I HATE When Guitar Teachers Do THIS to Beginner Guitar Players

[@LaurenBateman]

👉 See how I can help you. Grab my free Crash Course: www.laurenbateman.com/crashcourse

[@paulgriese8243]

I'm 67 years old. I quit playing the guitar in 1984 because I got a C- in my guitar recital, the final exam, in a class I took when I attended San Diego State University. I was devastated and depressed, sold my acoustic and electric guitars and never played again - until I found your KZbin channel. As you know, there was no KZbin in 1984. I wish there was. I recently purchased an inexpensive acoustic. After 4 months, I think I play better now than I did in 1984 - because of your KZbin lessons! My friend walked in on me while I was practicing Led Zeppelin's "Babe I'm Gonna Leave you," and she knew what I was playing, and was impressed! Even though you don't have a KZbin video for that song, your other videos (My Sweet Lord; Hurt; Melissa...etc) helped me move onto that song. Thank you, Lauren!

[@birukefenie9423]

Excellent women that can teach guitar in comfortable way,thank you!

[@Cigar65]

Hi Paul, you and I have a few things in common here with the guitar. I too learned 'Babe I'm Gonna Leave You' as my ex teacher who I have not seen in 35 years is a big Zeppelin Fan. I had to relearn it two years ago. Did it myself with no You Tube as I could remember the chords 35 years later. It was originally finger picked by Jimmy Page. What I did to put a twist on it is rather than play it with my finger nails, try it again with a pick. It will really test you and make you even better. I can play that song along with Stairway to Heaven with or without a pick. It makes it fun and really challenges you. Give it a try. You'll see and feel and even hear the difference. Rick

[@MarkPeotter]

@paulgriese8243 I graduated college in 1984. All the Music classes where you play an instrument were pass/fail , no letter grades , maybe for this very reason.

[@InnocentAbyssinianCat-eb7ge]

And it's still going on today with you tube teachers as well using titles like why you're playing sucks or how to stop sounding like a noob these teachers shouldn't be posting material or teaching in private using deprecating language isn't going to inspire anyone and just exposes their over inflated ego and narcissistic personalities the proper way to encourage students is just pointing out mistakes but in a kind way with positive reinforcement

[@MrShamus07]

I have a similar story. Put down the guitar in 1983, and just bought an acoustic last month (June). I'm 69, so if not now, it ain't gonna happen. Best of luck, Paul, and enjoy yourself no matter what level you achieve.

[@steveboyd359]

I'm 74 and have been playing for 3 years, I recommend watching and listening to this young lady she's a great motivator and this is a great motivation video, well done Lauren.

[@alwayslearning5851]

Not only does the guitar world need more people like Lauren, the overall world needs more people like Lauren.

[@boscomergulhao3670]

Fully agree with you At 65 I don't want to be a professional but yes when I play for a house party I'm on top of the world Thanks to you Lauren you are doing a great job with senior citizens like me

[@arthurmabeejr8752]

These are excellent tips: humanity, patience and, love goes further in playing any instrument. I also think guitar players should have more confidence when they are playing: The creativity will make it more fun. I've played guitar for over 35 years, electric, acoustic and, me being 62 years young I learned something that most teachers in guitar playing don't teach. I developed arthritis in my fingers and, found out pressing them steel strings were more painful, even had toughness built on my fingertips over the years, still painful. I decided to get a classical guitar and, it gave me more of a chance to do more Arpeggio or broken chord picking. My wife purchased one for my on our anniversary. I did better because the treble strings are made of plastic, easier on my fingertips so, I purchased a more expensive 2nd classical guitar and, I never looked back. The other technique a lot of teachers don't touch enough on is exactly where to press a string exactly, you can press on too high on a fret or too low, it's not how hard you press a string rather, it's where it's pressed?

[@CarringtonGuitarAcademy]

I too teach a lot of older adults and making things easier for those students who can't perform a particular task (yet!) is an absolute pleasure. At that kind of age, they're so delighted to be able to actually play after thinking they can't, sometimes for many years. Sure, more advanced students aren't as stimulated by the same things but I see it as my job as a guitar teacher to meet the learner wherever they are in their journey and adapt to their needs.

[@rchukran]

Here are some “make it easier to play guitar” that were game changers for me: dont need to strike all 6 strings to get a chord. This was especially useful playing F chords. You are allowed to use your thumb to fret notes. Granted that its not a beginner’s technique, but it allowed me to break free of first position. I have more more grip strength with my thumb hanging over top of the neck tha I do with the thumb behind the neck. Play with a guitar that has low action. Then reason barre F chords were so difficult was primarily because my first guitar had too high action. Either adjust it lower (get help from a professional guitar repairman) or buy a better guitar. If you cant do either of these , sometimes playing with a capo (2nd fret or higher) can help mitigate poor action.

[@DifferentCreationMedia]

Dear,love it, when you come with a new chapter.Every class feels like we are primary students and you are a very nice person and of course a guitar which is our toy.I want to say one thing. I really want to know. Whenever we sit down to practice the guitar for 30 minutes or 1 hour or more, how do we organize the practice lessons? Maybe those who get you as a teacher from the front are lucky. Many of us have tried and will for years but don't know where to end up. Stay well and we will practice when we get off work.

