Chord Families

Find out what chords go together in the most common keys we play on guitar. Chord families are an important first step for learning to play by ear.

Jump ahead into the Chord Families page.

Tips & Tricks

Playing by Ear

You can improve your skills for figuring out how to play your favorite songs.

Improvising with Scales

Learn these tricks for improvising with scales.

Chord theory doesn’t have to be scary!

Chord theory is simply learning how chords work together. This clears roadblocks for learning to play by ear. No more stabbing in the dark!

Music Store

You can support this page by shopping through my Amazon store portal.  All purchases are directly through your account on Amazon.

Hi, My name is David Southwick

I am a songwriter/musician with 25+ years experience playing both guitar and piano/keyboard. I have been giving private guitar and piano lessons for over 20 years, with students ranging from 5 to 65 years old. He teaches pop. rock, country, folk, and worship music, customizing lessons to each student. I emphasize Chord theory in both guitar and piano, helping students learn to play by ear.

I’ve been playing guitar since 1979 and piano and keyboards since 1985.  I began teaching in the 1990s.  I have played with worship teams  since 1982 with Youth With A Mission and my local church.  I also teach workshops in our community’s summer music festival.

I am married with five children, who play guitar, drums, violin and piano.

Lessons for Guitar or Piano

With over 25 years experience, I teach acoustic and electric guitar and piano chord theory.  My emphasis with students is gearing their lessons toward the music they enjoy and then teaching them to play by ear. I teach students of all ages, ranging from ages 5 to 65. My lessons are customized to each individual, depending on skill level, and preference of music genre(s).

What I Teach

Pop Music

Rock Music

Country Music

Christian Music

Worship Music

Piano

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