or more, how do we organize the practice lessons? Maybe those who get you as a teacher from the front are lucky. Many of us have tried and will for years but don't know where to end up. Stay well and we will practice when we get off work.
Lauren is FEISTY today in this video. Actually Lauren, this is why I love you and your style of teaching so much. You break it down for beginners! No matter what the age. My personal instructor does the same exact thing for me. I played basketball from 4th grade thru college and then I started to coach. And when I coached, I taught fundamentals at all levels, and that is what you do and my instructor Tom does. You teach the fundamentals. Concentrate on the fundamentals. Once you get those down, you should never ever stop practicing the fundamentals but, and here is the important thing, it allows you to do things you never thought possible. Be it basketball or playing the guitar. I am 65 years old and I have been playing the guitar now for 121 day (yes, I keep a journal) and since my instructor and I focus on the fundamentals, I am now able to play a few songs but my confidence level in soon to be playing more complex songs with faster chord changes is very high. Sure, I have a long way to go but it all takes time and a good guitar instructor, such as yourself and Tom, are very very aware of that. I asked my instructor once, "why don't you tell me what I suck at so I can concentrate on that?" He said, "I like to focus on the good things you are doing, introduce new things each session and even some advance techniques to give you an idea of what I think you will soon be able to do. You already know what you suck at and I am confident that you will work on those and if you can't get it down, you will ask and I will give you pointers to grow along the way." And, at times, he will see me struggling with something during our online sessions and will give me pointers, as most good instructors will, but not in a way to make me feel bad. This is what I feel you do Ms. Lauren. Keep up the good work! (Sorry for the long post if you got this far.)
Go girl! I used to teach people to drive and you are so right. Some people need you to break it down and make it simple and get some success to build their confidence before you do the full thing. That's what makes a good teacher, someone who can teach. If they aren't learning, you're not teaching! I have now been playing 4 days and I love what you have taught me so far.
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.
Great Video! Learning shortcuts is literally how I learned to play the actual things properly. Without the shortcuts its very easy to get disgruntled and quit because of a lack of progress. You dont pickup a guitar to learn music theory. You pick it up to play it. The theory comes later.
Man, you can tell Lauren is just a good person and this video proves it. As a teacher myself in middle and high school, it’s a daily to break things down into simpler format or chunks to help students comprehend the content.
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 really like how you teach. The teachers that I had did not care. I plan on getting some of your lessons. I’m 71 and need to catch up a little. Thank you so much!
Triads are probably the best way to begin playing guitar you get to being able to sound good faster. Then you can move to full chords when you're fingers are working better. Great lesson !! Love your teaching method, it is helping me get my chops back faster than I thought possible alert surgeries on my left arm.
A lot of guitar teachers assume you must know stuff without actually being shown. Also they expect you to come up with your own strumming pattern, AT THE BEGINNER LEVEL. Also they try to teach you the cage system and swear its a must because its the only way to learn the fret board. I pointed it out its full of barre chords and to know the cage system you must know barre chords and the fret board. So what is the point of the cage system. He said its the best, i just though jog on sherlock. Barre chords are hard and they are harder as you get older. The best way to learn any instrument is to start small and have fun.
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 🇦🇺 👍
Its about the fun and achievement any way which is satisfying for the student. I am learning since 2 years being above 50 years old and its a struggle for everything. My regret is that i did not start much earlier. I tried with a teacher and it did not work at all, i felt it was a waste of money. Meanwhile I learned to play the basic cords and use mostly youtube and books to learn theory and songs. You Lauren, are the most motivating teacher i found online! Thank you always for your effort. Its so good that there is someone, who understands our struggle ;-) 🤩🥰 THANK YOU!!!
Totally agree as someone who has been playing guitar for over fifty years and teaching almost twenty five years,and I agree that certain musicians are up on their very high superior horses, and refuse to come down to the beginners level.
👉 See how I can help you. Grab my free Crash Course: www.laurenbateman.com/crashcourse
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.
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.
Not only does the guitar world need more people like Lauren, the overall world needs more people like Lauren.
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 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.
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.❤️
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, 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.
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!...
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.
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.
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.
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
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!
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.
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.
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.
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)
I am an older learner. Triads not only made chords easier, but opened up the whole fretboard for me
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 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
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
You are wonderful teacher. I start to learn week ago bit hard. But iam trying..thank you..