[@bryantcochran5065]

Triads are probably the best way to begin playing guitar you get to being able to sound good faster. Then you can move to full chords when you're fingers are working better. Great lesson !! Love your teaching method, it is helping me get my chops back faster than I thought possible alert surgeries on my left arm.

[@thelostcowgirl5568]

I am honest with you Lauren, after I watch your video's over strumming, I such no more for a nieuw teacher because you explain to us in a special way. I hope you that read this right now, please go to Lauren's videos and such for strumming. I garanted you Cowboy, YOU NEED NOTHIS ELSE... Lauren, for me, you are the best on KZbin... And by the way, THANK YOU FOR YOUR STRUMMING VIDEOS... I learn every day Hou to listen and to play my country music!!! Pure love for you, girl!

[@LaurenBateman]

Wow, thank you!

[@juliogutierrez4304]

I wish all teachers had your mentality. Thank you for all of the great videos. I have ms and my left hand doesn’t cooperate like it used to and I thought my guitar playing days were behind me. Your videos have helped me tremendously to adapt and keep making music. The principles of that adaptation translate to so many other things in my life, thank you 🙏 God bless you

[@DutchStar443]

So glad I ran across you!

[@rob55mn93]

Great Rant everything you say is Totally True I can see your Passion 👈 Nice One happy birthday is very easy with power chords 👍®️

[@paulgriese8243]

Thanks!

[@LaurenBateman]

Thanks so much for you donation :D I really appreciate it!

[@bartmitcham9697]

This is why I recommend your channel to my students. If they don't have fun they will not stick with playing. Playing MUST be fun if it is going to last.

[@flaviamuccini5681]

Thank you Lauren, there's so much need of teachers like you, with your passione your courage and your ❤.

[@artschulte1897]

One of the best guitar teachers on line and I still follow her

[@bruceringrose7539]

Lauren, are you aware that Guitar World Magazine listed you as one of the best on-line guitar teachers? I’ll bet you are, but you are too modest to mention it, so I’ll point it out here for you! You deserve recognition!!!

[@LaurenBateman]

No way?! Really?! I did not know that. I'm going to have to look.

[@bruceringrose7539]

@@LaurenBateman It was an on-line article that popped up in my Apple newsfeed one morning about 3-4 months ago. You and Justin Guitar (Justin Sandercoe) and at least one other, possibly Marty Scwartz. I'll see if I can find it and provide a link.

[@williamkaferle5326]

as a 78 year old beginner into month six I am taking it slow and easy.....I coached baseball for 15 years and an old successful high school coach taught me to eliminate "contractions" as in can't, won't, shouldn't ....these represent dead ends...instead use a term like "I have difficulty learning chords"...it leaves an opening for future success...he also said don't talk down to players as in standing over a 9 year old to explain something...,get down on one knee and talk to him or her face to face....Lauren gets down to our level to teach and she eliminates contractions.....keep up the good work..

[@HarriedPedestrian]

It’s like these teachers are trying to weed people out. Like “if you can’t play a barre chord on day one you are not worthy of being my student”. I had this type of guitar teacher when I first started guitar. After a few months, I decided I’d rather just learn by myself, and I’ve gotten pretty far since then :) Lauren, teachers like you are a treasure.

[@fran-mandysmom-fl9251]

Lauren…this is what sets you apart from so many other teachers. You have so much insight, patience, compassion & common sense. Many of we older students have arthritis & conditions in our hand, wrists & bodies that make it hard to fully fret the guitar. Thank you so much for making it ok to modify the chords. You are wonderfully loved & appreciated. Hugs.❤️

[@EvanCarmichael]

Lauren, your video on common issues with guitar teaching is so helpful! Your insights and tips can make a big difference for beginners. Keep up the fantastic work in empowering aspiring guitarists! -Macy (Team Evan)

[@mikephalen3162]

Thank you. I'm turning 70, just started taking lessons last October. It's all about having fun for me. I have an older teacher who understands that my primary goal is to be able to strum songs and sing along. It's enough for me that he asks me what songs I'd like to play and he writes out the chords for me, helps me with my fingering, suggests strumming patterns, and makes these songs (mostly) playable at my skill level. Sometimes I don't understand what he's trying to show me until the light comes on when I'm practicing. I've put songs away without being able to play them, and then come back to them to find that I now can manage that song because of what I've picked up in the meantime. I must note that I seek additional help online, watching covers of songs I'd like to play and watching lessons of teachers like you. And I have to echo that comment about teaching humanity. I spend plenty of time shooting the breeze with my teacher while still managing to learn a few things.

[@LLewis-vu9qf]

I'm in the same boat. I too just want to be able to strum or finger pick to accompany myself when singing some of my favorite songs. I am making progress toward that end. 😊

[@moorek1967]

100% totally agree. I actually learned to play the full chords from first playing the easy ones. I am dealing with the three Dy-s but after watching your videos, it has "forced" my brain into working with the information. You might have not realized that I have mild Dyslexia, severe Dyscalculia and Dysgraphia. Learning guitar is not impossible. Even playing 3 chords is still playing guitar. This is why you are the best guitar teacher, you recognize that people learn at different paces and you never overwhelm.

