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Guitar Lessons Exeter
In-person guitar lessons in Exeter, with clear weekly targets, practical technique, and real songs you’ll want to play.
Our Guitar Teachers in Exeter
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Nothing can substitute one-to-one learning. If you are a complete beginner, an intermediate player, or an experienced guitarist that has hit that ‘musical brick-wall’, I can tailor a guitar tuition package that will target the areas of your playing that need the most attention. In your lessons I will use Tablature ( a system of lines, numbers and symbols specific to the guitar ) and Standard Notation ( as used the world over in practically every genre ) to assist with the practical, hands-on noisy stuff! Many budding guitarists are keen to just ‘plug n play’ which is great to a point, but even a little music theory can help open up endless possibilities which make a huge difference in your development as a musician. I do encourage playing ‘by ear’ especially when considering improvising or jamming along to backing tracks or with other musicians but what notes will fit the chords that are being played? What key is the song in? What scales / modes / intervals etc. would fit? It all sounds very daunting if you are just starting out, but when broken down, the theory behind playing the guitar well can be easily learned with the minimum amount of time. With an understanding of how music is written, how chords are structured, how melodies are produced, how harmonies are found etc, you will quickly learn to get those fingers to go where you want them! Please take a look around my webpage. If you are a newbie, I hope you will find it informative but it really is just the start of what will quite possibly be a long love affair with such an expressive, individual instrument. If you are already a guitar player chances are you are hungry to learn more, play more and generally improve your technique. I you prefer the thump and low end of a bass guitar, I can help with that too ! And let’s face it, guitars are cool! Shannon
Alongside my career as a dedicated academic in Psychology, Medicine, and Statistics, I have always nurtured a deep passion for music. Music is more than just a hobby for me—it is the true heartbeat of my life. With over 15 years of guitar experience, I have developed a strong foundation in multiple instruments, including Piano, Bass Guitar, and Vocals. This diverse musical background has shaped my approach to teaching, allowing me to offer students a well-rounded perspective on musicianship. Throughout my journey, I have had the privilege of working with various musical societies, most notably the Bath Society of Young Musicians (BSYM). At BSYM, I took on a leadership role where I, along with another colleague, helped guide and mentor younger guitarists. My responsibilities included teaching individual guitar parts, assisting with their overall instrumental development, and facilitating their integration into ensemble playing. I also helped them adapt to performing within larger orchestras. This experience allowed me to witness firsthand how teaching music is not just about mastering technique but also about fostering creativity, confidence, and collaboration. In addition to my teaching experience, I have contributed to the world of music journalism. In the summer of 2016, I briefly wrote music articles for LoudStuff, an online magazine dedicated to promoting and reviewing musical works. This opportunity helped me gain a deeper appreciation for the music industry from a different lens, enhancing my ability to critically analyze music and communicate my ideas clearly to a broad audience. As an advocate for music and art therapy, I strongly believe in the healing power of music. There is immense value in utilising music as a therapeutic tool to promote mental and emotional well-being. My background in psychology allows me to understand the profound connection between mental health and the arts, and I am passionate about exploring how music can serve as a positive force for personal growth and healing. In my own musical career, I am the vocalist and guitarist of a progressive metal band, where we strive to push the boundaries of the genre. We are currently finishing work on our first studio album, which has been a thrilling creative endeavour. Being part of a band has given me a deep understanding of collaboration, performance dynamics, and the nuances of creating original music. These experiences enrich my teaching style, as I am able to offer insights into songwriting, band interaction, and live performance. As a guitar teacher, my goal is to inspire and guide students on their own musical journeys. Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your skills, I aim to provide personalised instruction that caters to your unique goals. With a holistic approach to teaching, I focus not only on technical mastery but also on developing a deep, personal connection with the instrument. I believe that music is a lifelong companion, and I am committed to helping each student discover their own passion and potential through the guitar.
