Learn
Develop your playing technique while gradually building an understanding of the fretboard, rhythm, chords, scales and the musical ideas behind what you're playing.
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About your tutor
Gordon Rivers
Guitar Teacher in Chandler’s Ford, Eastleigh & Southampton
Patient, structured and friendly one-to-one guitar lessons, helping you learn, play and progress at your own pace.
Hi, I’m Gordon Rivers, founder of Rivers Way Guitar Tuition.
I’m an ALCM(TD), DipLCM qualified and LCM/RGT accredited guitar teacher with over 10 years’ teaching experience. I teach electric and acoustic guitar to beginners and improving players of all ages, from those picking up a guitar for the very first time to players looking to develop their technique, knowledge and confidence.
But qualifications only tell you part of the story.
For me, learning guitar should be enjoyable, encouraging and something you look forward to each week.
10+Years' teaching
experience
experience
ALCM(TD)Teaching qualification
DipLCMLondon College of Music
RGTAccredited teacher
Friendly guidance, real progress
My Approach to Teaching Guitar
I believe that anyone can learn to play guitar given the right guidance, encouragement and time to develop.
You don’t need to be naturally talented. You don’t need hours every day to practise. And you certainly don’t need to worry about making mistakes in your lessons.
Mistakes are part of learning.
My job is to meet you where you are now, understand where you would like your guitar playing to go, and help you get there one manageable step at a time.
I keep lessons relaxed and friendly while giving you a clear sense of direction. If something isn’t working, we can slow it down, break it into smaller pieces or simply find another way of approaching it.
A simple way forward
Learn • Play • Progress
My aim isn't simply to teach you a collection of songs or show you where to put your fingers. I want you to become a more confident and independent guitarist.
Play
Everything is introduced in manageable, practical steps and connected to actually making music.
Progress
Over time, the goal is to develop the skills and understanding to learn the music you love, understand what you're playing and eventually have the freedom to create music of your own.
Lessons made personal
Lessons Built Around You
Everyone arrives at their first lesson for a different reason.
You might be a complete beginner who has always wanted to play guitar. You might be returning to the instrument after many years away.
Perhaps you've taught yourself using YouTube and TAB but feel you've reached a point where you're no longer progressing.
Or you may already play and simply want some structure, guidance and fresh ideas.
Your lessons are shaped around your experience, your musical interests and your goals rather than forcing you through a one-size-fits-all programme.
We can work on songs you want to play alongside technique, rhythm, improvisation, fretboard knowledge, music theory and graded material where appropriate.
Whatever your starting point
- Complete beginners
- Returning players
- Self-taught guitarists
- Improving players
It’s your lesson, your music and your pace.
Talk about your goalsHelp when you practise at home
Support Between Your Lessons
Learning doesn't have to stop when your lesson finishes.
Where useful, I provide supporting material to help you practise at home, including:
- TAB and notation
- Custom exercises
- Video demonstrations
- Backing tracks and audio
- Practice guidance
- Written lesson material
“I still consider myself a student of the guitar as much as a teacher.”
The guitarist behind the lessons
A Little About Me
Before becoming a guitar teacher, playing and creating music was already an important part of my life.
I've written music, played live and spent many years studying the instrument myself. That experience has also taught me that learning guitar isn't always a straight line.
We all experience periods when something feels difficult, progress seems slow or motivation disappears.
That's one of the reasons the mental side of learning is important to the way I teach.
Sometimes progress means mastering a difficult technique. Sometimes it's finally playing a complete song. And sometimes it's simply picking up the guitar again after a difficult week.
It all counts.
I still consider myself a student of the guitar as much as a teacher. There is always something new to learn, explore or improve, and that's one of the things I continue to love about the instrument.
Experienced and qualified
Qualifications & Experience
- ALCM(TD) Associate Diploma in Teaching
- DipLCM Diploma of the London College of Music
- Grade 8 Electric Guitar
- Grade 8 Acoustic Guitar
- LCM/RGT Accredited Guitar Teacher
- Former Rock School Guitar Tutor
- Over 10 Years' Teaching Experience
I also support students working towards recognised LCM/RGT electric and acoustic guitar examinations, as well as students using guitar as part of their Duke of Edinburgh's Award.
What Gordon's students say
“I've always wanted to learn to play the guitar but at 50 I felt too old and too embarrassed to be a beginner. I needn't have worried. Gordon is an incredibly patient and dedicated teacher.”
“I look at the guitar and feel like I'm winning.”
Is Rivers Way Guitar Tuition Right for You?
You don't have to decide that before you walk through the door.
Whether you're starting guitar for the first time, returning after a long break or simply looking for some direction with your playing, you're welcome to come along and see how you find the experience.
There are no expectations about what you should already know or what you should be able to play.
Bring your guitar, bring your questions and, most importantly, bring the music that made you want to play in the first place.
Learn Play Progress
