FAQs
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© Atlantic Guitar 2025. All rights reserved.
We routinely check for website plagiarism.
As before, we will do a website takedown, and use the other tools available against plagiarists.
Tools to check for website plagiarism
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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. They are hard to get out and drastically drop 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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Click on the topics below to learn more.
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Annual registration fee ($130 per family)
Non-refundable
Pro-rated the first year
Paid with your first month’s payment
Thereafter paid by November 21st to reserve your lesson day and time for the next calendar year beginning in January.
Waived for annual payers
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Rates and fees are reviewed annually. The 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 per family) - Registration is non-refundable, pro-rated, and paid-in-full with your first month’s payment. Thereafter, it is paid with November’s payment to reserve your lesson day and time for the next calendar year beginning in January.
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.
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 preceding 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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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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Click on the topics below to learn more.
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It’s all about the hand span
Many sales people and teachers incorrectly think you size an instrument based on age and/or height. That is flawed thinking because short people can have long fingers and tall people can have short fingers. Most people’s hand span falls between those extremes requiring a short scale guitar that many stores do not have or have very few options of.
Fingerpad shape
Furthermore, fingerpad shapes are often different. Some are C or D-shaped (ideal) whereas others are V-shaped or squared (problematic). For example, those with squared fingerpads often cannot play a 6 string guitar because their fingers hit two strings at once. Although, they could very easily play bass guitar, tenor ukulele, mountain dulcimer or banjo because of the extra wide nut width and string spacing.
A great fit for your hand also considers
Nut width
Scale length
Neck shape, width, and circumference
String spacing and type
Instrument size
Call Guy before you buy an instrument
He has 25+ years of experience and knowledge getting the right instrument for each student’s unique needs. He will set up an appointment to size you for the right instrument at his studio. This will save you a lot of time. He understands that hand span, fingerpad shape, and scale length must match the right instrument to prevent frustration, hand strain or injury. He will get you off to a great start to maximize your potential and success.
Use caution when buying used guitars
The novice buyer often misses signs of damage or a bad instrument caused from:
Temperature
Humidity
Misuse
Poor quality
Chinese fakes
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It can be difficult to find the right guitar teacher for private lessons, especially in many rural areas. So what should you be looking for when trying to find a good guitar instructor? A good teacher:
Has a good level of teaching experience, expertise, structure, and a reputation for creating success in others
Communicates in an honest way that encourages, motivates, and challenges
Is a people-person that cares about you
Is one that you like and get along with
What are the signs of a good guitar teacher?
Notice that three out of the four bullet points above have nothing to do with music. I did not say a good teacher is a phenomenal player with advanced music degrees who opened for famous acts. That might be true, but then again it might not be. 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 doesn't make one a great teacher. The opposite is also true. The magic formula is figuring out whether the teacher candidate has a gift for teaching, good structure, follow-through, and soft skills. The easiest way to figure this out is to just ask around. Who are they as a person? What is their track record?
Where can you find guitar instructors?
Church worship bands
Live music venues
Family or friends
Music stores
Newspaper
School
Online
What should you ask the guitar 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 improve. Therefore, ask a few questions.
Where did you learn guitar?
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?
Are you able to adapt to different learning styles? If so, how?
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?
Common questions guitar teachers ask?
The teacher might briefly explain their philosophy in simple terms. A good teacher does not waste anybody’s time, effort or money. They ask questions to determine if it is a mutually good fit. They would not ask all of the questions below, but I list common ones to get you thinking.
General
What are your music goals?
Why do you want to study guitar here?
What questions do you have for me?
Why do you want to learn this instrument?
Do you know what your dominant learning style is? (visual, auditory, reading/writing, hands-on)
How do you learn best? (discussion/teamwork, alone/your pace, logical/organized, real-world experience)
Guitar
How long have you played guitar?
How have you learned what you know?
How long have you done lessons?
Who were you other guitar teachers?
What did you learn from each of them?
What did you like best about your other learning experiences?
What did you like least about your other learning experiences?
School
What classes do you do best in?
What classes do you struggle in?
What kind of grades do you get in school?
Band & Choir
Are you in band or choir? How many years for each?
What are all the instrument(s) that you play?
How many years have you played each instrument?
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?
Extracurriculars
Do you have a job? If so, how many hours a week do you work?
