FAQs
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Main topics below are written in large caps. The number beside them is how many sub-topics each has.
ABOUT - 15
ACCESSORIES - 5
DRUM LESSONS - 3
GUITAR & UKE LESSONS - 5
INSTRUMENTS - 8
PRACTICE - 7
SERVICES - 5
WAYS TO LEARN - 2
Sub-topics start with a hypen and are written in small caps.
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Click on the 16 sub-topics below to learn more.
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Lessons are weeks 1, 2, 3 of each month
No lessons weeks 4, 5, Dec, July
Jan lessons are weeks 3, 4, 5
No lessons on
Jan - weeks 1 & 2
Feb - wk 4
Mar - wk 4
Apr - wk 4
May - wks 4 & 5
June - wk 4
July - summer break
Aug - wk 4
Sep - wk 4
Oct - wks 4 & 5
Nov - wk 4
Dec - winter break
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Guy is allergic to
Cat dander
Tobacco
Pot
If you had cat or smoke contact
Shower your body and hair, then put on clean clothes, coat, or hat before coming
Or do an online lesson instead that day
Cats lay on beds, furniture, clothes and coats. They also love to get into guitar cases. Vacuum the invisible cat dander out of the case interior when your cat gets into your case. Additionally, cat urine and smoke residue get into plush linings and exteriors of cases. The smell is hard to get out and drops the value of your instrument if you resell it.
There are no refunds or reschedules
For lessons cancelled due to cat/smoke allergens because of time needed to thoroughly clean the studio.
Our dog
Oreo is our large, second generation, hypoallergenic, bernedoodle. No worries though, he loves people and lives upstairs.
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Address
106 W. 9th Street, Atlantic, IA 50022
Open by appointment only
Directions
Atlantic Guitar is located near the center of town. We are one block southwest of the courthouse on W. 9th Street between Poplar and Locust.
Parking - When visiting park on the street facing east. We do not have a driveway. Please do not use the neighbor’s drive.
Enter - Enter the west side door. The studio is in the basement.
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Below you will find
Signs of an excellent music teacher
Where to look for music instructors
What might you ask the music teacher
What might the music teacher ask you
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1. Signs of an excellent music teacher
There is a reason that colleges have two separate degrees - one for music education and another for music performance. These are two different skill sets. Being a great player does not always make one a great teacher. Sometimes the opposite is also true. Plus, in rural areas you usually have to travel to find the right teacher for private lessons. So what should you be looking for when trying to find an instructor? A great teacher:
Creates success in others - skills achieved, goals reached, competitions & awards won, etc.
Has a gift for teaching with outstanding soft skills, structure, and follow-through
Has a reputation for expertise, experience, education, excellence, and encouragement on your instrument
Has proper training in ergonomic technique. They help you avoid the common hand, arm, neck, shoulder and back injuries that plague musicians as a result of playing with bad positioning.
Communicates in an honest way that motivates and challenges
Is a people-person that cares about you
Is one that you like and get along with
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2. Where to look for music instructors?
Colleges & universities
Private music studios
Church worship bands
Live music venues
Family or friends
Music stores
Newspaper
School
Online
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3. What might you ask the music teacher?
Figure out what motivates the teacher. Is this just a short-term side hustle or do they teach because it is their passion and calling? Your student needs longevity and consistency to grow. A great teacher won’t be intimidated by an opportunity to prove their worth and value. Therefore, ask questions.
Where did you learn to play?
What made you want to teach?
What styles do you specialize in?
How long have you been teaching?
How many students have you taught?
Where can I find your reviews online?
Where can I hear you and your students play?
How do you include music theory in your lessons?
Have you worked with disabled students?
Are you able to adapt to different learning styles? If so, how?
Have you worked with students who require a range of additional learning and support needs?
What materials do you use to provide structure and a comprehensive approach to learning?
What approach do you take when teaching children, teens or adults? How does your approach differ with each?
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4. What might the music teacher ask you
A good teacher is committed to your success and will ask questions to see if you are as well. They will not ask all of the questions below, but I list common ones to get you thinking.
General
What are your music goals?
What style(s) are you interested in?
What questions do you have for me?
Background
Who were your other music teachers?
What did you learn from each of them?
What did you like best/least about your other learning experiences?
School
What classes do you like best/least? Why?
What kind of grades do you get in school?
Band & Choir
Are you in band or choir? How many years for each?
What instrument(s) do you play? For how long?
Do you play better by ear, by reading notes, or both?
Do you understand tabs, chord pictures, and scale grids?
Will you stay in band or choir if you start lessons here?
What was your most recent individual rating at competition?
Did you advance to Opus or All-State? How many times? What seat were you in All-State band/symphony?
Extracurriculars
Do you have a job? How many hours a week do you work?
What extracurriculars do. you do?
Do you really have time to meet my higher practice requirements.
How many hours a day do you play video games? Are you willing to give some of that up to learn to play? Why or why not?
Commitment
Do you finish what you start?
How do you handle things that do not come easily or quickly?
What do you do when you have a question or challenging situation?
If I agree to take you on as a new student, will you commit to practicing X days a week for X hours a week?
If I had limited openings or a waiting list, what reasons would you give to consider you over somebody else?
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Experienced
Taught over 1,000 students, 12,000 hours, 20,000 lessons, performed 1,000+ times
Teaches guitar, bass, ukulele, and world percussion
Live music performance coach
Audio/visual technician
Worship band leader
Visual artist
Consultant
Guy is passionate about mentoring musicians - with excellence, honesty, clarity, and real progress. Former students have opened for famous bands, become touring musicians, session players, music teachers, worship leaders, competition winners, and those that play for fun. He has a distinguished record creating success in others and will do the same for you. Contact Guy today!
Career highlights
Studied guitar, music theory, and conducting at the Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, Southern Missouri State, Central Bible College, and with Emmy/Grammy winners
Accompanied musicians from Grammy and Dove award-winning acts
Iowa’s Got Talent finalist (2009)
Technical Editor, Guitar Exercises for Dummies, top-selling book series (2008)
Former public school teacher (4 years) and ordained minister (15 years)
BA, Biblical Studies, Minor in counseling
BA, Pastoral Ministry
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Below you will find
Online lessons are not good for
Online lessons are good for
What you need for online lessons
How to prepare for an online lesson
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1. Online guitar lessons are NOT good for
Regular beginner level students (except for bad weather or sick days)
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2. Online lessons are good for
When out of town
Saving on travel time
Bad weather or sick days
Intermediate and advanced students
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3. What you need for online lessons
Computer, phone or tablet with mic, camera, hi-speed internet, and an updated operating system
Download two video apps (FaceTime, Messenger, Skype). If one is down, we can switch to the other. Use either the App Store, Galaxy Store, or Google Play Store depending on what device you have.
Desk lamp in front of you with shade off
Your back to a wall and not a window
Instrument, tuner, and lesson supplies
Quiet room with no distractions (TV, radio, video games, people talking or walking through, etc).
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4. How to prepare for an online lesson
We have the highest quality hardware and the fastest high-speed internet available. We check for operating system and video app updates daily before lessons to assure there is never an issue on our end. If there is an internet outage we will reschedule. Otherwise, the problem is because student’s have not done the following (for which we do not typically reschedule):
Weekly updates - It is your responsibility to update your operating system and video apps (FaceTime, Messenger, Skype) every week before the lesson. Otherwise, sound/video may not work.
4 or less icons on your desktop - Too many desktop icons or docs might distort and disconnect the audio and video because they are open and running in the background. Fewer icons or docs can speed up your computer.