[@danhaynes5262]

I repaired computers and taught people to use them for over 20 years. The first conversation I had to have with a new employee is that they are not there to make customers feel stupid! For some reason tech & now, I guess some guitar teacher feel that their job is to glorify themselves and make the client stand in awe of them and fell dumb. What a crock! I told my employees if you were dropped behind the desk of a real estate agent, or insurance adjuster or probably even a lemonade stand, they would probably have no idea how to proceed. Why then do you expect these folks to know how to repair the computer. And, if they did, we would be out of a job. Thank you, Lauren, for taking that same approach with your clients. I'm one of those who played some 40 - 50 years ago, I reached a level and never improved, then put it up because of life and now I have time once again. Thanks for the encouragement.

[@EnoShadow-Walker]

Im left handed I play elizabeth cotton style. When a teacher spends 5 minutes telling me where to put my fingers. That's 5 minutes of pissing me off. I don't do easily what you do easily but if we have to do something exactly the same lets see them do it my way. They would fail. You don't want 2 guitars playing the exact same way all the time. My pet peeve with online teachers is it take 5 minutes for them to put their fingers on the guitar and if you think that's the end of unnecessary talk. Another is teaching a intermediate song and telling all students where to put your fingers on a E maj chord. Send em to a beginner lesson I would not block so many channels if the teacher values my time. And I'm not criticizing this really pleasant teacher because she is right. Always learn it the easiest version possible and add bits and pieces to make it hard. Jimi didn't play hard pieces he played easy pieces really well.

[@LaurenBateman]

Well said. Elizabeth Cotton style is very impressive. Good on you.

[@chamiclement5878]

You are wonderful teacher. I start to learn week ago bit hard. But iam trying..thank you..

[@LaurenBateman]

You can do it! :D

[@jacknorton3771]

You make sense out of it. I am almost 60. I know that I will never be filling stadiums,I just want to play well. You are helping me get there.

[@terryhand]

I am an older learner. Triads not only made chords easier, but opened up the whole fretboard for me

[@quirkygreece]

I’m 71 and suffer with wrist and finger restrictions from old injuries, which makes playing guitar tricky. I’m a woodworker and when I used to teach woodwork I always explained to my students that building nice furniture is partly about having the knowledge to do the job, partly about having patience to do the job, but mostly about solving problems which almost always happen. You are teaching guitar with a very similar philosophy - overcome the problems and you’ll get a result. It may not be perfect in some people’s eyes, (or ears), but it’s good enough and it’s great to achieve. I love your style Lauren, thank you.

[@jackburkhart873]

Lauren, I taught myself in my late 50s, using U Tube. Those finger Positions I couldnt get, I took short cuts. My entire thought process was to be able to strum a couple of songs. This would allow me to be encouraged and continue. The first song I learned was Horse wnn. I learned it in a day and had that funky strum in a week. In two years I was playing in public. We had just moved into a new house. I was out back playing and a neighbor came and asked if it was live or is memorex. I now go to jamming sessions. If I can do it anyone can! Start very simple and add things in. Great show today. 100% agree with everything you said!

[@remcovanstraten4421]

A youngster here in the comments at 49 ;-) ... I 'learnt' playing the guitar as a student, on a roommate's guitar, with one of those 'simple songs' chord books. After 20 years I've dusted my guitar off (well, 2 actually, electric and western), and with these courses I've already come further than back then. You're friendly and patient, build the lessons up logically, and give so much bits and pieces that I can later build on! We didn't have KZbin tutorials back then, and I'm very happy to have found yours!...

[@theblytonian3906]

Intentional condescension is never acceptable. But, albeit unintentional I personally found it unnecessarily condescending to be confronted with tuition curriculum delivered in language, demeanour and oversimplicity I'd relate to best if a 4 year old Kindergarten kid. I found it confusing until it took me all of 30 seconds to realise what was going on before becoming annoyed and frustrated seeking an adult presentation without the hand holding 'group hugs' soft speak 'everyone gets a star' including the 'first last' style of presentation. No doubt a generational thing. Presented with dumbed down instruction that way using a paid tutorial site teaching "easy" chords for wont of a better term is fine, I suppose...🙄as long as one accompanies the process with an explanation that they are NOT the conventional chord fingering but an easy fingering until the level of coordination or competence is acquired to progress to the conventional voicing/fingering, AND offers alternative instruction and technique to those not dexterity encumbered nor requiring soft handling. Anyone needing "easy" explained will also likely have no musical theory, and so there's no point in explaining triad note theory rather than do as I say... at that point. I'm was older (>60 at the time) returnee, also an instructor for decades in several a much more challenging dynamic environments. OK, so in teaching recreational guitar there's no pass/fail triage, but I still don't see any point in teaching abbreviated two finger "easy" chords, the arguable exception being perhaps being to the challenged remedial student. Appreciate that old (hey that's me) students can frequently fall into the latter category from a dexterity and coordination point even if I through good fortune didn't. Really, I'd reasonably postulate that none of the first position/open chords are actually difficult, with the arguable exception of F when barre F is taught in lieu of open F without the F in the base, and B for those without hypermobile joints. Even Bm is easy enough when simplified to its open form... if inarguably sounding a bit thin without a B in the base in comparison with the 2nd fret barre form for most songs in which it features. Progressive learning I get, but those first form early popular progression Maj & Min as well as the 7th chords E, Em, E7 A, Am, A7, C and C/G, D, Dm, D7, G and G with added D are all fairly easy fingerings. For point of reference, I have neither large hands nor ectomorphic spider fingers. My perspective... which probably more than anything else illustrates that finding the right guitar teacher or tuition for the individual and how one learns and at what rate one can assimilate to demonstrate basic competency of what is taught is the most important thing. OK so the basics are years behind me now, but I recall... too dumbed down, and I'm frustrated and annoyed to the point of bored witless and gone to someone who doesn't do that. e.g. Steve Stine. Most of learning guitar is 90% brute force repetition until rote and fluid through perseverance, determination & constantly reviewing, correcting or refining technique as necessary. Do people not get that?

