Good guitar technique ‘vital’

            Risingholme Community Centre guitar tutor David Smith loves the instrument’s individuality.

            A professional, classical guitarist since the 1970’s, Smith says he enjoys the flexibility of being able to accompany other instruments or performing solo.

            He says while many people believe they can teach themselves to play the guitar there is no substitute for expert tuition.

            “A good technique is vital, most people struggle on their own and end up compounding their own bad habits.”

            Smith runs two eight-week guitar playing classes – introductory and development – on Wednesday nights at Risingholme.

            Billed as a thorough introduction to guitar playing using popular songs and group participation, the course, designed for adults teaches vital skills like chords, strumming and finger picking, says smith.

            “An ability to read music is not needed, there are lots of other systems we can use just to get people playing.”

            He says the development class allows participants to develop a broad range of guitar styles and uses an integrated and progressive approach.

            The next introductory and development classes begin on October 11^th.

From The Christchurch Press, Thursday September 20th 2006