Tune before the lesson
Everything in place
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We accept
Cash
Gift certificates
Checks - make payable to Guy Somers
Payment policies
Payment plans - monthly, bi-annual, annual
Payment due by the 21st - No lessons are given unless paid-in-full, in advance, by the 21st of the month regardless of lessons you expect to miss.
Pro-rated - Initial lesson payment is pro-rated if you begin in the middle of the month, bi-annual or annual pay timeframe.
Annual payment discount - To qualify for the $130 annual payment discount you must pay by check or cash. We pass the fee savings on to you of not using a credit card.
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Below you will find
Monthly lesson rate comparison
Our costs and fees
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Monthly lesson rate comparison
Our November 2025 ChatGPT AI analysis of private Iowa music instructors shows the following regarding monthly pricing for custom-tailored, private, one-on-one music lessons:
Least expensive - $100 per month
Atlantic Guitar - $130 per month
Most expensive - $170 to $240 per month
Atlantic Guitar is on the low side of the moderately priced range. Even still, we show a level of student results, experience, education, and excellence consistent with other top-notch studios in the state. (Just look at the videos of some of our former students!) This makes Atlantic Guitar a great value for your investment.
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Our costs and fees
Atlantic Guitar’s last lesson rate and annual registration fee increase was January 2024.
Monthly tuition ($130) - per month is due by the 21st of the preceding month
Annual registration fee ($130) - Waived for annual payers. Registration is non-refundable and paid-in-full with your first month’s payment. Thereafter, it is paid with your November 21st payment to reserve your lesson day and time for the next calendar year beginning in January. We add value to the fee by fast-tracking the first month of lessons - doubling the lessons, progress, momentum, and confidence of beginners when they need it most.
Lesson material packets ($40)
Returned check ($35) - Lessons resume after payment is received. Payment is cash or credit-only after a returned check.
Late payment ($15) - The late fee must be paid-in-full before lessons continue. The third time payment is late in a 12 month period lessons are terminated.
No 30-day notice [$130) - Notice of lesson termination must be given 30 days prior to the 21st of the month or you agree to pay the next month’s payment.
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Reschedules
Teacher discretion is used when there are more reschedule requests than openings.
We only reschedule IF prior notice is given and IF there is an opening during regular lesson times.
It is important to find a lesson day and time that works for your schedule because there are times we do not have any openings.
If you need a permanent switch of your lesson day and time, then give Guy as much notice as possible (months not weeks). That enables him to make you aware of openings coming available. This consideration is very important for those in extracurriculars.
There are no credits, refunds or make-ups for missed lessons or bad weather.
Closure - We do NOT close when schools do because online lessons are typically available.
Bad weather or short on time - Don’t risk an accident or ticket. Do online lessons instead during your regular day & time.
Health & hygiene - Stay home if you missed or will miss school due to illness, lice, bed bugs, etc. You must be free of illness for 24 hours before coming to an in-studio lesson.
Teacher absence - We give notice and reschedule when the teacher is going to be absent.
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You reserve a specific lesson day & time for the year between the hours of 6 am and 9 pm. Yes, you read the hours right. Most people need lessons before or after school and work.
Lessons are weeks 1, 2, 3 of each month for 25-minutes each session
No lessons weeks 4, 5, Dec or July
Jan lessons are weeks 3, 4, 5
75-minutes of instruction monthly ($130)
Weekly
Weekly, 25-minute, in-studio or online lessons are scheduled 6 am to 9 pm.
Monday - Thursday
Saturday, 9 am - 12 pm
Intensive
Intensives are 50 to 100 minute lessons, as needed, in-studio or online. They are typically for established players or busy professionals. On occasion we even do intensives for regular weekly students if they have schedule conflicts. We typically do intensives wherever there are openings 6 am - 9 pm:
Monday - Thursday
Saturday, 9 am - 12 pm
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Students who terminate lessons agree to
Give notice 30-days prior to the 21st of the next month’s payment or pay the next month’s $130 tuition
Lose the lesson time
Lessons can be terminated if the
Student does not practice
Student, parent, or guardian become disruptive, disrespectful or does not follow our policy
Student, parent, or guardian causes damage to Atlantic Guitar including but not limited to equipment, furnishings, lost time, and intellectual property. The teacher reserves the right to terminate lesson(s) without refund and hold the person(s) responsible for damages. The teacher alone defines what constitutes misbehavior.
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Below you will find our
Mission
Vision
Core values
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1. Mission
Why we exist and what we do now
Our mission is for students to become:
Tuneful
Beatful
Artful
Tuneful means to hear, remember, sing or play pitch. Beatful means to feel pulse and groupings of 2’s and 3’s. Artful means to be moved by music and the emotions and creativity it evokes. Ultimately, we want to help students develop their own independent, authentic, personal expression with musical:
Clarity
Control
Confidence
Consistency
Creativeness
Through:
Strong fundamentals
Personal discipline
Personalized instruction
Real-world performance coaching
Communication, connection, and community
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2. Vision
What does success look like in the future
Our vision is to create a learning environment that produces:
Music - that is accessible, inspiring, empowering, and original
Musicians - that enjoy playing privately and/or performing at community, corporate, and charitable events
Ministers - in churches as instrumentalists, vocalists, music directors, worship band leaders, and AVL technicians
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3. Core Values
How do we behave
At Atlantic Guitar we want:
Clarity over confusion - learning should feel understandable and achievable
Encouragement over pressure - we fuel progress through confidence and not coercion
Real-world musicianship - skills must work in performance, not just practice
Individuality over conformity - every musician has their own unique voice
Be yourself but serve - your uniqueness matters, but never at the expense of the music, audience, band, tech team, sound mix, or event. It’s a shared groove.
Collaboration over competition - musicians should listen, adapt and succeed together contributing to something larger than themselves
Lifelong growth - as the individual matures so does the music. If you just maintain, you drain. Music is a journey, not a finish line.
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Below you will find our
Purpose of music
View of the student
What strong fundamentals mean
How we balance structure & creativity
Role of the teacher
Definition of progress & success
Human impact of studying music
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1. Purpose of music
The big picture of music is that it is a personal discipline, shared human language, and a means of communication.
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2. View of the student
Every student is musically capable when we find an instrument that facilitates their interest and abilities. Every student’s learning style, goals, pace, and path is unique. Students learn best when they feel safe, encouraged, and respected.
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3. What strong fundamentals mean
Fundamentals are not rigid rules — they are tools that create freedom. So we develop those tools which are:
Rhythm, timing, and feel
Listening and tone production
Technique that serves musical expression
Basic theory as a tool (not an end) for individual creative expression
Musicianship skills (ear training, reading, improvisation, ensemble awareness, etc)
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4. How we balance structure & creativity
Structure provides stability, while creativity gives students a voice. Both are required for productivity. The structure is necessary to develop musical clarity, progress, and confidence. Creativity is essential for engagement, ownership, expression, and artistry.
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5. Role of the teacher
My role changed back in 2000 when I switched focus from performing to teaching. Instead of being the sage on the stage, I became the guide on the side. A great teacher creates success for others. Below is how I view my role as a teacher.
Guide
Coach
Mentor
Model curiosity and discipline
Teach students how to practice, not just what to play
Help students become independent musicians and creators
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6. How I define progress & success
Consistency and effort
Growth in confidence and musical understanding
Ability to collaborate with others
Willingness to perform publicly
Long-term love of music
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7. The human impact of studying music
A philosophy of teaching music goes beyond the music itself. Music means different things to different people.
Builds discipline and resilience
Teaches listening and empathy
Is a constructive coping mechanism
Provides lifelong joy, peace, and relaxation
Fulfills the need to create and express what you feel or think
Builds meaningful communication, relationships, and community
Brings back memories, creates memorable moments, and challenges us to improve ourselves and our world
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A parent of a long-term student recently said “I bring my son here for music lessons, but we leave with so much more - life lessons.” I was so pleased at that because music adds more to life than just songs. Music does something different for each person. That being said, all music instruction should have commonalities no matter where you go.