What extracurricular activities are you involved in throughout the year?
Do you really have enough time to commit to practice with extracurriculars and/or a job?
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
How do you handle things that do not come easily or quickly?
What is your track record with finishing things you’ve started?
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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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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After correctly sizing you for the right instrument, Guy provides links to purchase online from Sweetwater. They have the:
Largest guitar selection in a properly humidified warehouse
Best customer service, warranty, prompt shipping, and return policy in the industry
Caution on where you buy
Just tonight a new student started lessons and for the 2nd week in a row Amazon sent them the wrong items. I’ve also had other previous clients waiting weeks on backordered guitars and cases from Amazon vendors. Additionally, Amazon retailers and even some area music stores are NOT always properly humidified between 45 to 55% RH. If they don’t have a dedicated acoustic room, a working humidifier (winter) and dehumidifier (summer), then you could have unseen cracks developing from the inside out on acoustic instruments. This has happened to numerous clients over the years. It’s $50 per crack to repair at the luthier.
If you choose not to buy from Sweetwater you might end up:
Waiting weeks on backorders
Paying half the guitar’s price in repairs
Waiting 3 to 8 weeks for it to be repaired
Buying a second new guitar from Sweewater
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Call us before you buy
Guy has 25+ years of experience and knowledge getting the right instrument for each student’s unique handspan. 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.
What do I need for lessons
INSTRUMENT ($250+)
See the “GUITARS” tab below for info about bass, electric guitar, left-handed guitars, and ukuleles. For beginning guitarists, we recommend Cordoba classical guitars from Sweetwater (click link). See the “classical guitars” tab to learn why they are best for most beginners. Cordoba classical guitars come in five sizes.
ACCESSORIES
You might not need all the things listed below, but we include it all so you can 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, ½ size, ¾ & full size, soprano, concert & tenor
Book ($25+) - kids guitar or kids ukulele or basic method or awesome guitar vol. 1
Strap button ($15) - for classicals & ukes only
Music stand ($25+) - folding
Picks ($6+) - max grip nylon
Total cost of $550 is based on
Classical guitar
Instrument case
Accessories
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There’s no sense in paying for lessons if you can’t or don’t practice. When it comes to practicing guitar, QUALITY & QUANTITY are required for progress. Lots of practice with poor technique just sets you back further. Excellent technique with lack of practice is equally ineffective. I might add here that a huge part of quality & quantity is mental practice (with the mind) and extremely slow practice (with the body) to develop mastery.
Progress depends on
Correct size & type of instrument
An equipped, setup practice area
Consistent lesson attendance
Student aptitude/interest
Student/teacher dynamic
Parental encouragement
Correct practice habits
Ample practice time
Playing with others
Ability
Setup practice area with
Instrument
Music stand
Sheet music and books
Bluetooth speaker or amplifier
Audio playing device or phone
Chair without arms
Good lighting
Metronome
Footstool
Cable
Tuner
Strap
Picks
Capo
Paper
Pencil
Sharpener
Poor practice leads to
Feelings of inadequacy
Forgetfulness
Frustration
Quitting
We nurture practice with
Goals & verbal praise
Student responsibility
Practice requirements
Individualized approach
A positive outlook everyone can achieve
Encouragement to play for family, friends, church, school, and community events
Practice recommendations
Practice 4 days a week is best:
Ages 7 - 8 (20 minutes)
Ages 9 - 10 (30 mins)
Ages 11 - 12 (45 mins)
Ages 13 & up (60 mins)
Shorter practices more often build callouses quicker.
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
Practice reminders
Place on phone, tablet, or paper calendar
Children can use a kitchen timer to know how long to practice
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 learning notes, chords, scales, chord & scale theory, song & lyric memorization, etc.
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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Online guitar lessons are NOT good for
Regular beginner level students (except for bad weather or sick days)
Online lessons are good for
When out of town
Saving on travel time
Bad weather or sick days
Intermediate and advanced students
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).
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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Students are required to keep playing hand nails short
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 the plucks the strings or strums with a pick). Each nail is used as a guitar pick to pluck the strings.
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Click on the topics below to learn more.
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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
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.
Is a metal-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.
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 Cordoba (see the “classical guitar” section).
Click the underlined words below to see the instrument and price.
