Reviews & Recommendations Archives - Melbourne Guitar Academy https://melbourneguitaracademy.com/category/reviews-recommendations/ Melbourne's #1 Provider Of Guitar Lessons! Fri, 24 Feb 2023 21:12:05 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.0.8 https://melbourneguitaracademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/cropped-2-32x32.jpg Reviews & Recommendations Archives - Melbourne Guitar Academy https://melbourneguitaracademy.com/category/reviews-recommendations/ 32 32 225478032 Private Lessons Or Group Lessons? Which Is Better For Learning Guitar? https://melbourneguitaracademy.com/private-vs-group-lessons/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=private-vs-group-lessons https://melbourneguitaracademy.com/private-vs-group-lessons/#respond Mon, 30 Jan 2023 22:02:23 +0000 https://melbourneguitaracademy.com/?p=34058 Introduction to the Benefits of Group Guitar Lessons Learning to play the guitar can be an incredibly rewarding experience, but …

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Introduction to the Benefits of Group Guitar Lessons

Learning to play the guitar can be an incredibly rewarding experience, but it can also be difficult without proper guidance and support. Group guitar lessons offer a unique set of benefits that can help aspiring guitar players improve their skills, gain confidence, and have fun along the way.

In this article, we will delve into the benefits of group guitar lessons and dispel common misconceptions about group lessons being inferior to private lessons.

We will compare and contrast group lessons to private lessons, highlighting the advantages of each. Additionally, we will explore the instances where private lessons may be more suitable for certain students.

Finally, we will provide practical tips and insights to help you get the most out of your group guitar lessons and reach your full potential as a guitar player. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, this article is designed to help you make an informed decision about your guitar learning journey.

kids group guitar lessons

The Advantages of Learning in a Group Setting

There are several advantages to learning guitar in a group setting that you miss out on in private lessons.

Some of these benefits include:

  1. Increased Motivation and Support: When you take guitar lessons with a group, you will have the opportunity to learn and practice alongside other people who are also learning to play. This can be a great source of motivation and support, as you can encourage and learn from each other.
  2. More Opportunities to Ask Questions: In a group guitar lesson, there is usually more time for questions and discussion, allowing you to get answers to any questions you may have.
  3. Variety of Playing Styles and Techniques: When you learn with a group of people, you will have the opportunity to hear and see different playing styles and techniques, which can help you improve your own skills and develop a unique playing style.
  4. Improved Communication and Social Skills: Group guitar lessons can help you develop better communication and social skills, as you will have the opportunity to interact with other people and form relationships.
  5. More Affordable: Group guitar lessons are often more affordable than private lessons, making them a great option for those who are just starting out or those who are on a budget.

The Benefits of Group Guitar Lessons for Children

Children do particularly well in group guitar lessons because almost all of the learning they do takes place in a group setting,

Here are some additional benefits of group guitar lessons for kids:

  1. Encourages Collaboration and Teamwork: Group guitar lessons can help children learn the value of collaboration and teamwork, as they work together to learn and perform.
  2. Improves Concentration and Focus: Group lessons can help children improve their concentration and focus, as they must pay attention and participate in order to keep up with the group.
  3. Increases Confidence and Self-Esteem: When children take group guitar lessons, they have the opportunity to perform in front of others and receive positive feedback, which can increase their confidence and self-esteem.
  4. Develops a Love for Music: By participating in group guitar lessons, children can develop a love for music and a lifelong appreciation for the arts.
Group Guitar Lessons For Kids

Debunking the Myths of Group Guitar Lessons

While many people believe that private lessons are the best way to learn to play the guitar, there are several misconceptions about group guitar lessons that need to be addressed. Let’s take a look at three of the most common misconceptions:

Misconception 1: Group lessons don’t work as well as private lessons

This couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, group lessons can be just as effective as private lessons, if not more so, as they offer a unique set of benefits that can help you improve your skills and have fun along the way.

Almost every instance where the learning occurred in your life (including your 12 years of school, 4 years of university, and a lifetime of sports training) took place in a group format. Why do we all of a sudden think learning musical instruments in groups doesn’t work?

Misconception 2: I will be held back by group lessons

Many people believe that group lessons will hold them back because they won’t be able to progress as quickly as they would in private lessons. However, this is not the case.

Group lessons offer the opportunity to learn and practice alongside other people, which can actually help you improve your skills faster. This is true for both children and adults learning guitar.