So what are lessons like?
Kids - use books
Teens & adults - can use books and/or have customized instruction that caters to their goals and music choices
Clear, structured, encouraging lessons
Focus on fundamentals (see “our teaching philosophy” above)
1-minute video summaries at the end of most lessons for all ages
For intermediate level students, creativity and original composition is encouraged alongside technical skill
Encouragement to play for family, with friends, church, school, and community events
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We recommend Sweetwater
After correctly sizing you for the right instrument, Guy provides links to purchase online from Sweetwater. They have the:
Largest guitar, ukulele, and percussion inventory in a properly humidified warehouse
Best customer service, warranty, prompt shipping, and return policy in the industry
Caution on where you buy
There have been issues at times with some music stores, Amazon, and it’s suppliers like:
Store salesman selling clients something other than what they were sent to purchase (with my note giving the exact brand and model needed). After returning the instrument, they did not have what was needed. They also only had in-store exchanges and no refunds. As a result, the student was setup to fail because of the wrong instrument for their hand span need.
Cracks in guitars from improperly shipped and/or improperly humidified warehouses or store showrooms. It’s $50 per crack to repair at the luthier.
Amazon sending the wrong item with long back orders on the right item
Chinese fakes
If you buy from Sweetwater you will avoid all this because they carry everything I recommend.
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Click on the 5 sub-topics below to learn more.
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Electric guitar students are interested in styles where effects tend to be a prominent part of the sound. Amps and effects can be costly. Therefore, we recommend an amp with built-in effects and a footswitch (sold separately) because it is:
Cheaper - Decent individual effects can cost $150 to $800 per effect. Consequently it is easy to spend $1K - $5K on a pedalboard. An amp with built-in digital effects saves you a lot of money.
Easier - It’s easier having built-in digital effects than buying and learning a bunch of different pedals. It could also be easier than buying a more advanced multi-effects pedal with lots of effect menus to deep dive and setup.
Digital combo guitar amps with effects
Click the underlined words below to see the amp and price as of January 2026 from Sweetwater.
FENDER - Champion II ($140)
25-watt
1 × 8-inch speaker
BLACKSTAR - ID ($150)
10-watt
2 x 3-inch speakers
BOSS - Katana Mini ($170)
10-watt
5-inch speaker
VOX - VX15 GT ($230)
15-watt
1 x 6.5-inch speaker
LINE 6 - Catalyst CX 60 ($305)
60-watt
1 x 12-inch speaker
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Click the underlined words below to see the item and price from Amazon.
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Below you will find books for
Bass
Guitar
Ukulele
World percussion
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1. Bass
Beginner (kids)
Beginner to intermediate (teens & adults)
Advanced (teens & adults)
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2. Guitar
Alfred’s
Awesome Guitar Series
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3. Ukulele
Alfred’s
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4. World percussion
Alfred’s
Mel Bay
Other
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You are not just buying an instrument and case when starting lessons. You will also need some, but not necessarily all of the accessories listed below from Sweetwater. They have the best selection, customer service, warranty, prompt shipping, and return policy in the industry.
Click the underlined words below to see the item and price as of January 2026.
Accessory Bag
Clear, zippered, makeup bag or quart-size baggie
Capos
Cleaning Cloth
Guitar Footstool
Humidifiers
Music stand
Nails
Picks
Strap & strap button (end pin)
We require a strap made of cotton, suede, or real leather. The straps below are affordable and cotton. They also have real leather ends that do not break easily like synthetic straps that also slide on shirt material. A strap should hold a guitar in place so it does not move. Only natural materials do that.
Strap button (end pin)
String Sets
Tuner
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Click the underlined words below to see the item and price from Sweetwater.
Instrument cases are sold separately unless you buy a higher end instrument. No case can guarantee absolute protection. Therefore, you are paying for levels of protection. Ask your Sweetwater representative about what case fits your guitar.
Three types of cases
Carrying bag ($40+) - not recommended
Breathable, no humidity level protection
Little protection if dropped
Only good to transport
Possible book pocket
Few people buy
All sizes
Thick padded deluxe gig bag ($100+) - better
Non-breathable, better humidity level protection
Better protection if dropped
Possible book pocket
Most people buy
All sizes
Hardshell case ($150+) - best
Non-breathable, best humidity level protection
Best protection if dropped
Inside accessories pocket
Some people buy
Full-size only
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Below you will find
DIY humidifiers & cleaning humidifiers
Humidifiers you can buy
Humidify or it will crack!
Why do instruments crack?
Signs of developing trouble
Rewetting your humidifier
How to protect your investment
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1. DIY humidifiers & cleaning humidifiers
See the Resources page under the “guitar humidity” tab
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2. Humidifiers you can buy
There are a number of different brands and types of guitar humidifiers on the market like D’Addario, Dampit, Grover, Herco, Martin, MusicNomad, Oasis, etc. We generally recommend the perforated tube with encased sponge type sold by Dampit, Grover, and Martin. Click the underlined words below to see the item and price from Sweetwater.
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3. Humidify or it will crack!
If you do not humidity your instrument, then it will eventually crack during the heating season. Unhumidified instruments typically develop multiple cracks at the same time and cost up to $50 per crack to repair.
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4. Why do instruments crack?
Wood instruments, need relative humidity (RH) at 45 to 55% all year long to prevent cracking. RH below 45% cracks the wood because it is too dry. RH above 55% cracks the wood because it is too wet. Acoustic instruments tend to crack from the inside out. Interior wood is unfinished and susceptible to changes in temperature and humidity fluctuations.
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5. Signs of developing trouble
String buzz
Sharp fret ends
Buzz in the body
Spiderweb finish cracks
Guitar won’t stay in tune
Finish fog where glue joints meet
Raised top in front of or behind bridge
Cracks where the neck joins the body; at the bridge or nut; at the binding:, or in the top, back or sides
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6. Rewetting your humidifier
Your instrument should have constant humidity the entire heating season. Place the moistened (perforated hose-type) humidifier between strings 3 and 4 in the acoustic soundhole or in the case of an electric guitar. You will need to adjust how often you humidify based on a number of variables:
The type and quality of your humidifier
Is your case breathable or non-breathable material?
Is your case padded or not?
How hot do you keep your house?
What floor is your instrument on?
Do you have a wood burning stove?
Is your guitar case in direct sunlight or by the heat vent?
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7. How to protect your investment
Keep your instrument:
Humidifier wet the entire heating season
In it’s case when not being played
Out of a cold or hot car or trunk
Away from AC & heat vents
Out of direct sunlight
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Click the 3 sub-topics below to learn more.
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Beginner instruments to buy
BUY THE FOUR ITEMS BELOW ($91 - 94)
Meinl Hand Percussion Pack ($35)
Includes:
Double Shaker - dynamic control and texture variety
Claves - fundamental time-keeping and Afro-Cuban rhythms
Foot Jingle - foot coordination and accent beats
LP Egg Shakers ($10)
4 individual shakers - soft, medium, loud, extra loud
Why: Internal pulse, control, groove and dynamic awareness
Remo Soft Mallets ($15)
Why: mallet for frame drum and future drums purchased
Remo Frame drum ($31 - 34)
8” drum: HD-8508-00 or
10” drum: HD-8510-00
Beginner total for all instruments ($91 - 94) For a list of intermediate and advanced world percussion instruments see the INSTRUMENTS section under “world percussion.”
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Below you will find
Why world percussion
Instruments used at each level
Curriculum overview
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1. Why world percussion?