Duncan Lacey MISM, Guitar Tuition - Member of Registry of Guitar Tutors at London College of Music, and full Member of the Independent Society of Musicians. I have an up to date Enhanced DBS certificate, and I am fully insured for public liability. I have been teaching in and around Newton Abbot since 1997 in schools and private one to one lessons. Professional musician since 1985 performing all over the UK abroad, performing with various bands. I teach Acoustic, Electric, Bass Guitars and also Pedal Steel Guitar and Ukulele. Home visits available, Beginners welcome - Exams available, or just play for fun. I can share all of my 40 years experience with you, and help you achieve your dreams of playing an instrument. If you would like to see any reviews please go on Google and search DUNCAN LACEY GUITAR TUITION.
About Guitar Lessons Exeter
Find guitar lessons Exeter private students trust, with in-person-first options and online lessons when needed, depending on the guitar teacher’s availability. Lessons are available for all levels—from complete beginner to advanced—and can be tailored around the music you want to play like jeff beck or joss stone, the techniques you want to develop, remove bad habits, play with backing tracks and clear performance goals.
We aim for in-person lessons first. Depending on where you are in Exeter, we can meet in a local studio space or sometimes travel; online is available when needed.
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Guitar lessons in Exeter: what your guitar tutor can cover
Guitar lessons in Exeter are available for complete beginners through to advanced players, taught by a dedicated guitar teacher. Depending on your goals, lessons can cover genres such as rock, pop, jazz, folk, funk, classical, and lead guitar. Alongside learning songs, a guitar teacher can help you build technique and repertoire, and can include areas like improvisation, performance skills, and music theory where it supports what you’re playing. Lessons are typically tailored to the individual, so you can focus on the music you enjoy and track progress towards specific pieces or performance milestones.
Exeter guitar lesson formats: 1-to-1, group, at home, and online
Many Exeter guitar tutors offer one-to-one lessons with flexible scheduling and personalised lesson plans; if you’re interested, we can help you find a time that works week to week. Some tutors teach from a home studio, some can travel locally to teach at the student’s home (often for an additional fee), and many offer online lessons as a flexible option. Group lessons may be available and are often significantly cheaper than one-to-one sessions, including options run through local schools. Available formats vary by tutor, so it’s worth checking what’s offered in your area of Exeter.
What you can learn: technique, reading, theory, and repertoire
Lessons can be planned around your needs and ability, combining practical playing with core skills and real musical knowledge. Many tutors cover reading tablature, basic sight reading where appropriate, chord work, rhythm, lead playing, and improvisation. Music theory can be included in a practical way (for example, understanding keys, intervals, and chord building) so it connects directly to the songs you want to play. Students often work towards popular pieces and a growing repertoire, including transcription tasks that help you hear details in tracks, with guidance on how to practise and perform them confidently.
How progress is supported
Tutors typically help students set clear goals and build a manageable practice routine—so you keep moving forward with relaxed confidence. Lessons can be structured around your current level—whether you’re building foundational coordination as a beginner or refining timing, tone, and performance technique at a higher level. Because lessons are personalised, your tutor can adjust the pace and focus to match your schedule and what you want to achieve.
A clear 3-step learning path
Our Exeter guitar lessons follow a simple progression so you always know what to practise and why it matters for real music and performance.
Set up posture, pick grip, and chord changes. Learn two easy songs, basic rhythm patterns, and simple ear checks so you can hear mistakes early.
Build timing with a metronome, cleaner transitions, and more chords. Add a short transcription task and start improvising with a small scale map.
Refine tone, dynamics, and confidence. Create a set of 3–5 pieces, tighten tricky sections, and rehearse realistic run-throughs for recording or performing.
Starter setup for your first lesson
Bring what you have. We’ll help you get comfortable fast and avoid spending money on the wrong gear.
- Bring your guitar (acoustic or electric), a pick, and a clip-on tuner if you have one; we’ll check setup and tuning together.
- Use a chair without arms and a footstool or small box; stable posture makes chord changes quicker and reduces wrist strain.
- Have a phone for metronome and recording short clips; listening back each week makes practice clearer and keeps lessons focused.