You’ll also get to learn from the questions of other people who ask things that you never would have thought of but benefit from nevertheless.

Misconception 3: I won’t get to focus on what I want to learn

While it’s true that group lessons are structured around a set curriculum, you will still have the opportunity to focus on the areas of the guitar that you want to learn. Your instructor will work with you to ensure that you are able to receive individualized attention and achieve your goals.

In conclusion, group guitar lessons are a fantastic option for those looking to learn to play the guitar, and these misconceptions about them simply aren’t true. So, if you’re considering taking guitar lessons, consider giving group lessons a try and see for yourself how they can help you improve your skills and have fun along the way.

When are Private Guitar Lessons More Suitable?

While group guitar lessons are a fantastic option for many people, there are instances when private lessons are more suitable. Let’s take a look at three scenarios when private lessons may be the better choice:

Scenario 1: You are preparing for an exam and need specific content

If you are preparing for an exam or a performance and need to focus on specific content, private lessons may be the best option for you.

In these lessons, you’ll receive individualized attention from your instructor, allowing you to focus on the areas you need to work on and make the most of your time.

Having said this, if you have enough students doing the same exam then it can be easy to teach the exam content in a group. (Just like at school.)

Scenario 2: Social issues or developmental issues make group learning difficult

If you have social or developmental issues that make group learning difficult, private lessons may be a better choice for you.

In these lessons, you’ll receive individualized attention and support from your instructor, which can help you feel more comfortable and confident as you learn to play the guitar.

Scenario 3: You actually practice guitar for several hours a week and get the full benefit of individual attention

If you are an experienced player and are already practising several hours a week, private lessons may be a better option for you.

In these lessons, you’ll receive individualized attention from your instructor, allowing you to focus on your specific goals and receive guidance and feedback on your playing.

In conclusion, while group guitar lessons are a fantastic option for many people, private lessons are more suitable in certain scenarios. Whether you’re preparing for an exam, facing social or developmental issues, or are an experienced player, private lessons can help you achieve your goals and reach your full potential as a guitar player.

Conclusion

Group guitar lessons offer a unique set of benefits that can help aspiring guitar players of all ages and skill levels improve their skills, gain confidence, and have fun along the way.

While private lessons are traditionally thought of as being the best means of learning how to play the guitar (or any other instrument for that matter), it is becoming increasingly obvious that this form of learning lacks several features that become available in group lesson programs.

Whether you are just starting out or looking to take your playing to the next level, group guitar lessons are a great option to consider.

About The Author – Melbourne Based Guitar Teacher Michael Gumley

guitar teacher melbourne

Michael Gumley is a renowned guitar teacher in Melbourne, Australia. He is passionate about helping aspiring guitar players reach their full potential and has dedicated his life to sharing his knowledge and experience with his students.

Michael has extensive experience as a guitar teacher, having taught hundreds of students over the years. He has a thriving group guitar lesson program and is well-known for his ability to inspire and motivate his students to reach their musical goals.

In addition to his teaching experience, Michael is also an accomplished author, having written several books on learning guitar. These books are widely regarded as some of the best resources for aspiring guitar players and are highly recommended by guitar teachers and students alike.

Michael is passionate about sharing his love for the guitar with others and has dedicated his life to helping students reach their full potential as guitar players.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, Michael’s expertise and passion for the guitar make him a valuable resource for anyone looking to improve their skills and reach their musical goals. If you’re looking for wonderful group guitar lessons in Melbourne click the button below to register your interest and book a free lesson with us!

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The 5 Best Guitar Brands for Beginners in Australia for 2023 https://melbourneguitaracademy.com/the-5-best-guitar-brands-for-beginners-in-australia-for-2023/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-5-best-guitar-brands-for-beginners-in-australia-for-2023 https://melbourneguitaracademy.com/the-5-best-guitar-brands-for-beginners-in-australia-for-2023/#respond Sat, 28 Jan 2023 00:53:35 +0000 https://melbourneguitaracademy.com/?p=33966 Article by Michael Gumley, 28/01/23 What to Consider When Buying Your First Guitar in Australia Buying your first guitar can …

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Article by Michael Gumley, 28/01/23

What to Consider When Buying Your First Guitar in Australia

Buying your first guitar can be a daunting task, especially if you’re not sure what to look for.

Whether you’re just starting out or you’re an experienced player looking for a new instrument, there are many factors to consider.