World percussion lessons are ideal for students of all backgrounds, budgets, and experience levels, offering an engaging and inclusive way to develop rhythm, musicianship, and teamwork through music. World Percussion lessons introduce students to:
Rhythm
Coordination
Musical collaboration
This is achieved through hands-on study of percussion instruments from cultures around the world. We help students develop strong rhythmic foundations that support all musical study. These lessons emphasize:
Listening
Feel
Groove
Ensemble playing
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2. Instruments used at each level
Our approach for beginners keeps costs manageable while ensuring students can play musically from the very first lesson. Below are the types of instruments purchased at each level.
Beginner - Starts with smaller hand percussion (shakers, claves, foot jingle, frame drum, soft mallets). The focus is rhythmic literacy and ensemble basics. See “what to buy” above for links of what to purchase.
Intermediate - Add larger drums as skills develop (djembe, bongos, cajon, etc). The focus is hand technique and cultural styles.
Advanced - Typically purchase one primary larger drum at a time. The focus is tone mastery, dynamics and leadership.
For a list of specific instruments to buy see the link above this one “what to buy” or the INSTRUMENTS section under “world percussion.”
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3. Curriculum overview
The world percussion curriculum is sequential, ensemble-based, and culturally informed. Instruction includes:
1) Fundamental rhythm skills
Pulse
Tempo
Subdivision
Call-and-response
Coordination - using clapping, movement, and small percussion
2) Hand technique & sound production
Proper hand position
Tone quality
Basic techniques on - frame drums, shakers, djembes, cajóns, and other hand-played instruments
3) Percussion instrument studies from
African
Afro-Cuban
Brazilian
Caribbean
Middle Eastern
Other global traditions
4) Ensemble playing & collaboration
Learning how individual parts fit together
Developing listening skills
Playing cooperative rhythmic roles within a group
5) Cultural context & musical traditions
Introduction to the cultural origins, purposes, and styles of world percussion music
6) Creativity & improvisation
Guided exploration
Rhythm layering
Simple improvisation - to build confidence and musical expression
7) Progressive skill development
Students advance from simple patterns to more complex rhythms as technique, confidence, and musical understanding grow.
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World percussion
Hand-played instruments
Used in styles from different, traditional, ancient cultures all over the world
Uses small instruments (shakes, claves, rattles, etc) combined with individual drums (djembe, bongos, cajons, etc)
Often uses one instrument per person and is played in groups
Can be very affordable using small instruments and single hand drums without hardware
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Hybrid drums
Uses hands and sticks to create modern, flexible sounds
Used in modern and traditional cultures and music styles all over the world
Uses multiple small and large world percussion instruments set up like a drum set
Is played by one individual
Can be very pricey like a drum set
Guy Somers plays world percussion instruments on a hybrid set. Therefore, he teaches both hand drumming and stick drumming styles.
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Drum set
A drum set is a modern type of percussion. It traditionally has:
Sticks to play with
Used in many modern American styles like rock, country, pop and jazz music
Large bass drum and kick pedal
Snare drum and 3 large tom drums
2 or 3 cymbals with stands
A high-hat cymbal, stand, and foot pedal
Is played by one person
Can be very pricey
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Click on the 5 sub-topics below to learn more.
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Below you will find
Call us before you buy
What instrument do you need
What accessories do you need
Total cost
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1. Call us before you buy
Guy has 25+ years of experience and knowledge getting the right instrument for each student’s unique hand span. He will set up an appointment to size you for the right instrument at his studio. He will save you time and money in the long run.
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2. What instrument do you need
INSTRUMENT ($100 - $240+)
For beginners, we recommend nylon string Cordoba classical guitars or ukuleles from Sweetwater (click link). See the “nylon stringed recommended” or the “classical guitars” tab to learn why they are best for most beginners. See the “INSTRUMENTS” tab below for more info about acoustic, bass, classical, electric guitars and ukuleles.
CLASSICAL GUITAR ($240+)
3” to 4” hand span - ¼ size (link)
4” to 5” hand span - ½ size (link)
5” to 6” span - Alvarez RS26N (link)
6” to 7” hand span - ¾ size (link)
9” hand span or more - full size (link)
UKULELE ($100 - $130)
3.5″ to 5″ hand span - soprano (link)
5″ to 6.5″ hand span - concert (link)
6.5″ to 8″ hand span - tenor (link)
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3. What accessories do you need
ACCESSORIES ($100 - $250)
You might not need all the things listed below, but we include it all so you see what accessory costs could be as of October 2025. Click the underlined links below.
Deluxe padded instrument bag with pocket ($50 - $100)
¼ size size classical guitar bag
½ size size classical guitar bag
¾ & full size classical guitar bag
soprano ukulele bag
concert ukulele bag
tenor ukulele bag
Book ($25+)
Strap button ($15)
Classicals
Ukuleles
Strap ($20+)
Humidifier ($15)
Capo ($30)
Music stand ($25 - $40)
Picks with grip ($6 - $13)
Footstool ($15)
Tuner ($20+)
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4. Total cost is between $250 - $590 based on
Classical guitar or ukulele ($100 - $240+)
Instrument case ($50 - $100)
Accessories ($100 - $250)
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Determining your hand span
Many incorrectly size an instrument based on age and/or height. That is flawed because short people can have long fingers and tall people can have short fingers. Many hand spans require a short scale instrument that many stores do not carry. To measure your left hand span (the playing hand):
Spread your fingers out and apart
Outline your hand with pen and paper
Measure the distance (left to right) from the tip of the thumb to the tip of the pinky. That number is your hand span.
Determining your fingerpad shape
C or D-shaped fingerpads are ideal because they clear the string below when playing
Problematic V-shaped or squared fingerpad shape causes your finger to hit two strings at once. These fingerpads are better suited for instruments with extra wide nut width and string spacing - banjo, bass, mountain dulcimer, and tenor or baritone ukulele.
A great fit for you
Guy has 25+ years of experience to simplify and assure the best possible fit for your hand and success. If you plan on becoming his student, then contact Guy today before you buy. He wants to make sure you get the best instrument for your hand span. All the elements below make for a comfortable, strain-free, playing experience.
Hand span
Scale length
Fingerpad shape
Neck shape, width and circumference
Nut width, string spacing and string type
And then last of all you factor in the instrument’s body size
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What scale length matches your hand span
A matching hand span and scale length prevent frustration, hand strain and injury. See the points below to discover yours.
UKULELE
3.5″ – 5″ hand span
Scale - 13.50” (343 mm)
For - kids ages 6 & 7
5″ – 6.5″ hand span
Scale - 14.75” (375 mm)
For - kids ages 8 - 11. Some teens and adults.
6.5″ – 8″ hand span
Scale - 17” (432 mm)
For - ages 12 to adult
GUITAR
4″ – 5″ hand span
Scale - 23” (585 mm)
For - some kids ages 8 to 11
5″ – 6″ hand span
Scale - 23.72” (600 mm)
For - most kids ages 8 to 11. Also some teens or adults.
6″ – 7″ hand span
Scale - 24.21” (615 mm)
For - most girls ages 11 to adult. Also some teen or adult boys.
Note - our teacher, Guy Somers, is an example of an adult male with a small hand span of only 7 inches. He is also in-between sizes which makes choosing a guitar even more challenging.
7″ – 8″ hand span
Scale - 24.75” (628/630 mm)
For - some teens or adults
8″ – 9″ hand span
Scale - 25.2” (640 mm)
For - some teens or adults
Custom built only
9″ hand span or more
Scale - 25.6” (650 mm)
For - some teens or adults
Links to buy what fits your hand span
For nylon stringed guitars and ukuleles see “what to buy” below
For acoustic, bass, electric, and leftie see the 'INSTRUMENTS” section
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Students are required to keep playing hand nails short
There should only be 1/16th of an inch of white nail overhanging the contact point with the skin.
