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Guitar Lessons

​Acoustic Steel String Guitar
“Learn a fun mix of music to play on 
the front porch and around the campfire!”
Americana, Folk, Bluegrass & Country Music…
• Ages 9-adult
• Beginners Welcome! 
• No previous music experience is necessary!
• Private &/or Family Duo 30 min. lessons.
• Weekly lessons are held year round
“Jump in & Start Making Music!”
Register Today >

Pierre Jacques Pleau

Musician & Teaching Artist
Serving Youth & Families Since 1996

​Online Music Lesson Info >

​In-Person Music Lessons

• AmericInn - North Branch, MN, USA
• GrandStay Hotel - Cambridge, MN, USA
• Central Green Park - Cambridge, MN, USA
• Lion's Park - Lindstrom, MN, USA
• Mobile (your location), MN, USA
Location Info >

FAQ:

Q: “What is the difference between a ‘Classical Acoustic Guitar’ and a Steel String Acoustic Folk Guitar?
​The Acoustic Folk Guitar has steel strings and is used for playing country, bluegrass & folk music... (There are also Acoustic/Electric Folk Guitars, which can be plugged into an amp for performing but also sound good without being plugged in.). This is the type of guitar that students need to have for lessons. 
 
The Classical/Spanish Acoustic Guitar has nylon strings and is used for playing Spanish & Classical music... 
 
If you already have a guitar but don’t know which kind it is, look at the headstock and compare it to the photos below. 
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​The second photo is the head stock of the Classical/Spanish Acoustic Guitar which has nylon strings and is used for playing Spanish & classical music... It has a wider fret board than an Acoustic Folk Guitar, which can make it harder for youth and beginners to play. 
Q: “Can my child start taking Guitar Lessons before they turn 9?”
​By age 8-10 a child’s finger length and strength makes it possible for them to effectively press down the Guitar’s steel strings, play melodies and shape finger/chord positions.
​Children ages 7-8 may enjoy starting with 
Ukulele Lessons >
Children ages 5-8 may like to start with 
Piano Lessons – Prep for Strings > 
Q: “Can family members take music lessons together &/or have lessons back to back?”

​Fun Options for Family & Friends 

​Duo Lessons: Parent/child, Grandparent/grandchild or siblings... Take a 30 min duo lesson on the same kind of instrument (example: guitar). 
 
Private Lessons: Take 30 min. private lessons back to back with a friend or family member (example: 1 guitar & 1 fiddle) and spend part of the time jamming together!
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Q: “One of my children wants to play the guitar & the other the fiddle. Can they learn the same songs?”
Guitar students who are also learning to play the Fiddle/Violin, or who have a family member or friend who is learning to play the Fiddle/Violin, can learn how to play backup rhythm &/or flatpick fiddle tunes! 
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Q: “What do students learn beyond playing songs?”
​A: “In order to learn to play the Guitar like a pro (achieve great sound), there are a number of skills that are focused on during lessons: 
  • Good form and posture 
  • Left hand guitar hold/position (for ease of playing and visual effect) 
  • Excellent right hand pick hold (classic hold for agility - freedom of movement) 
  • Intonation Success! (Learn the secret techniques for making each note ring!) 
  • Rhythm! (Learn how to tap out the rhythm to keep time while playing the guitar as well as how to play in time with other instruments) 
  • The Guitar learning method uses the aural music tradition of ‘Listen, Watch & Play!’ as well as standard music notation with ‘Tabs’ for easy reading! 
Q: “Will there be opportunities for students to play together?”

​Music Lesson Jams 

Take 30 min. private lessons back to back with a friend or family member (example: 1 guitar & 1 violin) and spend part of the time playing music together!
Lessons include ‘Jamming’ with, fiddle, mandolin, ukulele &/or guitar accompaniment. 

​Jam Camps

As students progress they can sign-up for 'Jam Camps' ​

Festival Performances

​Students who are interested in performing 
can audition to perform music at festivals... 
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​Music Books, Guitars & Accessories

1st Music Book to Order:

Alfred’s Basic Guitar Method 1: 

Americana, Classical, Rock ’n’ Roll, Folk, Musicals & Country Music

Book includes: left hand fingering & picking exercises, note reading basics, bass string rhythms, rock rhythms, boogie style rhythms, simple 3 & 4 string chords, strumming patterns and a fun mix of songs to pick &/or strum:  Beautiful Brown Eyes, Alouette, Aura Lee, Ode to Joy, Down in the Valley, Oh Susanna, Good Night Ladies, Daisy Bell, Laughing Polka, The Yellow Rose of Texas, The Blue Danube Waltz, Can-Can, She’ll Be Coming’ ‘Round the Mountain, Happy Birthday to You, Pachelbel’s Canon, Over the Rainbow, Amazing Grace, Minuet (Bach), Buffalo Gals, La Bamba, Auld Lang Syne, Singin’ in the Rain, Take Me Home Country Roads (John Denver) and more... 
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Guitar Recommendations:
For Lessons, students need to have their own good sounding playable 
Acoustic Steel String Folk Guitar 
It has steel strings and is used for playing country, bluegrass & folk music... (There are also Acoustic/Electric Folk Guitars, which can be plugged into an amp for performing but also sound good without being plugged in.) 
 
Guitar Recommendations:
For ages 9-12: Size 3⁄4 Acoustic Folk Guitar with extra light steel strings for ease of playing.
For ages 13-Adult size 3⁄4 or a mini/travel Acoustic Folk Guitar for ease of playing and taking with you! 
​Yamaha JR2 is a good sounding playable guitar with low action! 
Picture
​If you already have a guitar but don’t know which kind it is, look at the headstock and compare it to the photos below. 
Picture
​The second photo is the head stock of the Classical/Spanish Acoustic Guitar which has nylon strings and is used for playing Spanish & classical music... It has a wider fret board than an Acoustic Folk Guitar, which can make it harder for youth and beginners to play. ​
Accessories:
​• Medium weight guitar picks
• Electronic guitar tuner (clip on)
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​Music Camps

Those visiting this page may also be interested in Music Camps >

"Have more Questions?"

Take a fun easygoing Intro Lesson to find out more about an Instrument!
Instrument provided upon request for the Intro Lesson - dependent on availability
Fiddle Lessons, Violin Lessons
Online Contact Form
Phone: 651-358-0844

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  • Home
  • About
    • Violins/Fiddles for Rent
    • Service Area
    • Policies
  • Contact
  • Musicals
  • Music Lessons
    • Fiddle/Violin
    • Classical Violin
    • Mandolin
    • Ukulele
    • Guitar
    • Piano
    • Singing/Voice
    • Lesson Locations
  • Camps
    • Theater Camps
    • Music Camps
    • Swedish Fiddle Camp
  • Performances
    • Concerts
    • Celtic Music
    • Swedish Music
    • Nature Songs & Stories