[leatherface2]

anyone out there gives guitar lessons, if so any advice?im new at this

[distressed_romeo]

Do you mean you're looking for a teacher, or you're looking to start giving lessons?

[OzzyC]

Originally Posted by distressed_romeo

Do you mean you're looking for a teacher, or you're looking to start giving lessons?

looks to me like his giving them....

[leatherface2]

im not looking i am teaching.just lookin for any more helpful advice.i have one student beginner.one advice was to do only half hour rather than an hour.the reason for this is people are more focused in half hour.hour lessons people start to lose focus.

[distressed_romeo]

OK, how old is said student?

[leatherface2]

10 yrs old beginner.loves korn slipnot

[distressed_romeo]

OK, well first thing I'd do is avoid overloading him with theory; teach him riffs and songs he likes (not a problem finding beginner-friendly riffs with Korn and Slipknot), and use those as a springboard to explain the technique and theory behind it. When he sees he's able to play something he likes, and understands what's going on from a theoretical POV, hopefully it'll give him the incentive to learn more.

One thing that often helps with young students if to play some more guitar-heavy music for them at the end of each lesson, as it can often give them a shot of inspiration before they head home afterwards. Avoid anything that's likely to just intimidate them (Shawn Lane, George Bellas, or Rusty Cooley for example), and try to give them an understanding of the history behind rock guitar. Try starting with Eddie Van Halen, Randy Rhoads or Richie Blackmore...

If you have to teach them a song you hate, just steel yourself and don't complain about it. The important thing at this stage is for them to have fun with the guitar. Don't bother trying to turn them into shred-masters, as it just won't happen at that age. If they show an interest in theory and technique, then take them in that direction, but don't force it on them.

Just try and answer any questions they have in as clear a way as possible. Don't try and talk down to them, as they'll pick-up on that and resent it. If there are any criticisms, try and phrase them in an encouraging way; for example 'that solo was better than last weeks, but you could still make tour vibrato sing a little more' is a better approach than 'what are you wasting my time for if you won't practice, motherfucker?!'

Hope that helps...