In this article, we’ll take a look at the top 5 best guitar brands for beginners in Australia for 2023, and give you some tips on what to look for when buying your first guitar.

Buying Your First Guitar As A Beginner

When buying your first guitar, there are a few things to keep in mind.

First, consider your budget. Guitars can range in price from a few hundred dollars to thousands, so it’s important to set a budget before you start shopping. Try to avoid getting the cheapest guitar you can because quality is usually reflective of price and a $50 Kmart guitar is likely to be more of a toy than a musical instrument.

Next, think about the type of music you want to play. Different types of guitars are better suited to different genres of music, so make sure you choose one that will help you achieve your musical goals. This means that if you prefer music that is played on an electric guitar, then it is perfectly fine to buy an electric guitar as your first instrument.

Finally, consider the features you want in a guitar. Things like the number of strings, the type of wood, and the size of the body can all affect the sound and playability of the guitar. Generally, most guitarists should start on a 6 string guitar.

What to Look for in a First Guitar

When looking for a first guitar, there are a few key features to consider.

One important feature is the number of strings. Guitars can have 6 or 12 strings, but for beginners, it’s recommended to start with a 6-string guitar as it’s easier to play and learn on.

Another important feature is the size of the body as it can affect the playability of the guitar. Smaller body size is generally more comfortable for children and most beginners to play while having a guitar that is too big makes it hard to reach and difficult to play.

Many guitar gurus will place a lot of importance on the type of wood used. While different types of wood can affect the sound and tone of the guitar, you’re probably not going to notice any difference when you’re a total beginner. This means you can avoid getting upsold into a premium wood guitar by the sales rep at your local guitar shop.

The Best Guitar Brands For Beginners

There are many great guitar brands out there, but just like cars some of the better brands come with a hefty price tag.

Some guitar brands are known for their great beginner guitar models while some of the more prestigious brands will release more affordable versions of their popular guitars under a different moniker.

Brands like Valencia and Ashton are Australian guitar companies that target the beginner guitar market. Yahama is another brand with a reputation for high-quality instruments at both the beginner and pro levels.

Leading guitar brands like Fender and Gibson manufacture professional-level instruments with big price tags on them but also have more affordable brands that are targeted at beginners and hobby musicians. Fender’s cheaper brand is Squier while Gibson owns the sub-brand Epiphone, both of which make great guitars for beginners looking to buy their first guitar.

Let’s take a look at these brands in more detail.

Valencia Guitars – Best Acoustic Guitars For Beginners

Valencia guitars are a popular choice for beginner guitarists in Australia.

They offer a wide range of models at affordable prices, making them a great option for those on a budget. Valencia guitars are known for their good quality and durability, and they come in a variety of sizes and styles to suit different playing styles.

They are made with a combination of wood such as spruce, mahogany, and rosewood but only make acoustic guitars.

Valencia makes quality guitars in quarter, half, and three-quarter sizes making them ideal first guitars for kids and teen learners. For this reason, they are our #1 recommended guitar brand for children.

Best Beginner Guitars Australia - Valencia

Ashton Guitars – The Best Budget Guitars For Beginners

Ashton guitars are another popular choice for beginner guitarists in Australia.

They offer a wide range of models at affordable prices and are known for their good quality and durability.

Ashton guitars come in a variety of sizes and styles to suit different playing styles and unlike Valencia, makes electric guitar models and starter packs to target students who like rock music and want to go down the electric guitar pathway.

If you’re looking for an affordable electric guitar and want to support an Australian business then Ashton Guitars are the way to go.

Yamaha Guitars – The Best Guitars For Beginners

Yamaha guitars are one of the most well-known and respected guitar brands in the world.

They offer a wide range of models for beginner guitarists, including acoustic and electric options.

Yamaha guitars are known for their good quality and durability, and they come in a variety of sizes and styles to suit different playing styles.

While Yamaha guitars are slightly more expensive than both Valencia and Ashton guitars, there is a noticeable jump in quality making them a favoured recommendation by guitar teachers in both classical guitar and contemporary styles.

Whether you’re looking for a nylon string classical guitar, steel string acoustic or electric guitar starter pack Yamaha Guitars have high-quality, wallet-friendly options for first-time guitar buyers of all ages.

best beginner electric guitar pack - yamaha

Fender Squier Guitars – Best Value Beginner Guitars

Most beginner guitarists aspire to one day own a Fender guitar.