Those with long acrylic nails are not able to play guitar well or at all. Why? Well because you hold strings down with the fingertips of your playing hand (the hand that presses the string down on the neck).
If you use the finger pad (like those with long nails do), then you touch and mute other strings and/or create string buzz.
On the contrary, those who play fingerstyle guitar do have long nails on their picking hand (the hand that plucks the strings or strums with a pick). Each nail is used as a guitar pick to pluck the strings.
Students should also wash their hands before they play and wipe strings down after playing. Oil, dirt, and dead skin dirty the guitar fretboard, frets, and strings. They dull the sound and decrease the lifespan of the strings.
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Why buy a nylon-stringed instrument
Guy recommends Cordoba Protege nylon-string acoustic (classical) guitars and ukuleles for most beginners for the following reasons.
Affordable
Made well at each price point
Costs less than electric instruments
Ukuleles come in 4 sizes
Guitars come in 5 sizes
Simpler (no bells and whistles)
Smaller neck and body options
Can be used for any style of music
Guitars have a truss-rod to adjust neck angle
No distortion - builds clean technique because you hear your mistakes
No distractions (tone knobs, switches, whammy bars, amps, effects or pedals) - builds fundamentals like tuning, technique, timing, tone, etc
Nylon strings
Hurt less
Require less pressure
Reduce hand fatigue and blistering
Are wider, easier to play & to control
Are quieter and mellower sounding
Lower overall beginner frustrations
Are arthritis and repetitive motion friendly
Simplify finger independence, strumming accuracy, and fingerpicking
Have wider string spacing (that accommodate large, squared, or V -shaped fingertips) and reduce muting adjacent strings
Nylon strings on a steel-string acoustic?
You should NOT put nylon strings (90 lbs of pressure) on a guitar braced for steel-strings (180 lbs of pressure). Why? Nylon strings:
Will crack the top from too little pressure exerted
Are too wide for most string post holes
Are too wide for most acoustic nuts
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Click on the 8 sub-topics below to learn more.
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Below you will find
Acoustic guitar characteristics
Acoustics are not good for children
Is a steel string acoustic right for you
Which is the best size for you
Taylor Guitars
Humidify your instrument
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1. Acoustic guitar characteristics
Perfect for those that need a loud instrument as a soloist or in a band
Has 6 metal strings that are the hardest to press down @ 160 lbs psi
Hollow-body with solid wood head
Smaller string spacing
Pickguard on most
Has strap buttons
Soundhole
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2. Acoustics are not good for children
Children (and many teens and adults) that attempt to learn on a metal-stringed acoustic guitar quit because of the pain factor. This is why Guy recommends a nylon-stringed ukulele or classical guitar for beginners. Classical guitars are so much easier to play. See “classical guitars” below in this “GUITARS” section for more information.
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3. Is a steel-stringed acoustic right for you?
Acoustic guitars are a main instrument for professional players in bluegrass, Celtic, country, folk, and solo instrumental music styles because they are loud and bright. Acoustics might not be the best choice for a beginner because the metal strings make it uncomfortable for those with fingertip sensitivity, arthritis, tendonitis, and weak hands. Additionally, an acoustic might not work for those with thick, swollen, squared, or V-shaped finger pads. Their fingers tend to hit two strings at the same time due to the tighter string spacing.
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4. Which is the best size for you
Click the underlined words below to see the instrument and price.
GUILD TRAVEL ($250)
Handspan - 3..25” to 4.25
Scale - 22.35 scale
LITTLE MARTIN LX1 ($449)
Handspan - 4” to 5”
Scale - 23” scale
WASHBURN AGM5K G-MINI ($249)
Handspan - 4.50” to 5.50”
Scale - 23.25”
TAYLOR MINI ($499)
Handspan - 5” to 6”
Scale - 23.5”
YAMAHA CSF1M ($529)
Handspan - 5” to 6”
Scale - 23.5”
GRETSCH JIM DANDY PARLOUR ($200)
Handspan - 5.50” to 6.50”
Scale - 24”
GUILD M-240E ($449)
Handspan - 7” to 8”
Scale - 24.75”
YAMAHA FS800 ($259)
Handspan - 7.50” to 8.50
Scale - 25”
Fender CD-60S ($209)
Handspan - 8” to 9”
Scale - 25.3”
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5. Taylor Guitars
Taylor Guitars is the world’s leading, high-quality, acoustic guitar manufacturer. Accordingly, they have the most options for nut width, short-scale lengths, body lengths, and body shapes at different price points. If they are not in your price range, Guy recommends you buy a nylon-stringed Cordoba (see the “classical guitar” section).
Click the underlined words below to see the instrument and price.
BABY ($449)
3/4 size dreadnaught shape
Handspan - 3.75” to 4.75”
Scale - 22 ¾”
GS MINI ($499)
Smaller Grand Symphony shape
Handspan - 5” to 6”
Scale - 23.5”
GRAND THEATER ($1,700 Used)
Smaller Grand Orchestra shape
Handspan - 6” to 7”
Scale - 24.12”
GRAND CONCERT ACADEMY ($799)
Handspan - 7” to 8”
Scale - 24 7/8”
BIG BABY ($499)
Handspan - 9” or more
Scale - 25.5”
DREADNAUGHT ($999)
Handspan - 9” or more
Scale - 25.5”
GRAND AUDITORIUM ($1,999)
Handspan - 9” or more
Scale - 25.5”
GRAND PACIFIC ($799)
Handspan - 9” or more
Scale - 25.5”
GRAND SYMPHONY ($2,200 Used)
Handspan - 9” or more
Scale - 25.5”
GRAND ORCHESTRA ($3,999)
Handspan - 9” or more
Scale - 25.5”
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6. Humidify your instrument or it will crack
Only a hardshell case or a deluxe padded gig bag can control humidity fluctuations and protect your investment. You also need a guitar humidifier to provide humidity during the heating season and to prevent cracks. See “humidifiers” under the “guitar accessories” tab.
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Below you will find
Bass guitar characteristics
Which is the best size for you
Mini scale electric bass
Small scale electric bass
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1. Bass guitar characteristics
Perfect for those with (1) big hands, (2) wide, long or thick fingers, (3) V-shaped or squared finger pads, (4) and/or finger swelling
Has 4 or 5 thick metal strings that create the lowest sounding notes and are plucked with fingers but sometimes with a pick
Takes 160 - 200 lbs psi to hold strings down depending on the scale length and string gauge
Single or double cutaway
Widest string spacing
Amp & cable needed
Rectangular pickups
Pickguard on some
Has strap buttons
No soundhole
Thin solid-body
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2. Which is the best size for you
Mini scale (28.6”) - 4” to 6” hand span
Small scale (30”) - 5” to 7” hand span
Medium scale (32”) - 6” to 8” hand span
Large scale (34”) - 7” to 9” hand span
X-large scale (35+”) - 8” to 10” hand span
Below we only list mini and small scale basses because some of them can be harder to find. Click the underlined words below to see the instrument and price from Sweetwater.