[@LaurenBateman]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

[@michaelhayes9773]

I get older people learning simple, but I can't agree with younger students learning simple, unless they are very young. Creates bad habits. And personally I don't understand why people think they need to learn barre chords at all. I can see power chords for rock and roll, but full barre chords has no place in the music I play. I think maybe people focus on barre chords because once you get your patterns down, they don't change much up and down the fret board. Just my opinions, I'm no expert by any means.

[@LaurenBateman]

Yeah you can do a lot on the guitar without Barre chords and power chords are a great substitute.

[@FrankPersico]

I love your style and subscribed. I’m a teacher and KZbinr as well and I always say to my students “everything is simple once you know it” … kudos love your approach

[@JennyGavinWear]

sorry Lauren, i disagree. sometimes it's annoying to find you have been learning a different version to the original. at which point you not only have to learn it properly, you have to wipe your muscle memory of the simplified version. it would be great for all levels of guitarist if teachers made this clear up front

[@LaurenBateman]

The way I teach is with the proper fingering so there is no need to relearn the muscle memory. And you know, sometimes, we will change how we play a chord depending on the chord we come from. So being flexible is part of playing guitar too.

[@ruthusvaltas222]

Hi Lauren! Love this video. My guitar instructor Brian May is like you. A few years ago I met a guitar player that does tribute songs to my favorite Canadian Stompin Tom Connors. He offered to teach me guitar for less than what Brian charges. I took him up on the offer but I did not quit Studio Arts. This person told me at one point don't come back until you perfect this. That is not a guitar instructor. I am still friends with the guy and he saw a video of me fingerpicking Can't Help Falling in Love and he was impressed and told me to keep going on the fingerpicking. I am not quiting and Brian May is a great instructor. I will be performing Can't Help Falling in Love on June 15th at a recital with Brian May. He will sing I will play the guitar.

[@debieaves4788]

Your instructor is ❤BRIAN MAY? As in “Queen”?!! 🎸 I’m envious!!!

[@ruthusvaltas222]

@@debieaves4788 No it is not Brian May of Queen.

[@SalinasOG831]

Lauren, you’re a great teacher…. Arrogance in teaching is what turns off learning….

[@LaurenBateman]

That's very kind of you Steve

[@sgg17003]

I agree. I hate a lot of these videos where the instructor is saying how easy this is and then starts going off on either music theory or quantum mechanics, I'm not sure.

[@LaurenBateman]

It goes over my head sometimes too.

[@loasidasortiz9716]

I’m 64 and I’ve learned so much from u I’ve visited other KZbin channels and noticed I just wasted my time you have a lot of patience ur amazing thank you❤❤

[@ronaldwaters.1827]

You have an awesome non condescending point of view which will resonate with everyone no matter their age.

[@LaurenBateman]

Aww thank you!

[@markmelton16]

Lauren iam left handed will i be able to learn to play the guitar or should i give up trying to learn.

[@LaurenBateman]

Absolutely! I have many students who are left handed.

[@harbonip]

Wow , the teacher sounds like the teacher I had. This guy told me I should learn on 13's strings on electric . It killed my fingers, plus he was very demeaning. So I quit .

[@LaurenBateman]

😮😮😮 13s!!!!

[@harbonip]

@LaurenBateman yes, at the age of 10 . 😒 Now I'm 67 and 10s, give me flashbacks at times . Now I'm starting again. I'm thinking about starting with 9-42 .

[@j.patenaude5969]

Hi Lauren, I started your course in early April 2024, I enjoyed the easy beginning but when things got a little tougher I started second guessing continuing. But when I took some time to review previous lessons every now and again I would think "wow, I got it" and moved on. If you had not provided the stepping stones I needed I definitely would have quit by now. It's been about 6 months and I'm only at level 4 ( and need to review previous lessons frequently) but I'm still working at it and most of all enjoying it! Anyway, Thank you

[@stephenricketts7858]

And this is why I have improved immensely in just over 4 weeks. I was in no mans land for a number of months with other Courses/coaches, until I started with Lauren . If you're truly investing time and effort in practicing and aren't seeing improvement in your playing, or you feel that you don't have any real guidance moving forward. Then from my own experience as a Sports Coach and as a Student of Lauren's, it is probably because your Coach, online or not, isn't as good as they think or say they are. Lauren, you have made me feel I'm capable and therefore lifted my confidence, that confidence carries over to my Guitar Playing, and importantly, to other aspects of my life. So thank you Coach Lauren...Fun I am having :)

[@LaurenBateman]

Wow, Stephen. Thank you so much!!!! Very kind of you. 🙏

[@stephenricketts7858]

@@LaurenBatemanIt's the truth Lauren. To many Coaches whether it is Guitar, Sports, or an alternative let their Ego's guide the ethics of their Coaching. A Coaches job is firstly to enable, secondly to instruct and make it fun, and finally to instill confidence in their Students. You do all that in spades 🙏

[@barryvolk9926]

I am mostly self taught. I know all the basic chords. And I will hear a song from way back when and tell myself I want learn that and mostly do that. I am 73 and just keep playing what I like. You have taught me lots of songs and I appreciate that. I play by the beat of the song. I am not great but it is my therapy. Thank you for what you do.