You can do it! :D
Triads (partial chords) are perfectly valid. I've used them for decades, when playing jazz style chord melodies, and they also make chord substitutions easier. Playing classical guitar, I have to use partial chords, in order to be able to do the arrangements. Theory came later. It just makes more sense when you've played for a while, so you already have a real world reference. Same with CAGED ... It's just chord shapes, from which I could visualize what the scale would be. All these tools are supposed to make it easier, not harder. I started playing when I was 7, and I'm 71 now.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
im 26, ive been trying to learn guitar for YEAARS and im still a begginner, I hate the most when these guitar teachers will say "lessons for begginers" and then they'll use the most advanced techniques i couldnt even hope to do to try and teach me. At this point ive just decided to learn songs and learn that way cuz i was tired of still learning chord changes for 3 years.
I agree. I hate a lot of these videos where the instructor is saying how easy this is and then starts going off on either music theory or quantum mechanics, I'm not sure.
It goes over my head sometimes too.
Love the partial chords teaching Lauren. I can't seem to put the guitar down now, I'm 68 by the way.
Keep going. Glad to help. 68 is a great age to learn!
Lauren such emotion... you said pissed off. LMAO love it and love your passion. Mahalo for thinking about TEACHING guitar and not your ego as a teacher. Always enjoy your lessons and attitude!
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 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.
"partial chords" are not only useful, they might be exactly what you want! "Mr Big Stuff" is a good example. I can play the whole song on the top 3 strings, and it sounds just like the recording. Jazz and blues music is full of "partial chords".
Lauren you are a breath of fresh air I’m 70 and tried for years with teachers who all did everything your talking about so I gave up feeling useless then I found your channel guess what I’m not useless I’m not good but at least I can make a tune thanks to your videos so thank you very much your a superstar
You have an awesome non condescending point of view which will resonate with everyone no matter their age.
Aww thank you!
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.
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.
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 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
uz ovakvog učitelja nemoguče je ne prosvirati na gitari,,najbolji ste učitelj na kanalu,,lp iz Croatie,,Zagreb
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.
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.
Your absolutely right. First: It is all about having fun. Second: Explanations have to be as simple as possible. Third: Encouragement!
When I started playing I worked on just getting used to using all four fingers for about a year. I couldn't even tell tuning mattered. It wasn't until I started a guitar class in HS that I learned about chords lol. Guitar is a lifelong journey. We play because it's fun, not because we have to be immediately perfect at everything.
Thanks for sharing!
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.
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.
You're my favourite teacher ever , my dad thinks learning guitar was a waste of time and that i could never be able to learn it on my own but after 2 weeks i can actually play some songs now even though it not perfect yet but enough to make myself proud and prove my dad wrong . Your videos and advices helped ALOT , i could never describe how greatful i am thank you so muchhh!!!.
Prove him wrong.
I'm really glad that my videos were helpful 😀 Keep it up! You can do it!!
Thanks!
Thanks so much for you donation :D I really appreciate it!
There is another advantage to learning partial chords especially at the beginning. To play partial chords you need to pay attention to your strumming, picking, hand. That is also a very important skill and a very good one to learn at the beginning of your journey.
I went to a guitar instructor many years ago and he scolded me for using my thumb to play and embellish chords like Jimi Hendrix and SRV on the low E string did and when he said my thumb should never move up past halfway on the neck - I responded well I do that when playing barre chords. I said (before I left the last lesson) that I’m trying to learn Nothing Else Matters by Metallica and can you help me with the lead portion. He asked me to play it and after I did he said no I can’t as I don’t know how to play it and just keep doing what you’ve been doing.
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.
About 60 years ago when I was in the sixth grade, my guitar teacher started a group of me and about 10 other kids learning simple four string cords all on the first four strings. By our second lesson we all were strumming a fun, easy version of Puff the Magic Dragon, which was popular at that time. I'm so grateful that he started us this way as it's led to a lifetime of fun for me. Those simple cords made transitioning to full six string cords almost fluid and easy. Later on it helped in learning triads and cord theory because it felt almost like I had already been there. Thanks for reminding me and keep up the good work.