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3. MINI scale electric bass
IBANEZ MIKRO ($180)
Hand span - 4” to 6”
Scale - 28.6"
SQUIRE MINI PRECISION ($210)
Hand span - 4” to 6”
Scale - 28.6"
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4. SMALL scale electric bass
FENDER PLAYER MUSTANG PJ ($840)
Hand span - 5” to 7”
Scale - 30"
GRETSCH STREAMLINER ($320)
Hand span - 5” to 7”
Scale - 30”
SILVERTONE 1444 ($600)
Hand span - 5” to 7”
Scale - 30"
SQUIRE SONIC BRONCO ($242)
Hand span - 5” to 7”
Scale - 30"
EPHIPHONE NEWPORT ($450)
Hand span - 5” to 7”
Scale - 30.5”
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Below you will find
Classical guitar characteristics
Which is the best size for you
Humidify your instrument
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1. Classical guitar characteristics
Traditionally have no truss rod so you can’t adjust the neck angle, but Cordoba’s have a truss rod which is why we recommend them.
Perfect for all finger spans because there are five different scale lengths available
Has 3 translucent nylon strings and 3 metal wound with synthetic silk cores
Strings are easy to press down @ 90 lbs psi but might require a professional to restring
Body sizes (small to large) that stay in tune - 1/2, 3/4, 7/8 and full size
Slotted guitar head
Wider strings & spacing
No pickguard
No strap buttons
Hollowbody
Soundhole
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2. Which is the best size for you?
Getting the right instrument is all about your handspan and fingertip shape, not the guitar body size. Guy Somers has decades of experience correctly fitting students with the right instrument for success. See the “Guitar & Uke Lessons” section to learn how to measure your own handspan. We typically recommend Cordoba classical guitars.
1/4 SIZE
If your hand needs this size learn ukulele instead. Why? It is impossible for a 1/4 size guitar to stay in tune due to the physics of the instrument.
Most 1/4 sizes are actually discovery toys and not made with precision
1/4 size bodies wildly react to temperature and humidity changes
String tension vs. body mass affects neck angle
Short scale exaggerates pitch drift
Nut and bridge are poorly made
Low string tension
Cheap tuners slip
Click the underlined words below to see the instrument and price from Sweetwater.
1/2 SIZE ($229)
Handspan - 4.50” to 5.50”
Scale - 22.8" (580 mm)
3/4 SIZE ($229)
Handspan - 6” to 7”
Scale - 24.2" (615 mm)
7/8 SIZE ($399)
Handspan - 7” to 8”
Scale - 24.8" (630 mm)
FULL SIZE ($229)
Handspan - 9” or more
Scale - 25.6" (650 mm)
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3. Humidify your instrument or it will crack
Only a hardshell case or a deluxe padded gig bag can control humidity fluctuations, help prevent cracks, and protect your investment. You also need a guitar humidifier to provide humidity during the heating season and to prevent cracks. See “humidifiers” under the “guitar accessories” tab.
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Below you will find
Electric guitar characteristics
Which is the best size for you
Humidify your instrument
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1. Electric guitar characteristics
More costly to buy due to amplifier and the accessories required
Has 6 metal strings that are thin and easy to press down @ 60 lbs psi
Usually has a thin, heavy, solid or semi-hollow body
Most common scale lengths - 24 ¾, 25 ½
Single or double cutaway
Rectangular pickup
Pickguard on some
Has strap buttons
No soundhole
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2. Which is the best size for you
Click the underlined words below to see the instrument and price from Sweetwater.
IBANEZ MIKRO ($209)
Handspan - 4.5” to 5.5”
Scale - 22.2"
EPHIPHONE POWER PLAYERS SG ($199)
Handspan - 5” to 6”
Scale - 22.73"
JACKSON JS SERIES RR MINION ($239)
Handspan - 5” to 6”
Scale - 22.75"
SQUIRE JAZZMASTER or STRATOCASTER ($199)
Handspan - 5” to 6”
Scale - 22.75"
FENDER PLAYER II JAGUAR ($869) or MUSTANG ($740)
Handspan - 6” to 7”
Scale - 24"
SQUIRE AFFINITY SERIES
Jaguar ($377)
Stratocaster Junior ($304)
Sonic Mustang ($230)
Handspan - 6” to 7”
Scale - 24"
EPHIPHONE LES PAUL TRIBUTE ($299)
Handspan - 7” to 8”
Scale - 24.75”
IBANEZ ARTSTAR AM153QA ($1,199)
Handspan - 7” to 8”
Scale - 24.75"
PRS SE CE 24 ($549)
Handspan - 8” to 9”
Scale - 25”
The guitars below fit a handspan of 9+” with a scale length of 25.5”
ESP LTD EC-256 ($499)
IBANEZ GRGR131EX GIO ($279)
SQUIRE 60’S STRATOCASTER ($449)
YAMAHA PAC112V ($359)
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3. Humidify your instrument or it will crack
Only a hardshell case or a deluxe padded gig bag can control humidity fluctuations and protect your investment. You also need a guitar humidifier to provide humidity during the heating season and to prevent cracks. See “humidifiers” under the “guitar accessories” tab.
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Below you will find
History of left-handed guitars
Buy a left or right-handed guitar?
Things to consider for lefties
Where to buy left-handed guitars
Humidify your instrument
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1. History of left-handed guitars
The CF Martin company started making guitars in America in 1833. Their guitar later became known as a right-handed guitar. Ironically, it made a right-handed person’s weak left hand play the frets. Over a hundred years later, Martin made their first left-handed guitar in 1927 for the 10% of the population that was southpaw. In the same way, it made a left-handed person’s weak right hand play the frets.
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2. Buy a left or right-handed guitar?
Below are three tests to help you determine which one you need.
Air guitar test - Play air guitar for a moment. If you strummed with your left hand, then you want a lefty guitar. Right hand strummers need a righty guitar.
Clap test - The hand that does most of the movement is your strumming hand and likely on top of the other.
How lefty or righty are you? (click link) - Understand how right of left-handed you really are and if you are ambidextrous.
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3. Things to consider for lefties when choosing
Dominance - are you left of right hand dominant?
Comfort level- Does righty or lefty feel most comfortable?
Complex or simple music? - If complex, then you likely want your dominant hand doing it.
Selection & hand specs- There’s a smaller selection of lefty instruments to match your hand specifications with.
Availability - Do dealers close-by have any left-handed instruments to tryout?
Cost - You might have to special order a lefty instrument which typically costs more.
Instruction books - are overwhelmingly right-handed with a few lefty books.
Tutorial videos - are predominantly right-handed.
Purchased song charts - are right-handed.
Converting your thinking - You likely have a right-handed teacher. Therefore, you both have to learn to think both ways. This is not an issue for Guy Somers because he has taught many left-handed people during his career.
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4. Where to buy left-handed guitars
This site (click link) - is one of the best online resources for buying left-handed instruments.
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5. Humidify your instrument or it will crack
Only a hardshell case or a deluxe padded gig bag can control humidity fluctuations and protect your investment. You also need a guitar humidifier to provide humidity during the heating season and to prevent cracks. See “humidifiers” under the “guitar accessories” tab.
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Below you will find
Ukulele characteristics
Who should play ukulele
Which is the best size for you
Humidify your instrument
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1. Ukulele characteristics
Perfect for (1) children ages 7 and up, (2) teens and adults with weak fingers, short fingers, or poor flexibility
Has 4 translucent nylon strings on what looks like a mini acoustic guitar body with a short neck
Easiest strings to press @ 40 lbs psi
Sizes - soprano, concert, tenor
Wide string spacing
No pickguard
No strap buttons
Hollow body
Soundhole
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2. Who should play ukulele?
Ukulele is easier to learn with just four strings, smaller frets, and wider string-spacing. Uke is especially well-suited for:
Children ages 7 and up
Those with poor flexibility
Teens and adults with small hands and short fingers
Teens and adults with big hands that need wider string spacing
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3. Which is the best size for you
Cordoba nylon string ukuleles come in three sizes (soprano, concert, tenor). They can be purchased from Sweetwater who has the best selection, customer service, warranty, and return policy.