Styles, goals, and full transcription options
Choose a direction, or mix styles. We’ll tailor your lessons so technique supports the songs you actually want to play.
Riffs, power chords, tight rhythm, and lead basics. Learn how to lock with drums and keep energy consistent through a full song.
Chord voicings, strumming feel, and clean transitions for popular songs. We’ll cover capo use, dynamics, and singing-friendly rhythm parts.
Shell voicings, swing rhythm, and simple chord-tone improvisation. You’ll learn practical theory that makes standards easier to memorise and play.
Develop ideas with small scale shapes, phrasing, and call-and-response. We use transcription and guided improvisation to grow creativity without guesswork.
Fix tension, improve speed safely, and clean up articulation. Perfect for advanced players who want reliable technique under pressure and better consistency.
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FAQs about guitar lessons in Exeter
A first lesson commonly includes a quick check of your current level and what you want to play. Your guitar teacher may assess basics like posture, rhythm, and coordination, then help you set goals and agree a plan for the next few weeks. Trial lessons are often available for a low fee (for example, around £10), depending on the tutor.
Yes. Guitar lessons in Exeter are available for all levels, from complete beginner to advanced. Tutors can adapt lessons to your current ability and help you build technique and repertoire over time.
Lessons can cover a range of genres including classical, rock, pop, funk, jazz, folk, and lead guitar. The exact focus depends on the tutor and your goals, and many lessons are customised around the music you want to learn.
Yes. Many guitar lessons include skills such as improvisation, music theory, and performance techniques. Tutors can introduce these areas in a practical way alongside learning songs and building technique.
Lessons can include sight reading, reading tablature, and music theory, depending on your goals. Some students focus mainly on tab and chord charts, while others also work on standard notation.
Yes. Many guitar teacher profiles offer in-person lessons (often from a home studio or by travelling locally) and online lessons. Online lessons are a flexible option if travel or scheduling is difficult.
Some do—especially guitar teacher listings that also work with local schools. Lessons can sometimes be held at the student’s home for an additional fee, depending on the tutor’s location and availability.
Sometimes. Group classes may be offered by some tutors and are usually cheaper than private one-to-one lessons. Availability and pricing depend on the tutor.
Not always. Some tutors may be able to provide an instrument for use during lessons. It’s best to ask in advance when booking.
Exeter has a well-established live music scene, with a mix of grassroots venues and larger performance spaces. Exeter Phoenix is one of the city’s main cultural hubs, hosting a wide range of live music across genres, while The Cavern is a long-running venue known for alternative, rock, and touring bands in a more intimate setting. For larger-scale concerts, the University of Exeter’s Great Hall also hosts touring acts and events. For musicians, smaller venues such as The Cavern are often the most valuable, as they make it easier to hear tone, timing, and how bands perform up close.
Exeter has a strong mix of specialist guitar builders and independent music shops. Manson Guitar Works is the city’s most notable name—an internationally recognised manufacturer closely associated with Muse’s Matt Bellamy, producing high-end custom instruments and supplying artists including Dave Grohl and John Paul Jones. For a premium retail experience, Project Music offers a curated selection of guitars, amps, and accessories, along with expert setup and servicing. It’s one of the best places locally to try high-quality instruments and get informed advice. For a more accessible in-town option, The Music Depot is an independent shop in central Exeter offering guitars, accessories, and general music equipment, with practical support for beginners and progressing players. If you’re buying your first guitar or upgrading, prioritise a proper setup—adjusting action, strings, and intonation—as this often makes a bigger difference to playability than the price of the instrument itself.
Exeter is closely connected to the wider Devon music scene, which has produced internationally recognised artists. The most notable example is Muse, formed in nearby Teignmouth, whose rise was closely linked to the South West live circuit that includes Exeter. Their music is particularly useful for studying riff writing, dynamics, and modern rock arrangement. While Exeter itself is not known for a large number of globally recognised artists, its role within the Devon and South West scene provides access to a strong live music culture that continues to support emerging bands and musicians.