Getting started

Before the first lesson, here is what you will need. I have kept it to what matters.

Everything on this page is what I use or what I have watched work for my students over the years. Where I keep something in the studio, you can pay for it at your lesson and take it home the same day. Where a link goes to a shop, order it a week or so ahead so it arrives in time.

A guitar

If you already have a guitar, bring it to the first lesson and I will tell you honestly whether it will do. If you are buying, these are the ones I recommend. I will tell you which size to get when we meet. Size matters more than brand: a guitar that is too big teaches tension.

• 3/4 size: Córdoba Cadete

  A real nylon-string guitar in a small body, not a toy. It stays in tune and the neck is comfortable for small hands.

• 7/8 size: Córdoba Dolce

  The size I recommend most often for children and smaller adults. Full sound, slightly shorter reach.

• Full size, on a budget: Córdoba C5

  A solid cedar top at a sensible price. A good first full-size guitar.

• Higher-end and handmade instruments: talk to me first

  If you are looking for a better guitar, including a handmade one, write to me before you buy and I will help you choose.

A new guitar out of the box usually has the strings set too high, which is what makes a beginner’s fingers hurt. Bring it to me before you play it much and I will set it up properly and put on the strings I like. For students who buy from this list, the first setup is included in the first month.

A guitar support

Sagework Umbra magnetic guitar support

I have used one on stage and in the studio for years, and I am one of the artists Sagework works with. It holds the guitar at the right height without a footstool, which is better for your back and your left hand. It attaches with magnets, so nothing is glued to the guitar.

Order it from Sagework directly, or ask me at your lesson.

Nail care

The right hand plays with the nails, so the nails need looking after. You need a fine file and a polishing kit, nothing more.

Nail file and micromesh buff kit from Strings By Mail.

I will show you how to shape them at the first lesson.

Strings

Savarez 510ARP Alliance Cantiga Premium, normal tension.

These are the strings I use. Change them when they sound dull or stop staying in tune, every two or three months for most students. I keep sets in the studio and can change them for you at a lesson.

Books

• Children: Suzuki Guitar School, Volume 1

• Adults and older beginners: Aaron Shearer, Classic Guitar Technique, Volume 1

• Theory, for students working toward the Royal Conservatory exams: Celebrate Theory, Prep Level

Please do not buy other method books yet. Once I have heard you play I will tell you what to add, and much of it will be my own editions or sheet music I send you.

Small things

• A metronome. A free app on your phone is fine. Bring it to every lesson.

• A tuner. Also an app, or a clip-on tuner.

• A folding guitar stand, so the guitar lives out of its case where you will pick it up.

• A music stand, if you practise at a table. Any folding one.

Questions about any of this: write to me, or ask at the first lesson. See you soon.