If you’ve tried to learn guitar on YouTube and ended up practising three different versions of the same intro riff, you’re not alone. The internet is a great source of inspiration, but real progress often means having someone beside you who can guide your hands, keep your rhythm on track, and focus your practice. That’s where in-person guitar classes and private lessons in Singapore truly shine, as they offer structured guitar lessons with a professional music instructor, especially if you value clear results, friendly support, and a plan that takes you forward.
I run Private Guitar Class right in town, between Newton and Orchard. For over 12 years, I’ve taught students ranging from complete beginners, busy professionals, teens with packed schedules, and adults returning to music after a long break. Having performed internationally and written teaching materials, I’ve built one simple promise into every lesson: learn songs you actually like, experience the joy of music, fix habits early, and finish each class knowing exactly what to practise next.
Why real guitar classes in Singapore beat going solo
A great teacher catches what a screen simply cannot. I can spot a wrist angle that’s off, finger tension that causes buzzing, or a strumming motion that feels okay but isn’t quite in time with the beat. Fixing these early saves you months of frustration.
- Immediate feedback stops bad habits before they settle.
- You make the most of your limited practice time by focusing on skills that matter.
- Weekly improvements help keep motivation high.
There’s something powerful about having someone in the room, cheering you on when you nail that tricky F chord. Music is a feel thing, and it’s easier to feel it when someone is playing beside you.
The YouTube problem nobody talks about
Online videos are like a buffet—so many songs, teachers, and methods. Many learners hop from one clip to another, learning half a riff here and a random strumming pattern there. What’s missing is sequence. A good class gives you the next right step, not the next random song.
My approach is simple. We choose music you love, whether it be on a classical guitar, an electric guitar, or an acoustic one, then weave technique, rhythm, and musicality into that music. Each week, the exercises match the song, and the song lets you apply what you’ve just learnt—no fluff and no guesswork.
What actually happens in a lesson
Every class has three parts, tuned to your own pace:
- Warm-up and technique check
- Quick drills to loosen your fingers
- Small adjustments to your posture and how you fret
- A brief rhythm pattern to lock in the groove
- Song work
2. Learn or refine a song you choose, simplified to match your level if necessary
2. Break tough sections into manageable pieces before putting them back together
2. Add strumming feel, muting, dynamics, and smooth chord transitions - Practice plan
3. Clear instructions on what to practise, how long, and how to track your progress
3. Worksheets, chord charts, and short audio loops for home practise
3. A short video recap if needed, so you can replay the key demo at home
Acoustic guitars are provided at the venue, so you can come straight from the office. You’ll leave with materials designed for you, not generic PDFs that gather dust.
Structured, without being stiff
There’s a big difference between a rigid syllabus and a smart plan. A well-designed course takes into account your interests and goals. I don’t force you into learning songs you aren’t interested in. Instead, I create a path that builds real skills through music you love.
Here’s a sample 8-week outline for a beginner who enjoys both English and Mandarin pop:
- Week 1: Basics and groove
- How to hold the guitar and fretting cleanly
- Down-up strum with a metronome
- A simple two-chord song in G
- Week 2: Smooth chord changes
- Finger economy tricks
- Introducing the C chord
- Song: a slow ballad with three chords
- Week 3: Rhythm patterns
- Ties, rests, and accents
- Song: introduce syncopation
- Week 4: Dynamics and feel
- Playing louder and softer, plus palm muting
- Song: a mid-tempo pop number with a clear verse-chorus form
- Week 5: Simple fingerpicking
- A thumb and two-finger pattern
- Song: a gentle ballad
- Week 6: Barre chord starter kit
- Mini shapes and partial barres
- Song: rearranged to include a version of F
- Week 7: Putting it together
- Transition drills
- One performance run with a backing track
- Week 8: Record and review
- Quick recording to note your progress
- Adjusting your practise plan for the next phase
Every block is adjustable. If students learn quickly, we move ahead with the course. If you need a bit more time on a chord change, we slow down until it’s smooth and pain-free, often incorporating private lessons for personalized attention.
Faster progress through real-time coaching
Tiny physical adjustments can make a big difference. Here are a few common tweaks I help with:
- Moving your fingers slightly closer or further from the fret to stop unwanted buzzing
- Loosening a grip that’s too tight, which can slow down chord changes
- Switching from strumming with your elbow to playing with your wrist for better timing
- Adjusting how you hold your pick so it doesn’t catch on the strings
Online lessons may explain these issues, but they can’t see your hand in real time or give you an immediate demo. In-person instruction speeds up your progress with instant, precise feedback.
Staying motivated when life gets busy
For many adults in Singapore, schedules can be very tight. That’s why I focus on making each lesson an enriching experience, ensuring it’s both focused and practical. You’ll know exactly what to practise for 10 to 20 minutes a day, with small checkpoints that give you frequent wins.
Motivation methods we use include:
- Short, trackable practise goals instead of vague “practise more” advice
- Getting to play one complete song early on
- Video or audio snapshots to record your progress
- Occasional duet playing in class so you can hear your part blend into a full sound
It’s much easier to practise when you actually enjoy the sound you’re making.
In-person vs online vs self-study
Here’s a simple comparison:
| Factor | In-person class | Online tutorials | Self-study (alone) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feedback | Instant, specific, hands-on | Delayed or generic | None, unless you self-record and analyse |
| Structure | Step-by-step plan made just for you | One-size-fits-all path | Random, based on your own choices |
| Motivation | A real person beside you ensuring weekly progress | Really depends on personal discipline | Relying only on your own drive |
| Repertoire fit | Songs you love, arranged to match your skill level | Popular songs, but not always at your level | Whatever you find on your own |
| Time efficiency | Targeted practise that cuts out guesswork | Can be effective, yet prone to distractions | Risk of practising the wrong things |
| Costs | Packages from $140 to $260 for 4 classes | Often cheaper per month, but lacks personal coaching | Cheapest, though often the slowest progress |
Yes, a class costs more than free videos, but time is valuable too. The right fix at the right moment pays off quickly.
