ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Stefan Joubert

Tags: Adult guitar lessons, Guitar exercises, Guitar lessons, Guitar practice, Guitar skills, Guitar technique, Hammer-ons, Legato technique, London Guitar Institute, Pull-offs

About Stefan Joubert

Stefan Joubert champions adult music education, helping learners of all levels make real progress through expert guidance and consistent practice.

Legato Technique: Playing Faster with Less Effort

2026-07-13T11:31:34+01:00

Many guitarists assume that playing fast is simply a matter of moving the fingers more quickly. In reality, speed is often the result of efficiency rather than effort. One of the most effective ways to develop fluid, effortless playing is through legato technique. Legato allows notes to connect smoothly with minimal interruption, creating a flowing musical line while reducing unnecessary picking movements. The idea behind Legato Technique: Playing Faster With Less Effort is to use hammer-ons, pull-offs and smooth phrasing to reduce unnecessary picking, improve control and create a more fluid, expressive sound. What Is Legato Technique? The word legato comes [...]

Legato Technique: Playing Faster with Less Effort2026-07-13T11:31:34+01:00

Guitar & Amp Tech Spotlight: Dave Barlow of Dave Barlow Guitar

2026-07-16T15:54:01+01:00

We’re honoured to shine a light on Dave Barlow Guitar, a Surrey-based workshop known for its practical expertise, honest advice and dedicated support for guitarists and musicians. Behind the name is Dave Barlow, a guitarist, guitar tech and amp repair specialist whose life has been deeply connected to music for more than three decades. Based in Long Ditton, Surbiton, Dave works with guitarists across Surrey and South London, helping them keep their instruments and amplifiers playing, sounding and performing at their best. From guitar set-ups, repairs, upgrades and wiring work to amplifier repair and practical guidance for players, Dave brings [...]

Guitar & Amp Tech Spotlight: Dave Barlow of Dave Barlow Guitar2026-07-16T15:54:01+01:00

Luthier Spotlight: Angus of Minorfret Guitar Repairs

2026-07-15T16:18:28+01:00

We are delighted to shine a light on Minorfret Guitar Repairs, a North London workshop dedicated to the care, repair and maintenance of guitars with precision, experience and musical understanding. Behind Minorfret Guitar Repairs is Angus, a skilled luthier and guitar technician whose journey brings together playing experience, work with bands and sound systems, formal lutherie training, guitar building, and years of hands-on repair work. His background gives him a thoughtful understanding not only of how guitars are made, but also of how musicians use them, depend on them and connect with them. For guitarists, students, collectors and anyone interested [...]

Luthier Spotlight: Angus of Minorfret Guitar Repairs2026-07-15T16:18:28+01:00

Luthier Spotlight: Gerald Gill of The Vintage Instrument Workshop

2026-06-18T09:24:28+01:00

We’re honoured to shine a light on The Vintage Instrument Workshop, a respected London workshop dedicated to the repair, restoration, maintenance and authentication of vintage stringed instruments. Behind the workshop is Gerald Gill — a highly experienced luthier whose journey began with taking guitars apart and putting them back together as a teenager. With a background that brings together carpentry, engineering experience, formal lutherie training, guitar manufacturing, and years of specialist repair work on Denmark Street, Gerald has developed a deep understanding of how instruments are built, how they age, and how they can be restored with care and sensitivity. [...]

Luthier Spotlight: Gerald Gill of The Vintage Instrument Workshop2026-06-18T09:24:28+01:00

What Is Diatonic Harmony and Why Does It Matter for Guitarists?

2026-06-09T12:08:07+01:00

Many guitarists begin by learning chord shapes, scales, riffs and songs, often before studying much theory. This is a natural and practical way to start, but over time, deeper questions usually appear: why do certain chords work together, and why do some progressions feel more resolved than others?What is Diatonic Harmony and why does it matter for guitarists?In simple terms, it is the understanding of how chords and scales belong together within a key.This knowledge helps guitarists move beyond memorised shapes and recognise how music is organised directly on the fretboard.For adult guitar learners, diatonic harmony can make theory feel clearer, [...]

