Your questions answered

Yes. You do not need to read music or know any chords before starting. We can begin with holding and tuning the guitar, finding a comfortable playing position and making your first clear notes.

Yes, I teach children and adults. For a younger learner, tell me their age and whether they already have a guitar so we can discuss an appropriate instrument and lesson length. A parent or guardian should make the enquiry and discuss supervision arrangements with me.

Both acoustic and electric guitar lessons are available. Tell me about the music you enjoy and the instrument you have. We can work on chords, rhythm, melody and technique in a way that suits your goals.

Not necessarily for your first lesson. Six String Studio has instruments available; tell Dave what you want to learn before your visit. For regular practice, discuss a suitable instrument or setup for home. If you already own a guitar, bring it where possible. Read the guitar-buying guide.

We start with study pieces and exercises that build the skills you need, then use music you enjoy to put those skills into practice. Bring a few song ideas; we can choose a manageable section or arrangement together.

Yes, graded examinations are an option, alongside learning for enjoyment. Tell me about any grade you have taken and the qualification you are considering so we can discuss the right next step. No particular examination result is guaranteed.

The Guitar Workshop is an adult group for Dave’s existing private students. Ask about the current group, suitability and arrangements. For siblings or other shared-lesson enquiries, discuss the options directly. Read about The Guitar Workshop.

Choose a small, specific task from your lesson and return to it regularly. For example, change between two chords slowly while keeping a steady count. Several focused attempts are more useful than rushing through a whole song without noticing where you lose the rhythm.

Lessons take place at Six String Studio on Bishopton Road, Stockton-on-Tees, TS19 0SD, welcoming learners from Middlesbrough and across Teesside. The full address is shared when you book. See the general location or look inside the studio.

Individual guitar lessons are £12 for 20 minutes for primary-school children, £17.50 for 30 minutes or £35 for an hour. Pay as you go, weekly or fortnightly subject to availability. Compare lesson options.

Gift vouchers can be arranged for guitar, drums, bass or ukulele. Individual lessons are pay as you go, with no requirement to buy a large block. Confirm voucher availability and current expiry terms before purchase; see the voucher information.

Please give me as much notice as possible. The advertised policy is no fee with more than 72 hours’ notice and up to the full lesson fee with less than 72 hours’ notice. If we can rearrange within the same week, there is no cancellation fee. If I cancel, or move a lesson to a time you cannot attend, there is no lesson charge. Any cancellation charge must reflect the loss incurred, taking account of a refilled slot or costs saved, and your statutory rights still apply. Please confirm the arrangements, including the exact 72-hour boundary, before booking.

Three months can be a useful first period for building foundations, but it is not a guarantee of reaching a particular level. Early goals might include tuning, making clear notes, changing between a few chords and playing a manageable section of a song. We can review your progress and adjust the next task to your experience, concentration and practice time. See what guitar lessons can cover.

A half-hour can be useful for a focused task, feedback on your playing and a clear plan for home practice. An hour gives more time to explore several topics. Choose a length you can sustain alongside practice, rather than assuming the longest lesson is always best. Compare the options and prices.