[@Chico-td2fy]

❤❤❤❤❤❤ 😊 🎸🎶🎵🎼

[@nenadmindjek4875]

uz ovakvog učitelja nemoguče je ne prosvirati na gitari,,najbolji ste učitelj na kanalu,,lp iz Croatie,,Zagreb

[@user-iamRobinV68]

LAUREN IS THE BEST!!! I want to move to Boston!! Haha. Thanks for being amazing Lauren! 🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸

[@thomasaitken7495]

I'm only self teaching, 1 and 1/2 months now, but so far this channel has been one of my 2 favorite resources to go to.

[@LaurenBateman]

Aww thank you!!

[@thomasaitken7495]

@@LaurenBateman Your welcome. I am determined to learn. A bit late in life, but so far I love it.

[@butterfinger1171]

Question for you if im interpreting the meaning of scales correctly.. Is it basically a family of chords that compliment each other.

[@LaurenBateman]

Scales are notes that compliment each other. Keys are chords that compliment each other.

[@butterfinger1171]

@@LaurenBateman thank you

[@MarkPeotter]

"partial chords" are not only useful, they might be exactly what you want! "Mr Big Stuff" is a good example. I can play the whole song on the top 3 strings, and it sounds just like the recording. Jazz and blues music is full of "partial chords".

[@Nightmerica]

Bravo. It’s 2024. The Young brothers have - since 1973 - crafted absolutely amazing, memorable songs with power chords. The vibe, the feel, the swing.

[@kimberlycollins541]

Learning chords wasn’t my problem… just EVERYTHING else. My hands are skinny & long. I just wasn’t taught properly I’m barely 40 & i have that voice in my head, and I’ve had family tell me I’ll never play in public… but I’m determined to be Stevie Ray Vaughan incarnate. Lol. Try to Discourage me more!?! That’s my motivation!

[@antoniocarlosdealmeida2956]

O don’t speak englesh,but o love your vídeos 😂😂😂😂 Tenho dificuldades em trocar acordes porque meus dedos não correm bem desde minha infância então eu busco tocar easy chord melod

[@mrose4566]

Lauren such emotion... you said pissed off. LMAO love it and love your passion. Mahalo for thinking about TEACHING guitar and not your ego as a teacher. Always enjoy your lessons and attitude!

[@Jamsville]

I agree with everything you said here. Everything needs to be easy, fun and simple in the beginning, and be focused on learning fun songs. Music theory and all that can wait for much later.

[@steveflatbush]

Hi Lauren, thank you for making things simple. I used to play in the 80s for a couple years, self-taught. I'm sure I picked up some bad habits, like strumming technique. Your technique of teaching is really helpful because I am picking it up. It's taking a while, but getting there. On another note, is there any chance you could make a video on the song "I Wanna Go Back" by Eddie Money. I think it's only 4 chords - Em, C, D, and G. I've tried from an online chord providing site, but not getting it.

[@JackKirbyFan]

Yes and YES!!!! Lauren you nailed it. Having a decent but not great instructor, I get it. I felt intimidated, miserable and spent so much time doing scales and all those other things and never got a song I wanted to play. My new teacher. I said 'I can do Stray Cat Strut' but I need technique for the solos. Can we do this?" Old instructor 'no, too advanced'. My new instructor. "That's a great song for an intermediate player'. Let's do it." And my skill set improved dramatically. He gave me confidence. He gave me encouragement and after four lessons, I stopped being terrified of him and can play the solos decently and told him, 'ya, I can do this now. Let's keep going'. You have NO idea the pride I had. Also, another footnote. Playing partial chords - is really great when I have to learn a song quickly to play with someone else and the chord changes are rapid and I'm not familiar with the song. My G7 chord, for example, is just G# and the top strings. Saves time when I need to slam through it the first time. So, that's useful for anyone.

[@Jimgoodwin846]

This is a VERY good video. You are an exceptional teacher IMO and I’m RIGHT! I will be 80 years old this year. I am so glad I found you! I purchased your guitar course and several other courses you had available a couple of years ago. I watch your KZbin channel regularly thanks to your reminders that come to my email inbox. All this to say, I am moving along at the pace I WANT! Still can’t play any songs, but I probably could if I practiced them. But, I can play chords and they are musical to me…there is so much to learn and practice…one should never become bored. Oh ya, I keep my guitar in the bedroom where I see it everyday and feel guilty if I don’t pick it up for even as little as five minutes…sorry this is so long. You are amazing!

[@Rappfeff5]

A good teacher with a great heart, lovely!