Click the underlined words below to see the instrument and price from Sweetwater.
SOPRANO ($99)
Handspan - 3.5” to 4.5”
Scale - 13.50" (343 mm)
CONCERT ($129)
Handspan - 4.5” to 5.5”
Scale - 14.75" (375 mm)
TENOR ($129)
Handspan - 5.5” to 6.5”
Scale - 17" (432 mm)
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4. Humidify your instrument or it will crack
Only a hardshell case or a deluxe padded gig bag can control humidity fluctuations and protect your investment. You also need a guitar humidifier to provide humidity during the heating season and to prevent cracks. See “humidifiers” under the “guitar accessories” tab.
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Use caution when buying used instruments
The novice buyer often misses signs of developing cracks, damage, or a bad instrument caused from:
Temperature
Humidity
Misuse
Poor quality
Chinese fakes
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Below you will find
Beginner - starter percussion
Intermediate - first hand drum
Advanced - larger hand drums
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1. Beginner - starter percussion
Focus - rhythm fundamentals. Small handheld instruments are used to develop:
Pulse
Coordination
Tone production
Ensemble skills
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BUY THE FOUR ITEMS BELOW
Meinl Hand Percussion Pack ($35)
Includes:
Double Shaker - dynamic control and texture variety
Claves - fundamental time-keeping and Afro-Cuban rhythms
Foot Jingle - foot coordination and accent beats
LP Egg Shakers ($10)
4 individual shakers - soft, medium, loud, extra loud
Why: Internal pulse, control, groove and dynamic awareness
Remo Soft Mallets ($15)
Why: mallet for frame drum and future drums purchased
Remo Frame drum ($31 - 34)
8” drum: HD-8508-00 or
10” drum: HD-8510-00
Beginner total for all instruments ($91 - 94)
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2. Intermediate - first hand drum
Focus - foundational drumming. We introduce:
Hand technique
Tone separation, and cultural styles
Purchase order below is from lighter to deeper sounding tones
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BUY BONGOS. ADD-ON LATER.
Bongos by Toca Synergy ($70 - 90)
Why: Excellent first true hand drum; accessible technique
Darbuka by Meinl ($59)
Why: Middle Eastern rhythms, finger control, fast articulation
Cajón by LP ($70 - $99)
Why: Full-body rhythm, bass vs. slap coordination
Small Djembe by Remo ($169)
Why: African hand technique without tuning complexity
Intermediate total for one primary drum ($59-169)
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3. Advanced - larger, more responsive drums
Focus - developing technique. We learn:
Greater tonal range
Dynamic response
Ensemble leadership
Purchase order is based on the student’s music style focus
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CHOOSE A DRUM. ADD-ON LATER.
Djembe 12” by Meinl ($219)
Remo Djembes cost more but come in 12”, 14” & 16”
Why: Bass, tone, slap development; ensemble centerpiece
Cajón by Meinl ($229)
Why: Greater sensitivity and dynamic expression
Doumbek by Remo - pre-tuned, tunable, or cast Aluminum ($169)
Why: Clear tek/ka tones and finger speed
Ashiko by LP: pre-tuned ($99)
Also comes in 12”
Why: West African ensemble drumming and projection
Advanced total for one instrument ($99–229)
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Click on the 7 sub-topics below to learn more.
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Below you will find
Why kids don’t practice
What parents can do to help
Parents should remember
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1. Why kids don’t practice
Kids don’t know what to practice
Practice time isn’t consistent
Frustration tolerance is low
Practice feels like punishment
Other activities feel more rewarding
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2. What parents can do to help
Practice is the same time and place daily
Split practice into shorter sessions
Encouragement, not criticism
Praise effort, not talent
Have a dedicated practice room that is equipped, quiet, and without distraction
Instrument is the correct scale length for your student’s handspan, setup to play easily, and in tune
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3. Parents should remember
Your role is not to teach the instrument, it is to protect the routine and practice schedule
Children do not build habits alone, they usually borrow them from adults
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Below you will find
Why teens & adults don’t practice
What helps most
What you should remember
Realistic practice for teens & adults
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1. Why teens & adults don’t practice
Tired from time demands - an over-committed schedule from school, sports, work, and family, leave little energy left
Perfectionism - you expect practice to sound perfect and productive
Unclear practice plans - you left the lesson with unanswered questions and are stuck
Being your own worst critic - unrealistic expectations thinking you should be better by now
Inconsistent scheduling - you don’t have a routine and don’t feel Ike practicing
Slow progress - improvements are subtle instead of obvious. You forget your mind is more advanced than your fingers.
Distractions - electronic devices and constant interruptions pull you away
No external accountability - no gigs to provide a deadline to play by
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2. What helps most
Short, consistent practices - daily always beats long, irregular sessions
Very specific goals - one passage, technique, or problem at a time
Low pressure practice - messy playing is part of learning
Scheduled practice - treat it like an appointment
It’s about the small wins - notice improvements in tone, comfort, or ease, and not just speed
A reason to play - you need a gig to prepare for and give purpose to playing whether it’s for family, church, or community
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3. What you should remember
Consistency matters more than intensity
You are allowed to be just a beginner
Showing up counts - even on bad days
Musical growth happens quietly, then suddenly
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4. Realistic practice for teens & adults
Key - Practice is not a performance. It is problem-solving. Practice does not equal immediate improvement. This is normal and healthy learning.
Real progress looks like - improve, stall, regress, breakthrough, plateau, sudden jump
You practice consistently but sound worse for awhile
Something feels harder before it gets better
A piece suddenly “clicks” after weeks of struggle
Old skills resurface unexpectedly stronger
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Below you will find
Minimum practice goals
Two things required for progress
Other factors for progress
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1. Minimum practice goals
Practice 4 days a week is best. Have as a goal to practice each time the amount of time listed below. The student should mark practice down at the end of each session on the assignment sheet. This enables us to track practice, patterns, and make better practice plans.
Ages 7 - 8 (20 minutes)
Ages 9 - 10 (25 minutes
Ages 11 - 12 (30 minutes)
Ages 13 & up (45 - 60 minutes)
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2. Two things required for progress
Quality
Quantity
Lots of practice with poor technique just sets you back further. Quality technique with no practice is equally ineffective. You need quality and quantity to succeed.
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3. Other factors for progress
Reducing or removing hindrances
Correct size & type of instrument
An equipped, setup practice area
Teacher/parent encouragement
Consistent lesson attendance
Student aptitude/interest
Student/teacher dynamic
Correct practice habits
Ample practice time
Playing with others
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Below you will find
We nurture practice with
Set practice days & times
Practice reminder
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1. We nurture practice with
Step-wise goals
Encouragement
Student responsibility
Practice requirements
Individualized approach
A positive outlook everyone can achieve
Clear, detailed, written structure
1 minute video summaries of things to work on
Encouragement to play for family, friends, church, school, and community events
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2. Set practice days & times
Follow your practice schedule. We recommend practicing before, during or after:
School or work
Break times
Study halls
Homework
Meals
Bath or shower times
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3. Practice reminders
Place on phone, tablet, or paper calendar. Make an appointment and keep it.
Children can use a timer to know how long to practice
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Learning should be fun, but it’s not without practice and progress. There’s nothing worse for a student (parent or teacher) than poor practice because it leads to:
Feelings of inadequacy
Forgetfulness
Frustration
Failure (quitting)
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Setup for practice room should be
Ready at a desk, table or music stand for you to sit down and start immediately
Organized with everything within reach
Without visual or audible distractions
A quiet place with good lighting
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Supplies for practice room
Use a see-through quart-size baggie or makeup bag to store small guitar accessories.
