ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Stefan Joubert

Tags: Acoustic guitar technique, Adult guitar lessons, Fingerstyle guitar, Fretting technique, Guitar articulation, Guitar dynamics, Guitar sound, Guitar touch, London Guitar Institute, Picking technique, The role of touch in acoustic guitar tone

About Stefan Joubert

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

The Role of Touch in Acoustic Guitar Tone

2026-09-04T17:17:37+01:00

Acoustic guitar tone is often discussed in terms of wood, strings, body shape and construction. All of these matter, but they are only part of the picture. The player’s touch has an equally important influence on sound. Two guitarists can play the same instrument, with the same strings, in the same room, and still produce noticeably different tones. One may sound warm and rounded, while the other sounds bright, direct or percussive. The difference often comes from how the strings are approached, struck and released. Understanding the role of touch in acoustic guitar tone can help players develop greater control, musical [...]

The Role of Touch in Acoustic Guitar Tone2026-09-04T17:17:37+01:00

Fretboard Mapping for Adult Guitar Learners

2026-08-25T12:43:16+01:00

Learning the guitar fretboard can feel overwhelming at first, with six strings, repeated notes and multiple playing positions to navigate. Many adult learners become comfortable with chord shapes and scales but still struggle to locate notes confidently across the neck. This article explores fretboard mapping for adult guitar learners as a structured way to understand how notes and patterns connect across the neck. Rather than memorising the entire fretboard at once, you gradually build a clearer mental picture of the instrument. With time, the neck begins to feel more logical, connected and easier to navigate. Understand What Fretboard Mapping Really Means [...]

Fretboard Mapping for Adult Guitar Learners2026-08-25T12:43:16+01:00

How to Review Your Guitar Progress After the First Half of 2026

2026-08-03T12:07:21+01:00

Reaching the halfway point of 2026 is an ideal time to reflect on your musical development. Progress on the guitar is not measured only by the number of songs you have learnt, but also by improvements in technique, confidence, musical understanding and expression. How to Review Your Guitar Progress After the First Half of 2026 begins with recognising your achievements, identifying areas that still need attention and setting realistic goals for the months ahead. A constructive review can strengthen your motivation and help you continue developing with greater focus and purpose. 1. Reflect on the Goals You Set Before assessing [...]

How to Review Your Guitar Progress After the First Half of 20262026-08-03T12:07:21+01:00

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
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