Whether it’s the famous Fender Stratocaster popularised by Jimi Hendrix or the iconic Telecaster used by Keith Richards, most aspiring guitar players dream of one day owning a real Fender guitar.

Getting a real Fender guitar brand new is likely to set you back at least $1200 (not including an amp) which is way out of the price range for most beginners who are unsure of the longevity of their new hobby.

Fortunately, Fender launched it’s own sub-brand called Squier Guitars to release classic models at a more affordable price range.

While mostly made in China, these guitars are a great option for beginner guitarists looking for a high-quality instrument at a lower price point.

They are more affordable versions of the famous Fender brand and are known for their good quality and durability. They come in a variety of sizes and styles to suit different playing styles. They also come in several beginner guitar combo packs allowing you to get started with an amplifier, guitar and everything you need in a convenient all-in-one package.

Epiphone Guitars – The Best Electric Guitars For Beginners

Just like Fender has Squire, Gibson Guitars has Epiphone.

Epiphone guitars are another popular choice for beginner guitarists in Australia. They offer a wide range of models like the classic Les Paul (made famous by Slash, and Jimi Page) and the Gibson SG (the favourite guitar of Angus Young from AC/DC) at affordable prices.

You can get standalone guitars or buy a beginner guitar pack in sizes for both adults and kids without the $2000+ price tag that a low-end real Gibson guitar will set you back.

If you’re seeking that classic rock vibe and want to look like a real rock star, then a guitar starter pack from Epiphone is the way to go.

Angus Young from AC/DC with his Gibson SG alongside Slash from Guns ‘N Roses with his Gibson Les Paul – photo by Tako217

Beginner Guitar Lessons From A Real Guitar Teacher

While it is possible to learn to play the guitar on your own, having a guitar teacher can greatly accelerate your progress.

A good guitar teacher can help you learn the basics, correct any bad habits, and give you guidance on what to practice.

They will also be happy to recommend a great first guitar to purchase and may even have connections at a local store where you can get a discount.

When looking for a guitar teacher, it’s easy to google guitar teacher near me and go with the first option out of convenience.

My recommendation is that you research at least three teachers in your area and consider their qualifications, experience, and teaching style. Ask if you can book a trial lesson, read their testimonials and watch videos of their lessons before committing to a teacher.

Conclusion

When it comes to buying your first guitar, there are many options available. Companies including; Valencia, Ashton, Yamaha, Fender Squier, and Epiphone are all great options for beginner guitarists and are readily available in most music shops and guitar stores in Australia.

Consider your budget, the type of music you want to play, and the features you want in a guitar when making your decision and don’t be afraid to spend a little more for a quality guitar.

Remember to also take into consideration the number of strings, the type of wood used, the size of the body, and the overall sound and playability of the guitar.

Lastly, don’t forget to find a good guitar teacher to help you on your journey. With the right guitar and the right teacher, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a skilled and confident guitarist.

With these factors in mind, you’ll be able to find the best guitar brand for you as a beginner guitarist in Australia.

About The Author

Guitar Teacher Near Me

Meet Michael Gumley, the guitar-slingin’, riff-ripping, shreddin’ sensation from the land down under (Melbourne, Australia to be exact). With over 15 years of experience under his belt, he’s been teaching guitar to Melbourne’s masses and turning them into black belt-level guitar ninjas at his studio Melbourne Guitar Academy.

Don’t just take our word for it, Michael is considered by many (and by many we mean not just Michael and his dear mother) to be the best guitar teacher in Melbourne. He’s written 12 books on guitar, made over 1000 videos for his online guitar school, and even developed his own curriculum which is taught in over 20 guitar schools all around the world.

But Michael isn’t content with just being a guitar master himself. He’s dedicated to training the next generation of guitar teachers through his teacher development programs so they can have a bigger impact on their own students. He’s on a mission to make sure the world is filled with guitar-playing, riff-making rockstars.

When he’s not teaching, you can find Michael shredding on stage, writing the next guitar anthem or chugging down a cold one (or two) with his mates. With Michael, you’ll not only become a guitar master, but you’ll also have a great time doing it.

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Michael’s Top 5 Business & Personal Development Book Recommendations From 2021! https://melbourneguitaracademy.com/my-top-5-business-personal-development-books-that-i-read-in-2021/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=my-top-5-business-personal-development-books-that-i-read-in-2021 https://melbourneguitaracademy.com/my-top-5-business-personal-development-books-that-i-read-in-2021/#respond Wed, 22 Dec 2021 07:55:09 +0000 https://melbourneguitaracademy.com/?p=33538 2021 was a hell of a year here in Australia with my city of Melbourne being locked down for over …

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2021 was a hell of a year here in Australia with my city of Melbourne being locked down for over 262 days. With this much time spent in lockdown I was able to catch up plenty of guitar playing, and plenty of reading, the later a pass time I’d fallen out of the habit of doing.
 
