Welcome to
Guitar Lessons Canterbury
I'm Michael Bonner, and my lessons are tailored to fit your individual needs, preferences, and pace. My goal is to create a welcoming, supportive environment where you can grow as a guitarist while having fun along the way.
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Lessons Tailored To You
I have been teaching guitar privately since 1996. I have taught in various schools: secondary schools, including a Grammar school; a special needs school; and at University. I’ve taught all ages from 4 to senior citizens as well as teaching dyslexics (I’m a bit dyslexic myself), a dyspraxic, a blind person, and someone with only one arm. Whatever your level, total beginner to advanced, I can help you. I have been teaching guitar for a long time and I’ve helped people across a wide range of abilities to realise their dreams of playing guitar.
Prices
£25.00 per 1/2 hour, £50.00 per hour
Guitar Teacher
Michael BonnerLocation
Prioress Rd, Canterbury CT2 8NX, UKGet in touch to find out more.
Find out more about my guitar lessons, as well as book your first guitar lesson.
Personalised Guitar Learning Experience
I strive to create a fun and relaxed atmosphere that fosters confidence and encourages creativity. We'll work together on songs that you enjoy, and I can help you explore different styles such as rock, jazz, and more. My goal is to make our lessons enjoyable while helping you achieve your musical aspirations, whether that's preparing for grades, learning to play in a band, or simply playing for fun.
With flexible online lessons available, I can make learning accessible to students of all ages—from young children to adults. So, if you’re ready to find guitar lessons that fit your lifestyle and ambitions, let’s get started on this musical adventure together!
Prices:
£25.00 per 1/2 hour
£37.50 per 3/4 hour
£50.00 per hour
Lessons are weekly, fortnightly or as suits you.
Advice for New Students
Private Guitar Lessons in Canterbury
When you choose my guitar lessons in Canterbury, you're embarking on a journey tailored to your individual musical needs and goals. Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to enhance your existing skills, I’m here to provide a supportive and enjoyable learning environment. Each lesson is designed around your current abilities and interests, ensuring you stay engaged and excited about learning.
What to Expect
During our sessions, we’ll cover all the essentials, from basic chords and strumming patterns to more advanced techniques in various genres. I believe strongly in the importance of music theory, so I'll integrate that into our lessons to give you a deeper understanding of how music works. Whether you’re interested in playing acoustic guitar, electric guitar, or even exploring other instruments like piano or drums, I’m equipped to teach you the skills needed to thrive.
Techniques Guitar Teachers Recommend
As your guitar tutor in Canterbury, I'm excited to delve into the various techniques you can learn and master through our guitar lessons. Each technique not only enhances your guitar skills but also broadens your musical understanding across different genres.
Fingerpicking
Fingerpicking is a beautiful technique often used in acoustic guitar playing. It allows for a more intricate sound, enabling you to play melodies alongside chords. We'll start by practising basic fingerpicking patterns and gradually incorporate more complex styles as your skills develop. This technique is perfect for those who love folk, blues, or classical genres.
Strumming Patterns
Strumming is essential for any beginner guitarist and is crucial for accompanying songs. I’ll guide you through various strumming patterns that complement different musical styles, from upbeat rock rhythms to softer acoustic vibes. Mastering these patterns helps you play along with different bands and songs easily.
Chord Progressions
Understanding chord progressions is vital for anyone looking to excel at playing guitar. Through our music lessons, we'll explore popular progressions used in countless songs across styles. I’ll teach you how these chords fit together and the theory behind them, enabling you to create your own music and improvise effectively.
Music Theory
Incorporating music theory into our lessons provides a deeper understanding of how music works. We will discuss scales, key signatures, and harmony, which will help you become a well-rounded musician. Understanding theory is especially beneficial for those who aim to achieve grades or want to move beyond the basics.
Exploring Other Opportunities
If you're curious about playing other instruments like the keyboard or drums, I can integrate those lessons into your learning journey. Whether you’re interested in classical music on the keyboard or playing jazz on the saxophone, I offer a range of classes to help support and compliment your musical interests.
Understanding the Differences: Bass Guitar vs. Electric Guitar
As a dedicated music teacher in Canterbury, I often encounter students who are curious about the differences between bass guitar and electric guitar. Both are essential in many contexts, yet they serve very different roles and require unique approaches in lessons.
Role in Music
The electric guitar is typically responsible for lead melodies and chords, making it the focal point in many bands. It’s a versatile instrument that thrives across genres, from rock to jazz. In contrast, the bass guitar lays down the harmonic foundation and rhythm, connecting the drums with the rest of the ensemble. As a guitar tutor, I emphasise these roles during our guitar lessons to help students appreciate how each instrument contributes to a song.
Techniques and Learning Focus
When teaching bass guitar, we focus on techniques like fingerstyle, slap bass, and groove creation. My music lessons for bass students often include exploring how bass lines interact with chords and rhythm patterns. For electric guitarists, I introduce techniques like strumming patterns and soloing, integrating music theory to enhance their understanding of why certain notes and chords work well together.
Course Structure
At guitar lessons Canterbury, whether you’re a beginner or advanced, I tailor every lesson according to your interests. If you’re leaning towards electric guitar, we’ll dive into different styles, while if you opt for bass guitar, we’ll focus on other styles of playing. My goal as your guitar tutor is to provide a well-rounded education, with lessons that build your skills and confidence, fostering creativity and a love for music.
Choosing the Right Path
Ultimately, the choice between bass guitar and electric guitar comes down to your personal interests and musical goals. I encourage my students to explore what resonates with them. Whether you want to rock out on the electric guitar or lay down solid grooves on the bass, the journey will be filled with discovery and growth. Guitar tutors like myself will always keep you on the right track with personalised guitar courses.

Whether you’re a beginner guitarist, have a passion for music theory, or a more experienced player looking to refine your work, my lessons are designed to meet your individual needs and goals. I've helped people transition from piano lessons to guitar lessons as well as helping those who have studied guitar for years. With the right techniques and passionate teaching, you can develop the skills necessary to express your musicality across a variety of styles. Together, we’ll make music come alive!
Frequently Asked Questions
Guitar lesson costs vary but typically range from £20 to £40 per hour, depending on the tutor's experience and location. Canterbury tutors fall into this price and more teachers these days charge around this amount.
Yes, 30 minutes can be enough for beginners, offering focused learning without overwhelming new students.
Beginners generally need 10-20 lessons to grasp basic skills, but continuous practice and lessons are recommended for improvement.
Children can start guitar lessons as young as 5-7 years old, depending on their interest and physical ability to handle the instrument.
Yes, having your own guitar is essential for practice between lessons, ensuring consistent progress. If you're looking to buy a guitar then please do check out Hobgoblin Music Canterbury located at 22 Lower Bridge St, Canterbury CT1 2LG.
Prioress Rd, Canterbury CT2 8NX, UK Full teaching address will be provided upon first lesson booking.
Location
Teacher
Michael BonnerFind out more about my guitar lessons and how to book your first session.
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