[@LaurenBateman]

Wow, thank you!

[@4everPhloyd]

Hi Lauren, I’m glad to have found your channel. I’m 69 years old and I have been teaching myself with the Mel Bay Method for Modern Guitar Complete Expanded Edition for about a year and a half. I’m 1/4 the way through book 2 and though I am progressing, it is boring. My goal is to be a proficient player or as good as I can be. I want to learn theory and be able to sight read but I also would like to play popular songs. One problem is I can’t sing so when I’m strumming a song the chorus is just a repetition of the same 3 or four chords. No one knows what I’m playing without the lyrics,😂. I’m hoping that you will be able to aid me in my eternal quest to master the instrument. Bye for now, Bill.

[@StephenGangi]

Triads (partial chords) are perfectly valid. I've used them for decades, when playing jazz style chord melodies, and they also make chord substitutions easier. Playing classical guitar, I have to use partial chords, in order to be able to do the arrangements. Theory came later. It just makes more sense when you've played for a while, so you already have a real world reference. Same with CAGED ... It's just chord shapes, from which I could visualize what the scale would be. All these tools are supposed to make it easier, not harder. I started playing when I was 7, and I'm 71 now.

[@MrXyzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz]

About your point that beginners should have fun. I despair when I hear music teachers saying that "to learn an instrument you need to practice slow enough that you don't make any mistakes. ESPECIALLY BEGINNERS so that they don't learn bad habits" No Way! If you start playing that slowly then the rhythm will be totally lost and the effect is just a string of meaningless notes. That is not music! Beginners should play at a sensible speed even if they do make mistakes so that they feel the joy of making music themselves.

[@kimberlycollins541]

Easy songs- Jimmy Buffet Margaritaville - Garth Brooks I’ve got friends in low places- those are slow plenty of time to change & to have fun. I figured out this by myself.

[@tiwantiwaabibiman2603]

Hey Lauren, tell those guitar teahers who insist that "you can't teach that way" - what about the singer Brushy One String??? There's a Brotha guitar player-singer whose guitar literally only has one string. He plays songs with one freakin string! Also, you can have a PhD in math you don't teach a five year old trigonometry before they learn how to count. PS The C cord is my nemesis! I couldn't stand the C cord cuz it was (is) too hard for me to make it sound "right" everytime.

[@jimvandemoter6961]

I really like your approach. I taught guitar over 28 years and something I always told my students is music is a toy. That's why we say we "play" music, not "work" music. Have fun with it. I started simple, like you and gradually worked up to more complicated stuff, depending on the individual student. Everyone learns at a different pace so you need to adjust according to each student. I had some students working from the Berklee School books at a young age others I didn't. I even had a few learning college level theory as young as 12 years old if they could handle it. I didn't tell them it was college level because I didn't want to scare them off. I've been playing since 1961 when I was 9 years old.

[@AussieWoodyGirl]

The fundamentals of teaching anything are: (1) KISS (keep it simple stupid), (2) Teach to the level of the student not to your level, and (3) Just because you can do, doesn't mean you can teach it!! Some teachers completely forgot that they to were once a student. In other words they can't put themselves back into their students shoes. This is what sets you apart from sooo many others and why you're such a fantastic teacher. Thanks so much for your channel; I've learnt heaps from you.

[@Cigar65]

You're bang on Lauren with what you say. I consider myself intermediate. I'll likely never hit the pro level at my age or play in a band but I continue to practice. I am re-learning songs I first learned in the 1980's. I quit from 1992-2022. 30 years. Partly frustration and new things in life that came up. Arthritis is tough on the hands. After taking 30 years off I am beyond words of how fast it has come back to me. Most of the pro's I have seen on here go too fast. They teach at their level as you said. I looked a few up wanting to figure out how to play lead which I do not understand at all. After watching 4 teachers I shut the TV off. I have found that the good guitar players here on You Tube are the worst teachers. They simply don't know how to teach. They take the most butchered song, 'Stairway to Heaven' and put their own twist on it. I took lessons in 1982 and would ask this teacher one question and he would spend the rest of the lesson playing my question on his guitar. After 4 lessons I told him off and quit him. We are only in competition with ourselves. The person we see in the mirror everyday is the one that we work with. Don't compare yourself to Jimmy Page, Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, etc. You're just setting yourself up for disappointment. These guys are the elites and don't come around that often. Like a Babe Ruth of baseball. They make it look so easy. I did everything wrong when I started. Held the pick wrong, did not sit right, did not get the left hand under the guitar. On and on. Yes you have it nailed perfectly. Sure wished you lived here in Canada. But I can look into your course. I have made up some finger exercises that I practice for half an hour, and man have they ever helped me so much. At times I cannot believe it is my fingers playing. I did that myself. With You Tube today one can teach themselves a lot if and I mean if they find the right teacher. I went to re-learn Classical Gas.Thats a tough song with the speed and the finger picking. Only found one person that taught it right and he was the best of the worse. Again he went too fast so thats where the rewind button comes in. When I last practiced it was put the record on the turn table and then the headphones. Up and down with the needle so many times you wore the record out. Now with You Tube you sit on the couch and it is like having the teacher right there in front of you and much cheaper than lessons. You just keep rewinding till you understand it. It is a real brain thinker which we all improve on. Although I cannot read and write music I can certainly help out people that are just starting out. That is where I am anchored. You bet it is hard. Anyone that says playing any instrument is easy is either a liar or just loaded with talent. One person can play 3 hours a day, while someone else practices just an hour, and the person that practices for just a hour is advancing quicker. Why? Because we are all different. It is the quality of the practice not the amount of time. Our brains process the info at different speeds. Just like in school. You had the brainchild and you had the regular students and then you had the ones that struggled. It all originates in the brain, the control room. Like eating a slice of pizza. You just take one bite at a time. You then chew it, swallow it then process it. Look at all the big name professionals out there. What do they all have in common? They all started very young and stayed with it. You're doing a fantastic job and you're a million percent correct on everything you say. Most teachers on You Tube are great guitar players but terrible teachers. Teaching in itself is an art. Thanks so much. I love your videos. Rick In Canada. Age 65