I used to be an avid reader and I consumed finance, personal development and business books like they were going out of fashion. After reading close to 100 books in a 3 year period I wasn’t really getting any new information, just the same key ideas and principles presented with exciting new names by different authors. That, or completely conflicting advice from different experts on the same subject (go figure).
 
At the beginning of 2020 I travelled to the 10X Growthcon and did a private mastermind with Grant Cardone and his business partner Brandon Dawson and was told by the later that it was better to read 10 books 10 times each and know them back to front than it was to read 100 books, so most of my 2020 was spent re-reading the same core books over and over again (that’s a list for a future article). 

Limitless- Jim Kwik

My First recommendation is a book called Limitless by author Jim Kwik.
 
Some Time in August I saw a video by a man called Jim Kwik teaching how to optimise your learning and gain the ability to memorise long lists of items or words. I was intrigued and used the skills in the video to easily memorise a list of 20 random words. It was amazing how it worked. But then the true test, seeing if if worked on my stepson Seth who is notorious for forgetting all of his chores.
 
I made a list of all the chores he had to do, then made up a story about a knight who had to go through a castle to rescue the princess at the top of the tower, and each new room he went into had a different task (in this case chores) that needed to be done… I told the story to my stepson Seth and asked him to repeat it back to me. Amazingly, he was able to repeat the entire story back to me proving that this memory technique was already working. Just under an hour later he came back to me to
report that his chores were finished, and upon inspection, not a single one had been missed, amazing!
 

Needless to say I purchased the book along with a few others I had my eye on for a while, and a few days later a nice big box from amazon arrived with a copy of Jim Kwik’s new book ‘Limitless’. 

Limitless is a terrific book about learning and brain optimisation. It’s full of practical methods you can use straight away along with recommendations for sleep, diet & brain exercises and a crash course on how to speed read and better retain new information in your memory so that you learn better. It also drives home the fact that you should be reading daily and sets out a ‘read 50 books in a year challenge’ at the end along with a recommended reading list drawing from a broad number of topics.
 

Needless to say, reading Limitless has reignited my passion for reading once more and I went on to read a new book every 3-4 days for the next two months. I noticed a remarkable difference in my mood and motivation levels along with the general awesome feeling you get when you know you’re getting better and developing every day! For all these reasons, Limitless is my #1 recommendation for all readers looking for a new book to read.

(plus if you learn how to speed-read then you can read even more books in the same amount of time or less!)

No B.S Time Management For Entrepreneurs

I don’t know how I’ve gone 6 years into my entrepreneurial journey without ever reading a book by Dan S Kennedy but boy do I wish I had read some of his material much, much sooner. I’ve ready eight of his books since October and have another four on the shelf waiting to be read along with every other work he has ever written ready to be purchased on my Amazon wishlist! While I feel like I could make a separate article containing my top 5 Dan S Kennedy books for you I’ve made the tough choice of selecting just one for you! That one book would have to be the No BS Guide to Time Management for Entrepreneurs. 

Dan’s book is full of great advice, and the implementation of only half of what I learned about saved me at least 10 hours per week I’d normally waste on stupid stuff (and believe me I don’t f&$^ around and have already gone to great lengths to optimise my schedule). Its tough advice delivered with enough sarcasm and dry humour to make you burst out laughing at times while simultaneously makes you feel stupid for not thinking of it already. Dan’s brilliance lies in the simplicity of his ideas and blunt delivery of them that really drives the point home and hopefully kicks your ass into gear. Often with business books you get 3-5 good ideas and another 7 chapters of filler content to meet publisher length specifications. In this book you get280+ pages of brilliance that all entrepreneurs and business owners must read.

Expert Secrets - Russel Brunson

I purchased the entire Clickfunnels trilogy at the same time and read them all in less than a week immediately after finishing Limitless! The whole series is great and I would highly recommend reading all three but once again I’m trying to stick to one book per series. Expert Secrets is the most relevant to guitar and music teachers and is less focused on building websites and funnels and more focused on how to establish yourself as an expert, build a framework for your teaching, and how to present yourself to potential clients. 