Strap
Picks
Tuner
Capo
Pencil
Sharpener
Metronome
Post-it notes
Guitar cable
Music stand
Guitar footstool
Microfiber cloth
Chair without arms
Instrument & stand
Good room lighting
Sheet music and books
Bluetooth speaker or amplifier
Audio playing device or phone
Music stand light - requires a solid music stand whether tabletop or floor style
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Below you will find
Three types of practice
Mental practice
When & where to do mental practice
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1. Three types of practice
All three types of practice below are done extremely slow to develop consistent understanding, skills, and performance.
MENTAL
Slowly visualize correct actions and steps
PHYSICAL
Slowly work on skills and fingering
PERFORMANCE
Slowly play the song at a speed you can do consistently
If you keep making mistakes you are playing too fast
Using a metronome, increase speed slightly. Repeat the process until the song is mastered at performance speed.
Mental gaps and/or physical tension in hands at any tempo indicates understanding and/or skills you should revisit until corrected without tension.
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2. Mental practice
Practice is mental before it is physical. You have to understand with the mind before you can execute with the body. Testing the mind’s comprehension is the first step of practice that does NOT require an instrument in hand. Consistent mental practice makes physical practice efficient and effective. Unfortunately, many gloss over mental practice and rarely use it to their advantage! Mental practice is:
Where we discover inadequate, flawed, and incomplete understanding
Perfect for steps involved in physical skill development, learning notes, chords, scales, chord & scale theory, song & lyric memorization, etc.
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3. When & where to do mental practice
During chores
On long drives
Before going to sleep
Before getting out of bed
Waiting in line or on someone
Preparing dinner or cleaning up
While doing mundane tasks at work
Driving to and from your lesson (radio off)
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Click on the 5 sub-topics below to learn more.
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Use gift certificates for
Lessons
Instrument maintenance
Delivery options
Mail delivery
Emailed printable PDF
Pickup at Somers Guitar
Gift certificates
Never expire
Are transferable
Are customizable
Come in any amount
Are non-refundable
Not redeemable for cash
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Below you will find
Full setup
Head, neck & body
Fretboard & bridge
Restringing
Intonation
Humidity & temperature
Strap buttons
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Atlantic Guitar does instrument maintenance work, but not repairs. Instruments are like cars and need an annual tune-up to play easily. We recommend:
1. Full Setup
Includes all the types of maintenance recommended:
Head, Neck & Body
Fretboard & bridge
Restringing
Intonation
Humidity & temperature
Strap buttons
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2. Head, Neck & Body
Keeps your instrument in good playing condition. We:
Clean & polish the body
Lubricate nut & saddle
Lubricate gears
Adjust - saddle and pickup height
Deoxidize - selector switch & knobs as needed
Tighten - nuts, screws, knobs, end pins and cable jack
Adjust the neck angle (1) to prevent cracks at the bridge, neck and top (2) to straighten the neck making the strings closer to the fretboard and easier to play.
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3. Fretboard & Bridge
We clean the frets, fingerboard and bridge and oil the wood. The benefits are many:
Strings last longer
Looks new again
Darkens the wood
Leaves a smooth feel
Resists dirt & residue buildup
Helps prevent fretboard shrinkage
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4. Restringing
New strings help you sound, sustain and stay in tune better. We:
Install new strings
Stretch the strings
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5. Intonation
Keeps your instrument in tune all the way up the neck by adjusting:
neck allignment
each individual saddle to it's proper distance
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6. Humidity & Temperature
We recommend the use of guitar humidifiers and case hygrometers (humidity sensors) to maintain 45% to 55% humidity and 65 degree temperature to prevent:
Cracks
String buzz
Finish checking
Going out of tune
Permanent damage
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7. Strap Buttons
We recommend D'Addario elliptical end pins. When installed properly their unique shape acts as a strap lock. They come in:
Silver (chrome)
Black
Gold
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You reserve a specific lesson day & time for the year
Lessons are weeks 1, 2, 3 of each month for 25-minutes each session
No lessons weeks 4, 5, Dec or July
Jan lessons are weeks 3, 4, 5
75-minutes of instruction monthly ($130)
Weekly
Weekly, 25-minute, in-studio or online lessons are scheduled 6 to 9 pm.
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Saturday, 9 am - 12 pm
Intensive
Intensives are 1 to 2 hour, as needed, lessons in-studio or online. They are for established players or busy professionals. We typically do intensives on:
Friday, 6 - 9 pm
Saturday, 9 am - 12 pm
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What if
We turned off the sound, would your music LOOK like all the rest?
You quit doing what everyone else does?
You artistically developed your own voice, style, and music presentation?
People left feeling something real and meaningful?
Performance coaching improves
Stage presence
Performance skills
Creating memorable audience experiences
Reading, interacting, responding and leading the audience or congregation
Guy Somers has coached 100+ singer/songwriters, bands, worship band musicians, and leaders. He brings decades of live music experience as a mentor, educator, performer, band leader, visual artist, and creative thinker.
Do you want to be
Original - and quit imitating
Authentic - deliver emotional truth, real connection, and honesty
Unpredictable - create surprise, anticipation, an experience to remember
Courageous - artistically, musically, and emotionally
Contact Guy today!
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We recommend the following trained luthiers:
5th Street Guitar Repair
Ask for Tim
102 5th St.
Harlan, IA 51537
(402) 813-2658
The Lutherie Shop (Behind Perkins)
Ask for Scott
2400 86th St.
Urbandale, IA 50322
(515) 277-2255
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Playing music is a fun, constructive way to reduces stress, improve mood, positive self-expression, and creativity. Just as there are different ways to play and perform music, there are also multiple ways to learn.
Personalized, private lessons
Paid online guitar videos
Guitar class at school
Family or friends
YouTube videos
Though each have their strengths and weaknesses, ultimately frustration and lack of progress are what drive people to personalized private guitar lessons. See the “GETTING STARTED” tab above for great information about “finding the right guitar teacher.” Click the tabs below to learn the pros and cons about:
Private guitar lessons
YouTube guitar videos
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Pros of private lessons
Accountability
Answers for your questions
Usually best for teaching a child
Can make learning easier and funner
The positive mentor-student relationship motivates and encourages
Consistent lessons/practice develop perseverance, discipline, and success
One-on-one instruction is tailored to your pace, challenges, goals, and styles
Foundational skills - timing, tuning & playing by ear, theory, and sight-reading
Comprehensive layered learning makes advanced concepts easier to master
Structured curriculum improves learning, focus, memory, and problem-solving
Exposure to new music styles, instruments, players to play with, gig opportunities, and competitions
Teacher to fill in the knowledge and technical gaps that make some YouTube guitar videos hard to understand
Ergonomics develop ease of play, fine motor skills, coordination, and a life-time of playing without hand strain or injury
Cons of private lessons
Travel time
More costly
Might not work with your schedule
Might not have remote learning options
Some instructors might push their style instead of helping you develop your own because of their limited knowledge or experience
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Pros of YouTube guitar videos
Free content
Online interaction
See how artists actually play the song
Adjust the speed and size of the video
Seeing people your age play can motivate you
Unlimited visual content, perspectives, and styles
Work at your pace, on your schedule, with no travel time
Cons of YouTube guitar videos
No accountability
No quick answers to questions
No personalized teacher feedback
No roadmap for thousands of videos
Discouraging community comments
Could develop bad ergonomic habits
No mentor to motivate and push consistency
Identifying appropriate skill level of info can be difficult
No structured comprehensive curriculum with foundational concepts
Distractions and rabbit-holes can waste time, lower productivity, and practice
Incorrect or insufficient info can make more advanced concepts harder to master
Visual learners might not develop foundational skills - pitch, tuning and playing by ear, timing, theory, and sight-reading