Finger-style guitar tuition

One to one • Build confidence • GradesDofE

Acoustic guitar · Northamptonshire, Bozeat (near olney) & online

Acoustic guitar lessons

One to one Build confidence Grades DofE

One-to-one acoustic guitar lessons in Northamptonshire, Bozeat (near olney) and online, from your first chords to full fingerstyle arrangements where the bass line, chords and melody all come from one guitar.

Book an intro lesson → What you'll learn
All ages In person or online
Styles covered
Fingerstyle Jazz fingerstyle Singer-songwriter Folk Pop Blues
Who it's for

Acoustic guitar lessons for every level

Complete beginners

Learn your first chords, simple strumming and your first full song, with no pressure and no jargon.

Strummers who want more

Stuck on the same four chords? Learn fingerpicking, new chord shapes and arrangements that sound fuller.

Singers & songwriters

Accompany your own voice with confidence, and write songs with interesting chords and rhythms.

What you'll learn

Your acoustic guitar journey

Beginner
  • Open chords and smooth chord changes
  • Strumming patterns that sound like the record
  • Using a capo to play in different keys
  • Playing and singing at the same time
Intermediate
  • Barre chords and moveable shapes
  • Fingerpicking patterns and arpeggios
  • Travis picking and alternating bass lines
  • Working out songs by ear
Advanced
  • Full fingerstyle arrangements of songs you know
  • Combining melody, bass and chords on one guitar
  • Percussive techniques and alternate tunings
  • Arranging your own pieces
Grades

Acoustic guitar exams

Exams are optional, but they give you a clear goal and a certificate to show for it. Grades 6–8 carry UCAS points.

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Duke of Edinburgh's Award

Acoustic guitar for your DofE Skills section

Bronze, Silver or Gold, for 14–24 year olds. Goals set together at your first lesson, regular one-to-one lessons, and your Assessor's Report written for eDofE at the end. Beginners very welcome.

DofE lessons
Online or in person

Learn wherever suits you

Lessons in person in Northamptonshire, Bozeat (near olney), live online over Zoom, or a mix of both. Choose 30, 45 or 60 minutes – we'll find the right length at your intro lesson.

Book an intro
Getting set up

What you'll need

  • A steel-string acoustic guitar with a comfortable action
  • A few picks for strumming (fingerstyle needs none)
  • A capo and a clip-on tuner
  • Ask before you buy – a well set-up guitar makes learning much easier

Questions

What is fingerstyle guitar?

Playing with your fingers instead of a pick, so you can play the bass line, chords and melody at the same time. It makes a single guitar sound full and complete.

Is fingerstyle the same as classical guitar?

Not quite. Fingerstyle acoustic is usually played on a steel-string guitar and covers popular, folk and blues music. Classical guitar uses nylon strings, traditional repertoire and music reading.

My fingers hurt – is that normal?

A little tenderness for the first few weeks is normal while your fingertips toughen up. Short, regular practice helps, and a well set-up guitar makes a big difference.

Can acoustic guitar count for my DofE?

Yes. Learning acoustic guitar is a popular Skills section activity at Bronze, Silver and Gold.

Other lessons

Explore more

Electric guitar

Find out more →

Classical guitar

Find out more →

Bass guitar

Find out more →

Music theory

Find out more →

Start acoustic guitar lessons

Tell me your experience so far and whether you're aiming for grades, DofE or just want to play.

Book an intro lesson