Local flavour makes learning more fun
We’re in Singapore, after all. Whether you’re looking for personalized guitar lessons or want to learn Mandarin pop, Malay favourites, Tamil film hits, worship songs, indie, 90s rock, and current radio tunes, As a music instructor, I teach in English or Singlish. Want to learn a Mandopop ballad with a lush, simple fingerstyle intro? Absolutely. Want to strum Ed Sheeran at your friend’s wedding? You got it.
A local touch makes a huge difference:
- You get charts with chord shapes that work for you right away
- I can simplify tricky keys into guitar-friendly shapes, using a capo if needed
- We choose arrangements that work in HDB living rooms, small office settings, or at open mic sessions
You’re not learning generic guitar—you’re delving into classical and electric guitar techniques to make music that fits your life here.
Who I teach, and how I teach
- Absolute beginners who’ve never held an acoustic guitar
- Singers who want to accompany themselves smoothly
- Teens seeking clean strumming and chord changes, whether for school activities or church
- Adults returning to music for confidence and consistency
- Both acoustic and electric players
As a music instructor, my private lessons are patient, personal, and practical. I love to crack a joke, gently correct mistakes, and celebrate every win. You’ll receive worksheets, chord charts, and short audio or video clips to support your home practise. No fluff, just real progress.
Practical details you’ll want to know
- Location: Newton and Orchard area, right in town near the MRT
- Scheduling: Weekday daytime and early evening lessons by appointment
- No weekend classes, no late-night classes
- No online lessons – I only teach in person, ensuring a hands-on course experience.
- Trial lesson: $10 with no hidden fees
- Packages: $140 to $260 for 4 classes, depending on duration and level
- Guitars provided at the venue
- Rescheduling: Please give 48 hours notice
If you have a busy work calendar, I’ll help you find a slot that suits your schedule. Flexible doesn’t mean chaotic—just simple and human, especially for students managing various commitments.
Common questions I hear all the time
- Am I too old to start?
Not at all. I’ve taught beginners in their 50s and 60s. Adults learn in their own way, and I tailor my teaching to help you move faster than you think. - Do I need to read standard notation?
Not at all. We work with chord charts, tabs when needed, and clear diagrams. If you decide to dive into more reading later, we can always add that in. - Acoustic, classical or electric?
Choose the sound that excites you, whether it’s an acoustic, classical or an electric guitar. Many techniques overlap between the two. Personally i strongly recommend classical if you’re unsure but you can try out during class before buying your own. - How much should I practise?
Short, regular practise beats long, infrequent sessions. Aim for 15 to 25 minutes, four to five times a week. I’ll give you a plan that fits your schedule perfectly. - My fingers hurt. Is that normal?
A little soreness at first is normal. We manage pressure, hand position, and string gauge to keep it comfortable.
A simple practice plan that actually works
Here’s a weekly plan that many busy learners enjoy:
- Day 1: 5 minutes of finger warm-ups, 10 minutes on chord changes with a metronome, 5 minutes working on the song’s verse
- Day 2: 5 minutes practising rhythm patterns, 10 minutes focusing on the chorus, 5 minutes of a slow run-through
- Day 3: Take a light day with 10 minutes of strumming casually while watching TV
- Day 4: 5 minutes on muting and dynamics, 10 minutes on the trickiest part of the song, 5 minutes working on song flow
- Day 5: A full run-through of the song and a quick recording on your phone to check timing
- Weekend: Enjoy a break or just jam for fun
This plan keeps things short, focused, and rewarding. You’re always playing, without feeling overwhelmed.
What you could play in 12 lessons
Everyone progresses at their own pace, but here’s a realistic picture for a brand-new player attending weekly lessons and practising a little on weekdays:
- Clean basic chords such as G, C, D, Em, and Am on an acoustic guitar
- A few strumming patterns well-suited for pop and acoustic rock
- One to three full songs you can play from start to finish
- A simple fingerpicking pattern for ballads
- A steady sense of timing that holds up even when you sing
- The confidence to play for friends without getting stage fright
If you’re returning to the instrument, we can set sharper targets like smooth barre transitions, a solid rhythm feel, and arranging your favourite song in a key that suits your voice, whether it’s on the acoustic or classical guitar.
A day in class at Private Guitar Class
A typical session might begin by reviewing last week’s practice. You share where things were tricky, I pinpoint the exact spot, and we fix it right then with a quick drill. We then rebuild the musical moment until it flows smoothly. We wrap up by filming a short 30-second clip of the correct hand shape or strum, so you have a clear memory to revisit at home. Small details make a big difference.
Teaching is about more than just sharing knowledge—it’s about the experience, timing, and genuine care. I’m as patient as they come, repeat instructions gladly, and always keep things light. If a well-timed joke lightens up your fretting hand, I’m happy to play the role of the class clown for a moment. Music should feel good.
Ready to play guitar with real momentum?
Book your $10 trial lesson today at privateguitarclass.com. Bring your goals, your favourite song list, and your questions. I’ll bring the guitars, the plan, and a few snacks. Let’s get you strumming with confidence in the heart of town. Book a class today at https://www.privateguitarclass.com
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