It has invaluable step by step guides which you can follow to dominate social media and spread your influence both online and offline. I’ve observed several online teaching personalities and social media gurus exhibiting similar behaviours and tactics, and after reading this book I can see where they are getting and believe I’ve found the original recipe they are all following.  I highly recommend if you are teaching guitar you read this book, especially if you are trying to create an online presence. 

The Power of Habit - Charles Duhigg

I read this book for the third time in 2021 and each time I discover something new that I had missed on prior readings, or wasn’t quite ready for at the time of my first reading.

This book provides a great insight into the process of habit formation and has the perfect blend of science, stories and practicality to keep it interesting and make it a fun, yet educational read.

If you’re someone who struggles with motivation and willpower then learning how to make difficult things habits and setting up an environment conducive to

success will be very valuable for you, and this book will provide you with everything that you need. Plus everything you learn can not just be applied to yourself, but to your students too!

Weightlifting Is A Waste of Time - John Jaquish

You might be scratching your head right now wondering why the hell I have a book about weightlifting on my business and entrepreneurial book recommendations list, so let me clear things up. I’m a big believer in the mind-body-spirit balance and that in order to be your best self in business (and all other areas) you need to have your health and fitness down pat, thus optimal business performance can be achieved through fitness.

 

I first heard of Dr John Jaquish while at a Tony Robbins event where a representative from his company Osteostrong was promoting that they were partnering with Tony and setting up bone density gyms all over

there world to help fight off osteoporosis and create the next generation of super-athletes through bone density training. I was very interested at the time but the pandemic hit before I could sus it out.

I first heard of Dr John Jaquish while at a Tony Robbins event where a representative from his company Osteostrong was promoting that they were partnering with Tony and setting up bone density gyms all over there world to help fight off osteoporosis and create the next generation of super-athletes through bone density training. I was very interested at the time but the pandemic hit before I could sus it out.

Fast forward a year and I came across an episode of my favourite podcast (Dropping Bombs with The Real Brad Lea) where he was interviewing this ginormous bodybuilder who was talking about weightlifting being a waste of time and how so many people are going about exercise the wrong way. Of course he was promoting his own exercise bar & routine, supplements and book, but everything he talked about made total sense, and he had the facts and science to prove it. (not to mention he was f*ckin’ massive!)

Long story short, I bought the bar and the book, and proceeded to lose over 20kg of fat in 12 weeks while maintaining my muscle mass all by following the diet and 15m-per-day exercise plan laid out in the book. Not bad at all

While the book is primarily about weightlifting it also covers sleep, nutrition and optimised human performance, something of interest to me. I was able to cancel my gym membership and trade 5 hours at the gym every week for 6x15m workouts at home with no wasted travel time in between. Not only did this cost less than half the price of my gym membership, it gave me back over 3 hours of time per week that I’d spend at the gym. A real solid investment which I’d recommend to any busy entrepreneur who wants good health and a great body but struggles to find the time to work out.

(if you’re interested in the exercise bar and routine check out the X3 Bar here

In Summary

I’m so glad that in 2021 I was able to rediscover my passion for reading, discover some terrific books by some great authors and learn a whole bunch of new ideas and concepts to work into my business and my personal development. Hopefully this list was helpful to you and will provide you with 5 additional great reads for you in 2022.

I will be following this list up with a my guitar book recommendations for all the guitar teachers and students interested in the musical side of things rather than strictly business and development.

Merry Christmas and all the best for 2022! 

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5 Essential Guitar Accessories You Should Always Carry In Your Guitar Case https://melbourneguitaracademy.com/5-essential-guitar-accessories/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=5-essential-guitar-accessories https://melbourneguitaracademy.com/5-essential-guitar-accessories/#respond Thu, 23 Apr 2020 09:11:36 +0000 https://melbourneguitaracademy.com/?p=25588 Whether you’re a hobby guitarist or a gigging musician, The number one rule is to always be prepared.  Nothing has …

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Whether you’re a hobby guitarist or a gigging musician, The number one rule is to always be prepared. 

Nothing has ever been truer for musicians than Murphy’s Law and every time you leave open the opportunity for something to go wrong for you, it will.

Over the years I’ve learned that having an inventory of essential guitar-playing accessories in your guitar case or special gig box will save your hide when things go wrong.