You're bang on Lauren with what you say. I consider myself intermediate. I'll likely never hit the pro level at my age or play in a band but I continue to practice. I am re-learning songs I first learned in the 1980's. I quit from 1992-2022. 30 years. Partly frustration and new things in life that came up. Arthritis is tough on the hands. After taking 30 years off I am beyond words of how fast it has come back to me. Most of the pro's I have seen on here go too fast. They teach at their level as you said. I looked a few up wanting to figure out how to play lead which I do not understand at all. After watching 4 teachers I shut the TV off. I have found that the good guitar players here on You Tube are the worst teachers. They simply don't know how to teach. They take the most butchered song, 'Stairway to Heaven' and put their own twist on it. I took lessons in 1982 and would ask this teacher one question and he would spend the rest of the lesson playing my question on his guitar. After 4 lessons I told him off and quit him. We are only in competition with ourselves. The person we see in the mirror everyday is the one that we work with. Don't compare yourself to Jimmy Page, Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, etc. You're just setting yourself up for disappointment. These guys are the elites and don't come around that often. Like a Babe Ruth of baseball. They make it look so easy. I did everything wrong when I started. Held the pick wrong, did not sit right, did not get the left hand under the guitar. On and on. Yes you have it nailed perfectly. Sure wished you lived here in Canada. But I can look into your course. I have made up some finger exercises that I practice for half an hour, and man have they ever helped me so much. At times I cannot believe it is my fingers playing. I did that myself. With You Tube today one can teach themselves a lot if and I mean if they find the right teacher. I went to re-learn Classical Gas.Thats a tough song with the speed and the finger picking. Only found one person that taught it right and he was the best of the worse. Again he went too fast so thats where the rewind button comes in. When I last practiced it was put the record on the turn table and then the headphones. Up and down with the needle so many times you wore the record out. Now with You Tube you sit on the couch and it is like having the teacher right there in front of you and much cheaper than lessons. You just keep rewinding till you understand it. It is a real brain thinker which we all improve on. Although I cannot read and write music I can certainly help out people that are just starting out. That is where I am anchored. You bet it is hard. Anyone that says playing any instrument is easy is either a liar or just loaded with talent. One person can play 3 hours a day, while someone else practices just an hour, and the person that practices for just a hour is advancing quicker. Why? Because we are all different. It is the quality of the practice not the amount of time. Our brains process the info at different speeds. Just like in school. You had the brainchild and you had the regular students and then you had the ones that struggled. It all originates in the brain, the control room. Like eating a slice of pizza. You just take one bite at a time. You then chew it, swallow it then process it. Look at all the big name professionals out there. What do they all have in common? They all started very young and stayed with it. You're doing a fantastic job and you're a million percent correct on everything you say. Most teachers on You Tube are great guitar players but terrible teachers. Teaching in itself is an art. Thanks so much. I love your videos. Rick In Canada. Age 65
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 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!
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 🙂
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)
I am honest with you Lauren, after I watch your video's over strumming, I such no more for a nieuw teacher because you explain to us in a special way. I hope you that read this right now, please go to Lauren's videos and such for strumming. I garanted you Cowboy, YOU NEED NOTHIS ELSE... Lauren, for me, you are the best on RUclips... And by the way, THANK YOU FOR YOUR STRUMMING VIDEOS... I learn every day Hou to listen and to play my country music!!! Pure love for you, girl!
Wow, thank you!
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, 🕉️
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.
I agree wholeheartedly. You need to teach where each student is, with something achievable at the student’s level and that makes it fun and enjoyable. Shortcuts are good!
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!
Wow Lauren! Thank you for taking the time to explain how you view some teachers, versus your method of teaching. You are so correct! I was a school teacher for 23 years and I also taught in the Business Schools at night during the summers. I taught basic music theory, the recorder, hand bells, taught them songs and worked with the children to perform for the holiday shows. I seldom stuck to the curriculum because I did whatever I could to simplify everything with the younger grades. My goal was to make music fun. As teachers we were thrown these difficult boring textbooks that I simply could not make use of. I was also tired of the impressional curriculum that was being forced down our throats. Teachers have to be so worried about keeping to the curriculum and the children become weary, discouraged and bored! No wonder we have so many drop outs as they get older! I always tried to make things fun and I was very much loved by my students. Also, thank you for your advice on what guitars are best to buy. Although I did not purchased those exact ones, but it was similar. I have a beautiful 3/4 Yamaha APXT2 3/4 Thinline Acoustic-Electric Cutaway Guitar
Old Violin Sunburst, which I purchased yesterday. I am ready for lessons. Too many online teachers who are trying to impress people and I am not buying any of them. I will look into your courses instead. Petra
Thanks for sharing!
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.
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 👍
I strongly agree with you darling, is really blessed to become your student ❤ from Singapore 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼😁
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.
100% Lauren! I'm a guitar teacher of more than 30 years and it's only in the last 10 years that I really "got it". I was always more concerned about my own playing career when I was younger, and very strict about playing it "correctly". Since Covid I've retired from live music and finally enjoying my weekends! Now I get a buzz out of trying to find a way to teach each unique individual that comes through my door. They're all different and there are plenty of 1 and 2 finger triads and smiling faces! Keep up the good work!
