The Guitar Social Blog - The Guitar Social

What’s in a song? A guide to picking the perfect jam song

Before a new term we spend ages stress testing new songs to play in the...

Songwriting tips – using intervals

This is a video we sent to our songwriting class; showing examples of songwriters who...

Guide to running and taking part in the perfect jam

I tried Humous Once When I have a problem I like to turn to the...

Exploring the world of modal tunings

By Justin Reynolds The rich sound of a guitar tuned to an open chord is...

Crowds Enjoying Themselves At Outdoor Music Festival

The Best Music Festivals Outside Of Europe: A Genre-By-Genre Look

It’s no secret that the coronavirus pandemic has seriously affected music festivals across the globe....

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   Nicola Cortese 
 03/02/2022
 
 
  I started a course in Jan as a beginner with Thomas and I can already play 5 songs!.. with simple chords :) both Thomas and Fiona are really lovely and they really know how to teach whilst having fun! I'd highly recommend dropping at one of their Thursday's open mic! Tons of fun and talent for free!!!
  
 
       
   Jonny Pollard 
 02/02/2022
 
 
  Very friendly learning environment, was a bit nervous to play with a group having not played socially for many years, but it was super relaxed, and I learnt a lot in the first session. Looking forward to the next session!
  
 
       
   Adam J 
 01/02/2022
 
 
  Had a great time tonight! I joined on to the beginners course a couple weeks late, but Fiona was great at running me up to speed before the class. Tom was a great instructor, and managed to get us to cover lots of ground in a short space of time. The group was super freindly and relaxed, and im looking forward to going back next week!
  
 
       
   Jakub Špaček 
 01/02/2022
 
 
  Having played guitar in my past within academic environment I have to say The Guitar Social club opened my eyes with their amazing and vibrant atmosphere with company of great people. Lessons are really fun and easy to follow. Feel really motivate just after few classes and my connection to the instrument greatly improved!
  
 
       
   Paula Smith 
 31/01/2022
 
 
  Unbelievably great, not kidding.
  
 
       
   Marcella Puppini 
 31/01/2022
 
 
  This exactly what I was hoping it would be.
A fun and engaging way of learning a new instrument at a lovely venue, with great people and great teaching. Thoroughly recommended.
  
 
       
   hashtagobi 
 31/01/2022
 
 
  Only been going 2 weeks but it's a great environment with good pacing throughout the lessons. The community is quite helpful + open to learn so it's really a great space for anyone wanting to hone their guitar chops!
  
 
       
   Kevin S. 
 27/01/2022
 
 
  Is it a guitar school? A social events group? A music workshop for all ages and abilities? An open, non-judgemental route to performing? A holiday club that includes jamming on guitars around the campfire?

Well–it's all these and more.

The Guitar Social is built around founder & lead tutor Thomas (plus TGS Business Director, Fiona, originally one of its earliest students). Patient and passionate, Thomas and his relaxed, friendly temperament get the best from beginners to improvers and beyond.

Personally for me, one core strength of The Guitar Social is that Thomas realises what most tutors and courses never do – we can all learn fast and well when we play whole songs together and discover as a group how to make them work.

Thomas and TGS guest tutors will always tend to teach music theory for guitar, and focus too on scales, chord voicings, correct rhythm, licks, riffs, parts, soloing etc, but with a tendency to make it about the fun and learning gains when students jam together on great songs instead of staring at a white board and not playing much music.

Jamming songs in similar or mixed ability groups helps TGS students become functioning musicians who have built useful real world skills and experience across many sessions similar to how working musicians rehearse and workshop songs.

And you will have the opportunity to build live experience too if you wish – solo or with your term group or with others of your choice, in a safe, positive environment, with friendly fellow students as your audience. Never any pressure and just one example of where TGS delivers extra value.

They are really worth trying. I haven't even done full justice here to all the different activities they do.
  
 
       
   stu smith 
 25/01/2022
 
 
  The coolest club in London!
  
 
       
   Colin Taylor 
 25/01/2022
 
 
  I'm back for my second series of the Joy of the Jam. After not playing with others for over 30 years, these sessions are reminding me just how inspiring and enjoyable jamming can be. Thomas leads the sessions with huge enthusiasm and a great deal of humour. The support of his impressive musical knowledge is ever present - but this never gets in the way of our desire just have fun and be playing.
  
 
  
  
 
 
   Google rating score: 4.9 of 5, based on 56 reviews