There are a lot of items that are handy to have but here are my top 5 essential accessories that all guitar players must have.

guitar accessories - earplugs

Ear Plugs

After the well being of your hands, your hearing is the next most precious thing that you need to look after.

You need to take care of your ears and wear earplugs whenever you’re in a loud environment. 

Tinnitus (that ringing in your ears you get after a concert) is a very real threat to the health of career musicians and can become permanent after too many repeated exposures to ear piercing volumes. 

While quite expensive, I highly recommend all musicians get a pair of moulded earplugs.

Having said this pair of $2 foam earplugs or even some cotton wool balls should always be stashed away in your case for general use.

Check out this article on the importance of hearing protection and looking after your ears.

Nail Clippers

Want to hear a funny story about my first international tour? 

I cut my nails the morning of my flight from Australia to Tokyo and in the 2 days between arriving and the first show my nails magically grew to the point where they were digging into the fretboard. 

I don’t know if it’s something in the food or the amount of radiation that gave me Godzilla-like nails but I was running around Tokyo an hour before we were due on stage looking for somewhere to buy nail clippers. 

Hardly the best way to get prepared to play in front of over 1000 people… Since that night I’ve always had my Tokyo nail clippers living in my guitar case to avoid the problem happening again in future.

 

 

 

guitar accessories
guitar picks

Spare Guitar Picks

You’d be stunned by the amount of times I’ve been playing a gig and a guitarist from another band has come to me asking to borrow a guitar pick.  

It’s always two minutes before they go on stage as well.

Buy your picks in bulk and put ten in every case that you own.

If you like to throw your pick into the audience at the end of the show, make sure you set a reminder to restock throughout the tour.

 

Spare Guitar Strings

The chance of you breaking a string increases exponentially when you haven’t got any spare guitar strings to put on. 

If you change strings regularly then breaking a string shouldn’t be a problem for you but it does still happen.

Having a spare packet or two in your guitar case at all times is a great way to cover for emergency string breaks. Just like guitar picks I like to buy my strings in bulk and have a bunch of spares on standby.

 

guitar strings
accessories for electric guitar

Batteries

Wireless Transmitters, Guitar Pedals & Active Pickups all use batteries.

 Chances are if you’re running a big rig you’re going to run out of power to something during a show. 

There’s been a few times where I’ve had to do a mad dash to the supermarket pre-show because the batteries in my wireless died during soundcheck. 

Have a few spares in all the sizes that you use because you’re going to hit empty at some point.

 

Be Organised

No matter how prepared and organised you are, sooner or later something is going to go wrong.

It might be you, or it might be someone else in your band, but if you’re unprepared you will be caught out.

By having these 5 essential guitar accessories stocked in your guitar case you’ll be better prepared to deal with bad situations when they happen.

If you’ve found this article helpful check out the article I wrote on having a Gig Box that goes with you to all live shows you play.

About The Author - Expert Guitar Teacher Michael Gumley

Meet Michael Gumley, an accomplished guitarist, educator, and author who has been teaching guitar since 2008. With over a decade of experience in the music industry, Michael has established himself as a leading authority in guitar teaching.

Michael’s journey with the guitar began in 2005 when he first picked up the instrument. As he progressed, he developed a passion for teaching, which led him to start his own guitar teaching business.

He has taught over 1000 students and delivered more than 10,000 guitar lessons to students of all ages and skill levels.

Michael holds a Bachelor of Music in Jazz and Contemporary, which has given him a deep understanding of music theory and composition. He has also released 5 albums, toured nationally and internationally twice, and authored 12 books on guitar playing and teaching.

In addition to his successful career as a guitarist and author, Michael has also made a significant impact on the guitar teaching industry. He created the Guitar Ninjas Curriculum, which is currently used in 20 studios worldwide, and founded Melbourne Guitar Academy in 2015.

Michael Is The Guy Who Teaches Other Guitar Teachers

He is also the Head of Guitar at Topmusic, the world’s leading professional development and networking community for instrumental music teachers.

Michael’s passion for teaching guitar has led him to create the 6 Figure Guitar Teacher Program, a course that helps solo guitar teachers grow their studio to six-figure incomes.

With his extensive experience and expertise, Michael Gumley is an authority in guitar teaching. If you’re looking for a qualified and experienced guitar teacher or seeking to improve your guitar teaching skills, Michael is the perfect guide.

If you’re tired of the guitar being hard and want learning to be fun and easy, sign up for Essendon Guitar Lessons and experience guitar taught the right way!

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