Thanks for sharing!
Dear,love it, when you come with a new chapter.Every class feels like we are primary students and you are a very nice person and of course a guitar which is our toy.I want to say one thing. I really want to know.
Whenever we sit down to practice the guitar for 30 minutes or 1 hour or more, how do we organize the practice lessons?
Maybe those who get you as a teacher from the front are lucky. Many of us have tried and will for years but don't know where to end up. Stay well and we will practice when we get off work.
Lauren is FEISTY today in this video. Actually Lauren, this is why I love you and your style of teaching so much. You break it down for beginners! No matter what the age. My personal instructor does the same exact thing for me. I played basketball from 4th grade thru college and then I started to coach. And when I coached, I taught fundamentals at all levels, and that is what you do and my instructor Tom does. You teach the fundamentals. Concentrate on the fundamentals. Once you get those down, you should never ever stop practicing the fundamentals but, and here is the important thing, it allows you to do things you never thought possible. Be it basketball or playing the guitar. I am 65 years old and I have been playing the guitar now for 121 day (yes, I keep a journal) and since my instructor and I focus on the fundamentals, I am now able to play a few songs but my confidence level in soon to be playing more complex songs with faster chord changes is very high. Sure, I have a long way to go but it all takes time and a good guitar instructor, such as yourself and Tom, are very very aware of that. I asked my instructor once, "why don't you tell me what I suck at so I can concentrate on that?" He said, "I like to focus on the good things you are doing, introduce new things each session and even some advance techniques to give you an idea of what I think you will soon be able to do. You already know what you suck at and I am confident that you will work on those and if you can't get it down, you will ask and I will give you pointers to grow along the way." And, at times, he will see me struggling with something during our online sessions and will give me pointers, as most good instructors will, but not in a way to make me feel bad. This is what I feel you do Ms. Lauren. Keep up the good work! (Sorry for the long post if you got this far.)
Go girl! I used to teach people to drive and you are so right. Some people need you to break it down and make it simple and get some success to build their confidence before you do the full thing. That's what makes a good teacher, someone who can teach. If they aren't learning, you're not teaching! I have now been playing 4 days and I love what you have taught me so far.
Thanks for sharing and for watching!
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.
Great Video! Learning shortcuts is literally how I learned to play the actual things properly. Without the shortcuts its very easy to get disgruntled and quit because of a lack of progress. You dont pickup a guitar to learn music theory. You pick it up to play it. The theory comes later.
You are spot on LB, some utube teachers keep saying this is easy and I found it difficult! So depressing.
Man, you can tell Lauren is just a good person and this video proves it. As a teacher myself in middle and high school, it’s a daily to break things down into simpler format or chunks to help students comprehend the content.
You are amazing! Thoughtful, intelligent and kind, especially to us older ones! It is appreciated and you are much loved on here.
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 really like how you teach. The teachers that I had did not care. I plan on getting some of your lessons. I’m 71 and need to catch up a little. Thank you so much!
Thanks for watching!
Triads are probably the best way to begin playing guitar you get to being able to sound good faster. Then you can move to full chords when you're fingers are working better. Great lesson !! Love your teaching method, it is helping me get my chops back faster than I thought possible alert surgeries on my left arm.
I am 61 and learned from you. You are a good teacher, you have respect, and patience.
A lot of guitar teachers assume you must know stuff without actually being shown. Also they expect you to come up with your own strumming pattern, AT THE BEGINNER LEVEL. Also they try to teach you the cage system and swear its a must because its the only way to learn the fret board. I pointed it out its full of barre chords and to know the cage system you must know barre chords and the fret board. So what is the point of the cage system. He said its the best, i just though jog on sherlock. Barre chords are hard and they are harder as you get older. The best way to learn any instrument is to start small and have fun.
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 🇦🇺 👍
Sounds like compassion and common sense to me. Good job young lady.🩷
You're a great teacher, keep up the hard work!
Thank you! 😃
Its about the fun and achievement any way which is satisfying for the student. I am learning since 2 years being above 50 years old and its a struggle for everything. My regret is that i did not start much earlier. I tried with a teacher and it did not work at all, i felt it was a waste of money. Meanwhile I learned to play the basic cords and use mostly youtube and books to learn theory and songs.
You Lauren, are the most motivating teacher i found online! Thank you always for your effort. Its so good that there is someone, who understands our struggle ;-) 🤩🥰 THANK YOU!!!
Totally agree as someone who has been playing guitar for over fifty years and teaching almost twenty five years,and I agree that certain musicians are up on their very high superior horses, and refuse to come down to the beginners level.