Tone Lab

Guitar Lessons for All Ages, Levels & Styles

With over 50 years of experience in the music industry, Paul offers guitar lessons in Craighall that cater to every stage of a musician's journey. As an accomplished performer, respected educator, and former owner of a successful chain of music stores, he brings a wealth of knowledge and passion into each lesson. Paul has taught at some of South Africa's leading music academies, helping students of all ages - from absolute beginners to aspiring professionals - discover their sound and grow in confidence.

Paul's teaching style balances technical precision with creative freedom, ensuring you don't just play the guitar, but truly understand music. Lessons are tailored to your goals and include:
Absolute Beginners: Master the basics - chords, strumming, and simple songs, in a relaxed, supportive environment.
Intermediate & Advanced Coaching: Break through plateaus, refine advanced techniques, and strengthen your theoretical knowledge.
Songwriting & Composition: Transform ideas into music by learning how to build songs, craft chord progressions, and create melodies and lyrics.
Music Theory for Guitarists: Demystify theory with practical, fretboard-focused lessons on scales, modes, and harmony.
Improvisation: Unlock your creativity by learning to play solos and improvise melodically across genres.
Exam Preparation: Follow a structured path with certified training for Trinity College London and Rockschool exams.

How We Teach:

Private Lessons (In-Person): Guitar lessons in Craighall Park, the classic, focused one-on-one experience.
Online Lessons (Zoom/Skype): High-quality instruction from the comfort of your home.
Group Lessons: Learn and be inspired with others (ideal for schools and friends).
Workshops & Masterclasses: Intensive deep-dives into specific topics.
Video Courses: Learn on your own schedule with pre-recorded content.
Guitar Bootcamps: Accelerate your progress with multi-day intensive programs.

Genres

- Rock: Power chords, iconic riffs, and solos.
- Blues: Feel, phrasing, and the 12-bar blues.
- Jazz: Chord extensions, comping, and improvisation.
- Classical: Fingerstyle technique and reading notation.
- Fingerstyle: From folk to modern percussive styles.
- Country: Chicken pickin' and hybrid picking.
- Metal: Shredding, sweep picking, and precision.
- Folk & Acoustic: Strumming and singer-songwriter skills.
- Funk & R&B: Tight rhythms, syncopation, and groove.
- Pop: Play current hits and rhythm accompaniment.

Music is for Everyone

Our teaching methods are customised to suit each age group's interests and learning styles.
Children (5-10): Learn through games, simple songs, and positive reinforcement, building a joyful foundation in music.
Teenagers: Stay engaged with genre-focused lessons (rock, metal, pop) based on the music you love to listen to.
Adults (Beginners & Returners): Achieve enjoyable, realistic goals with a flexible approach that understands your busy schedule.
Seniors: Rediscover music with gentle pacing, classic songs from your era, and focus on the cognitive benefits of playing.
Weekend Warriors: Learn songs quickly and develop the skills you need to have fun and jam with friends.

When you learn with Paul, you gain more than just instruction - you gain mentorship from a teacher who knows how to nurture talent, inspire creativity, and build lasting confidence both on and off the stage.