Chris Bailey Guitar Instruction

Mission Statement

Hello, my name is Chris Bailey. I have been teaching guitar in the greater Seattle area since 1989. In those two decades, I have worked with students of all ages (6-71 years old) and all playing levels (from absolute beginners to professional musicians and recording artists). I'm most proud of the level of commitment, consistency, and longevity that many of my students kept over the years, consistently attending their weekly lessons for 6, 7, and even up to 8 years with enthusiasm and great motivation. I'm very impressed with not only how well many of these students now play guitar, but also how much they truly understand music—knowledge they have acquired from many sources besides myself.

Having worked with a large, diverse range of students over the years, I obtained a first-hand understanding that all people have particular learning strengths. I strongly believe that a teaching approach must be developed to utilize these strengths, thereby facilitating the most productive learning experience. A good instructor recognizes what "works" or "doesn't work" for a student and must have the ability to consequently shift gears when a difference approach is necessary. Therefore, I don't offer a cookie-cutter program that I simply dump all my students into. Each lesson program is personalized and customized to match the student's goals, interests, and strengths, while striving for progress and a realistic challenge.

Acoustic fingerstyle blues
Acoustic rhythm and lead solos
Alternative tunings
Basic and advanced chord knowledge
Classic and alternative rock styles
Classical guitar pieces
Contemporary fingerstyle
Electric blues guitar
Jazz chord construction and comping