[@husbyhogan]

Its about the fun and achievement any way which is satisfying for the student. I am learning since 2 years being above 50 years old and its a struggle for everything. My regret is that i did not start much earlier. I tried with a teacher and it did not work at all, i felt it was a waste of money. Meanwhile I learned to play the basic cords and use mostly youtube and books to learn theory and songs. You Lauren, are the most motivating teacher i found online! Thank you always for your effort. Its so good that there is someone, who understands our struggle ;-) 🤩🥰 THANK YOU!!!

[@rugsrme]

I have learned from many of you awesome folks that put your classes up here for us. I haven't encountered any with this type of attitude, but that type of teaching correct technique has been my favorite style. Sadly everyone who wants to learn guitar wants to go away playing entire songs after their first half hour lesson or they aren't having enough fun.... I'm 56 and have been at it for a little over a year and my wife still says she never heard me play a whole song. Well, I can, I can crank out a song, usually now days I get the strumming and cadence right, you can tell which song it is. I need a singer, some accompaniment or something. All that said, Lauren, you are the one of the multiple courses I've used, that I tell my friends and my nieces to start with because you DO break it down to simple cords to get them going, and you are fun to watch, and your content works!!! Thank you.

[@LaurenBateman]

Fortunately, there are many great teachers here on KZbin. So happy you can crank out a song now.

[@dansun9269]

Trying to make my teacher understand that point, playing since 8 month, all Triad pass in one ear through the other and out, my head doesn't hold all these info :( sometime I want to stop playing my accoustic guitar because I do feel stupid... Not the same learning at 44 than 20's... I understand easier by chords playing and easy song (ex: Wonderwall)

[@elliepodmore4348]

Thanks Lauren for keeping it real. Some people just aren't teachers. I am a beginner of 3 months. I know music theory, however I also know that some chords are beyond my capability at the moment. When I'm practicing strumming I mostly use chords where I only have to use two fingers. Then I switch between major and minor chords and this sounds coherent. Now I know why so many songs were played on guitar using these easy chords. 😉

[@Sunlineish]

Goodmorning everyone! I am 46 female from Sydney, and complete beginner. I tried other online lessons then came across Lauren. You guessed it, I'm staying and have purchased the beginner course. You could be an outstanding guitar player, but that doesn't make you a great teacher.

[@christianlaue1510]

Lauren you really are a wonderful and empathetic teacher that emphasizes putting the "fun" into learning the instrument. I love that approach. If it's not fun then most folks will give it up altogether. I'm soon to be 65 and am a self taught guitar player mostly from you tube lessons. The information out there is overwhelming . So many rabbit holes to go down can also lead to quitting the guitar. Pick a few good teachers like yourself and have fun while learning to play songs and learning to listen. Keep up the great work Lauren. Btw....love that Taylor you're rockn.

[@richgray5762]

Awesome. Respect. You da woman. Look at all us knuckleheads that can play ... some. Not rocket science. I learned the D first and it is so wrong especially because of the proportion 2nd to 3rd digit variables that can really alter the ease of that chord for some. Look at how James Taylor learned. I definitely recommend you and your insight. Kudos

[@user-no1cares]

Haha! Thank you, I needed this because I go right to teaching scale theory, pentatonics, chords, etc. Funny because I’ve had college instructors that turned music & guitar into misery so one would think I’d have figured this out on my own. Even when I have an older student, I’ve often been playing since before they were born so it seems easy to me. One good thing I do is, I don’t charge anything to teach somebody how to play guitar. YT guitar teachers often do the same, teach you something for free. Like this post! Because of this post I might just lighten up a bit. 😂

[@BW-sh6ey]

As a new beginner first,I want to thank you. My name is Brandon Im 43. Im hoping to request chords a lesson on a song by Arthur Gunn, save me now. Your teaching is awesome. Thank you so much Lauren.. 🙂

[@michaelpasmore116]

I went to a guitar instructor many years ago and he scolded me for using my thumb to play and embellish chords like Jimi Hendrix and SRV on the low E string did and when he said my thumb should never move up past halfway on the neck - I responded well I do that when playing barre chords. I said (before I left the last lesson) that I’m trying to learn Nothing Else Matters by Metallica and can you help me with the lead portion. He asked me to play it and after I did he said no I can’t as I don’t know how to play it and just keep doing what you’ve been doing.