BABY (click link) - 3/4 size dreadnaught shape
For 5” to 6” finger span
Specs - 22 ¾ scale length, 1.68 nut width, 15 ¾” body length
GS MINI (click link) - a smaller Grand Symphony shape
For 5.5” to 6.5” finger span
Specs - 23.5 scale length, 1.68 nut width, 17 5/8” body length
GRAND THEATER (click link) - a smaller Grand Orchestra shape
For 6” to 7” finger span
Specs - 24.12 scale length, 1.72 nut width, 18.5” body length
For 7” to 8” finger span
Specs - 24 7/8 scale length, 1.75 nut width (for fingerpicking), 19.5” body length
For 9” or more finger span
Specs - 25.5 scale length, 1.68 nut width, 19.5” body length
For 9” or more finger span
Specs - 25.5 scale length, 1.68 nut width, 20” body length
For 9” or more finger span
Specs - 25.5 scale length, 1.75 nut width, 20” body length
For 9” or more finger span
Specs - 25.5 scale length, 1.75 nut width, 20”body length
For 9” or more finger span
Specs - 25.5 scale length, 1.75 nut width, 20” body length
For 9” or more finger span
Specs - 25.5 scale length, 1.75 nut width, 20 5/8” body length
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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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
Body/scale sizes - mini scale (28.6 inches), small scale (30 inches), medium scale (32 inches), large scale (34 inches)
Single or double cutaway
Widest string spacing
Amp & cable needed
Rectangular pickups
Pickguard on some
Has strap buttons
No soundhole
Thin solid-body
Small scale electric bass
Click the underlined words below to see the instrument and price from Sweetwater.
EPHIPHONE - Newport
For 6” to 7.5” finger span
Specs - 30.5" small scale length, 1.63" nut, 12” neck radius
IBANEZ - Mikro
For 5” to 6” finger span
Specs - 28.6" mini scale length, 1.49" nut, 12” neck radius
FENDER - Player Mustang PJ
For 6” to 7.5” finger span
Specs - 30" small scale length, 1.5” nut width, 9.5” neck radius
GRETSCH - Streamliner
For 6” to 7.5” finger span
Specs - 30" small scale length, 1.56" nut, 12” neck radius
SILVERTONE - 1444
For 6” to 7.5” finger span
Specs - 30" small scale length, 1.68" nut, 10” neck radius
SQUIRE - Mini Precision
For 5” to 6” finger span
Specs - 28.6" mini scale length, 1.5” nut width, 9.5” neck radius
SQUIRE - Sonic Bronco
For 6” to 7.5” finger span
Specs - 30" small scale length, 1.5" nut, 9.5” neck radius
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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Why we recommend Cordoba classical guitars
Guy recommends Cordoba Protege nylon-string guitars for most beginners for the following reasons.
Available in five sizes
Smaller neck and body options
Made well at each price point
Costs less than electric instruments
Have a truss-rod to adjust neck angle
Wider string spacing for finger independence, large or square fingertips
Nylon strings are wider, easier to play & control, quieter & mellower sounding
Before you buy talk with Guy to make sure you get the right guitar for your hand size, hand span, and fingerpad shape. Guitars are not one size fits all. We also recommend purchasing online from Sweetwater (click link) because they have the best selection, customer service, warranty, prompt shipping, and return policy in the industry.
Classical guitar characteristics
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) - 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, 7/8 and full size
Slotted guitar head
Wider strings & spacing
No pickguard
No strap buttons
Hollowbody
Soundhole
Which is the best size for you?
Getting the right instrument is all about your finger span and tips, not the guitar body size. Guy Somers has decades of experience correctly fitting students with the right instrument for success.
Click the underlined words below to see the instrument and price from Sweetwater.
For 4” to 5” finger span
Specs - 18.9" scale length (480 mm), 1.75" nut, 31.75" overall length
For 5” to 6” finger span
Specs - 22.8" scale length (580 mm), 1.88" nut, 35" overall length
For 6” to 7” finger span
Specs - 24.2" scale length (615 mm), 1.88" nut, 37.5" overall length
For 7” to 8” finger span
Specs - 24.8" scale length (630 mm), 1.88" nut, 38" overall length
For 9” to 10” finger span
Specs - 25.6" scale length (650 mm), 2.04" nut, 39.1" overall length
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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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
Small scale electric guitars
Click the underlined words below to see the instrument and price from Sweetwater.