What Is Diatonic Harmony and Why Does It Matter for Guitarists?2026-06-09T12:08:07+01:00

Luthier Spotlight: Josh Stopford of West Valley Guitars

2026-06-12T10:44:53+01:00

We’re honoured to shine a light on West Valley Guitars, a boutique guitar workshop known for its beautifully hand-built electric guitars, thoughtful design and exceptional attention to playability. Behind the name is Josh Stopford, a dedicated guitar maker, repairer, teacher and musician whose life has been shaped by a deep love of guitars. His instruments have been played by artists including IDLES, The Vaccines and Alberta Cross, and he has also worked on instruments for musicians connected with Gaz Coombes, The Stranglers, Massive Attack, Siouxsie and the Banshees, The The, This Is The Kit and many more. Stefan: Can you [...]

Luthier Spotlight: Josh Stopford of West Valley Guitars2026-06-12T10:44:53+01:00

Why Fretboard Awareness Matters More Than Memorising Random Patterns

2026-05-16T13:19:35+01:00

Many guitarists spend years collecting shapes. For many players, the more patterns they learn, the more confused they become. They may know where to place their fingers, but not always why those notes work, where they are on the instrument, or how to use them musically. This is where guitar learners discover why fretboard awareness matters more than memorising random patterns. A pattern can help you play something quickly. Fretboard awareness helps you understand the guitar. Fretboard Awareness Gives You Musical Freedom Fretboard awareness means knowing the instrument well enough to make informed musical choices. It is not about turning [...]

Why Fretboard Awareness Matters More Than Memorising Random Patterns2026-05-16T13:19:35+01:00

What to Expect in Your First Three Months of Guitar Lessons

2026-04-16T16:18:49+01:00

Beginning guitar lessons is an exciting step. Whether you have been thinking about learning for years or have only recently decided to begin, read this article to know well what to expect in your first three months of guitar lessons. This early stage is not about becoming advanced overnight. It is about building the right foundations, developing confidence, and starting to enjoy the instrument in a meaningful and lasting way. At the London Guitar Institute, we often find that adult learners arrive with a mixture of enthusiasm and uncertainty. Many are eager to play, but are unsure what lessons will actually [...]

What to Expect in Your First Three Months of Guitar Lessons2026-04-16T16:18:49+01:00

How to Avoid Wrist Pain When Practising Barre Chords

2026-04-01T13:36:33+01:00

For many guitarists, barre chords mark a turning point. They open the door to a far wider harmonic vocabulary, greater freedom across the fretboard, and a more mature, versatile way of playing. Yet for all their usefulness, they can also be one of the most uncomfortable aspects of learning the guitar, particularly for adult students who are trying to develop strength and control without unnecessary tension. It is very common for players to experience discomfort when first working on barre chords. In many cases, this does not mean anything is wrong with the guitar, the hand, or the student’s ability. More [...]

How to Avoid Wrist Pain When Practising Barre Chords2026-04-01T13:36:33+01:00

6 Classic Country Songs Perfect for Beginner Guitarists

2026-02-23T15:10:52+00:00

There’s something quietly magical about country music when you’re first learning the guitar. Perhaps it’s the honest storytelling, or the way a handful of simple chords can carry a song that feels larger than life. Unlike some genres that demand lightning-fast solos or complex fingerwork, classic country often rewards patience, steady rhythm, and heartfelt strumming. If you’re just starting out, these six classic country songs are not only achievable, they’re genuinely satisfying to play. Each one teaches a useful skill while reminding you why you picked up the guitar in the first place. https://youtu.be/1Osyw6Svv8U?si=RYjlhEoxVSPbTui7 1. Ring of Fire – Johnny Cash [...]

6 Classic Country Songs Perfect for Beginner Guitarists2026-02-23T15:10:52+00:00
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