How the lessons work
I record a section of a video for each part of the song where I explain and show you, measure by measure, how to play each chord, rhythm, chord progression, and each phrase of the melody in detail. Next, I show you how to play a few measures of the song at a slow tempo, then another few, until finally you have learned the entire section.
To go along with my video explanations, you also have the sheet music with standard notation, guitar tabs, and chord charts grouped according to the skill level of the lesson. Also, there are links to each composer’s biography, and links to YouTube so you can listen to the original recordings. Whenever possible, I put links to English translations of the lyrics in case you want to know what the lyrics are about.
In addition to all of this, you have audio guides to help you with Portuguese pronunciation when the lesson is about how to play and sing the songs, and you can easily set loop points on the video player to repeat a certain part of the video so you can play along.
Finally, you have a forum for members where you can ask question and discuss the lessons and other topics.
There are more than 100 lessons waiting for you. Pick up your guitar, choose a lesson, and start learning now!
Lessons sorted by level
Beginner
This level deals mainly with rhythms and chord progressions. You will learn how to play and sing the songs, and you will also be taught how to play the melody of some songs. The lessons are written in standard notation and come with guitar tabs and chord diagrams when needed.
To get started in this level, you should have some practice on dissonant chords, bar chords, chord changes, and basic fingerstyle technique. Ability to read basic rhythms is desirable. Experience equivalente to 1 to 2 years of guitar study.
Intermediate
In addition to all things shown in the Beginner level, you will learn how to play small solo parts like introductions and interludes. Most of the time these small solos are real parts of the song written for solo guitar, other times I have created small introductions to fill the arrangement.
To start in this level, you should have some practice in solo guitar arrangements, about 2 to 3 years of practice in classical guitar or finger style. The lessons are written in standard notation with guitar tabs and chord diagrams.
Advanced
Through these lessons you will learn how to play solo guitar arrangements written according to the most traditional Brazilian guitar style. This way of playing has been responsible for making the Brazilian guitar style well known and much appreciated around the world and is considered one of the finest expressions of Brazilian guitar.
To start in this level, you should have a good practice in solo guitar arrangements, over 3 years of practice in classical guitar or fingerstyle. The lessons are written in standard notation with guitar tabs.
There are also specific lessons about Brazilian rhythms, guitar technique and music theory. Browse the library to see all the lessons.
Private lessons
Learning to play a typical style of music from another culture can sometimes be challenging, and I think the process is similar to learning a new language. Although I do my best to provide good instructions through the videos on the website, you may need a closer look at your learning process from time to time.
I would compare the pre-recorded lessons I offer through the site with the language lessons you can find on YouTube. You can learn new words, grammar, pronunciation, idiomatic expressions, but you may not be able to speak confidently unless you have lessons with an experienced teacher who can teach you the subtleties of language or correct mistakes you may be making without realizing it.
So if you think it is time to get some help, you can book private lessons through Skype. I offer a 20-minute trial lesson so you can see how it works. I am sure you will not regret it. Email me for information on available schedules. Click here for prices and technical requirements.