[@Mulberry2000]

A lot of guitar teachers assume you must know stuff without actually being shown. Also they expect you to come up with your own strumming pattern, AT THE BEGINNER LEVEL. Also they try to teach you the cage system and swear its a must because its the only way to learn the fret board. I pointed it out its full of barre chords and to know the cage system you must know barre chords and the fret board. So what is the point of the cage system. He said its the best, i just though jog on sherlock. Barre chords are hard and they are harder as you get older. The best way to learn any instrument is to start small and have fun.

[@mickholroyd2190]

Your absolutely right Lauren..no such thing as a dumb student..only dumb teachers..a good teacher will have different ways to get their message across...

[@EugeneMcfadden-777]

It’s sad to see that there is some teacher that doesn’t care but thanks you for caring about your students and people on KZbin I’m a bringing at guitar I started watching your videos yesterday I have a hard time with putting my fingers on the neck of the guitar in the right place but guitar start with E and ends with E

[@jesseross6029]

I took a guitar class many years ago at my local community college. I had one of the teachers you described -- really nice guy, but way over my head. I had never played guitar before entering that course, and he expected me to learn Hotel California -- and perform it -- in three months time. I knew right away that wasn't going to happen. I love your KZbin lessons, Lauren. Not only are they more my speed, but since they're online, I don't have to hurry through them. Thanks for doing what you do!

[@Worldwarone853]

You are a brilliant teacher Lauren, and l,should,know because I’m one of your students 😊😊😊😊

[@whitediamondchild111]

Some teachers do not have the patience to teach and especially when the are dealing with older beginners. To date, I have never had a guitar lesson from a teacher and I progressing very well. Just by watching your videos, taking notes and most of all practice, one has a higher sense of achievement in learning guitar. Lauren, you have the skill and patience, so this makes it easier to understand and motivates one to want to play at every opportunity. Recently i bought myself a new Acoustic guitar, my first one wasn't doing it for me, now I feel more motivated and confident. Your lessons are really informative. Really appreciated. Best wishes from Cape Town, South Africa.

[@gelflingmusic9428]

You are awesome teacher. Good tips. Gracias. I recommend people start with classical guitar. Way easier. I can't play steel string at all but don't wanna. I'm glad I'm leaning to play Spanish style without fingernails.

[@BearBear0498]

im 26, ive been trying to learn guitar for YEAARS and im still a begginner, I hate the most when these guitar teachers will say "lessons for begginers" and then they'll use the most advanced techniques i couldnt even hope to do to try and teach me. At this point ive just decided to learn songs and learn that way cuz i was tired of still learning chord changes for 3 years.

[@Roadrider3]

My first guitar lessons in the 60’s was reading sheet music and playing notes. No fun at all. Was like a punishment. If they only taught a few cords and you could play along with a song could have been fun. I might have stuck with it

[@kimberlycollins541]

Haha I feel like you’re talking about MY teacher!?! 😂😂 But not my teacher anymore. I can teach myself what he was teaching me.

[@stirlingjacobs5503]

Great Video! Learning shortcuts is literally how I learned to play the actual things properly. Without the shortcuts its very easy to get disgruntled and quit because of a lack of progress. You dont pickup a guitar to learn music theory. You pick it up to play it. The theory comes later.

[@pierrebenoit-j1q]

To all who want to learn guitar have fun with it and find a teacher who will show you simple Chords to begin with and stay away from the self important douche bag one.Giutar is for every one who wamts to learn...Don't let any idiots telll you different😊😊😊😊😊🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘

[@gregoryboverson4292]

I can't stand when you learn a song by ear and play it the way you hear it, only to have some guitar snob say "um, your playing it wrong." Then they show you the way the artist plays it or the way THEY play it. F**k that! Play it the way you want and have fun. 👍👍

[@qumrantaj4255]

Thank you your philosophy of teaching! I've taught a great many students over the years (not music related.) My belief is if a student is trying to learn anything but fails to progress, the problem is likely the teacher not the student.

[@629990]

I used to drive my wife nuts aking her why chords were named this or that and how are they constructed. She would get frutrated and say she just learned triads on piano. At the time nether us realised its the same thing by a different name. Eventually I found an old usenet article on chord construction that explained intervals and how major vs minor or seventh chord just use different intervals. Major chord being root major third and the perfect fifth infervals. Etc it also finally told me what sus chord was. That it was just the major chord wth the major third interval replaced by the suspended second interval. Head exploding...what a great artical. Most people proably dont care but my engineering side just demands to know why.

[@tmac3975]

100% agree with everything you said. It needs to be fun but still engaging, so much easier to learn when we are having fun. Keep up the great work.

[@Love2FlyKAP]

I wish there was a fiddle/violin teacher like you. For now I follow you on guitar. Thanks.

[@jacktownsend8260]

Very well said - thank you - I taught myself over 30 years ago - you’re absolutely right -

[@robinlessard1297]

My guitar teacher was awful! Money was the goal!! Find yourself someone who cares!!

[@CalvinLimSH-ld5le]

My own experiences with any beginners learning to sing and play guitar -> bass -> power chords only. Learning the Caged 5 open chords for beginners are more for advanced player only after they understand what triad sounds like when you play a combination of 3 notes per chord.