EPHIPHONE - Power Players: SG
For 5” to 6” finger span
Specs - 22.73" scale length, 1.61" nut, 12” neck radius
FENDER - Player II Jaguar, or Mustang
For 6” to 7” finger span
Specs - 24" scale length, 1.65” nut width, 9.5” neck radius
IBANEZ - Mikro
For 4.5” to 5.5” finger span
Specs - 22.2" scale length, 1.61" nut, 15.74” neck radius
IBANEZ - AR325QA
For 7” to 8” finger span
Specs - 24.7" scale length, 1.69" nut, 12” neck radius
JACKSON - JS Series Minion: RR Minion
For 5” to 6” finger span
Specs - 22.75" (2/3) scale length, 1.6" nut, 9.5” neck radius
SQUIRE - Mini Series: Jazzmaster or Stratocaster - ¾ size
For 5” to 6” finger span
Specs - 22.75" scale length, 1.6" nut, 9.5” neck radius
SQUIRE - Affinity Series: Jaguar, Stratocaster, Sonic Mustang, or 60’s Mustang
For 6” to 7” finger span
Specs - 24" scale length, 1.65” nut width, 9.5” neck radius
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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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.
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.
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.
Where to buy left-handed guitars
This site (click link) - is one of the best online resources for buying left-handed instruments.
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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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
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
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.
For 3.5” to 4.5” finger span
Specs - 13.50" scale length (343 mm), 1-3/8" nut, C-shaped neck, 21" overall length
For 4.5” to 5.5” finger span
Specs - 14.75" scale length (375 mm), 1-38" nut, C-shaped neck, 24" overall length
For 5.5” to 6.5” finger span
Specs - 17" scale length (432 mm), 1-3/8" nut, C-shaped neck, 26" overall length
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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You are not just buying a guitar or ukulele and case when starting lessons. You will also need some, but not all, of the accessories listed below from Sweetwater. They have the best selection, customer service, warranty, prompt shipping, and return policy in the industry.
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Click the underlined words below to see the item and price from Sweetwater.
Accessory Bag
Clear, zippered, makeup bag or quart-size baggie
Capos
Cleaning Cloth
Guitar Footstool
Humidifiers
Music stand
Nails
Picks
Straps
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.
String Sets
Tuner
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Click the underlined words below to see the item and price from Amazon.
Alfred’s Kids
Alfred’s Basic
Alfred’s Complete Ukulele
Awesome Guitar Series
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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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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 from Sweetwater.
BLACKSTAR
Blackstar ID - Core V4 Stereo 10
10-watt
2 x 3-inch speakers
BOSS
10-watt
5-inch speaker
FENDER
50-watt
1 x 12-inch speaker
LINE 6
60-watt
1 x 12-inch speaker
VOX
15-watt
1 x 6.5-inch speaker
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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.
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.
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.
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
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?
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
See the RESOURCES page and the “guitar humidity” tab for info about
DIY guitar humidifiers
Cleaning your guitar humidifier
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Click on the topics below to learn more.
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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.
Reschedules - We reschedule IF prior notice is given and IF there is an opening during regular lesson weeks, days and times.
Teacher absence - We give notice and reschedule when the teacher is going to be absent.
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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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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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Click on the 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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Atlantic Guitar does instrument maintenance work, but not repairs. Instruments are like cars and need an annual tune-up to play easily. We recommend:
Full Setup
Includes all the types of maintenance recommended:
Head, Neck & Body
Fretboard & bridge
Restringing
Intonation
Humidity & temperature
Strap buttons
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.
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
Restringing
New strings help you sound, sustain and stay in tune better. We:
Install new strings
Stretch the strings
Intonation
Keeps your instrument in tune all the way up the neck by adjusting:
neck allignment
each individual saddle to it's proper distance
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
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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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.
YouTube videos
Family or friends
Guitar class at school
Paid online guitar videos
Personalized, private lessons
Though each have their strengths and weaknesses, ultimately frustration and lack of progress are what drive people to personalized private guitar lessons. Click below to learn more about:
Finding the right teacher
Pros and cons about the two most popular ways to learn - (1) private guitar lessons and (2) 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