1^st lesson free

Mathew

5 (29 reviews)

Rate €70
Response 1h
Students
Number of students Mathew has accompanied since arriving at Superprof
50+
Number of students Mathew has accompanied since arriving at Superprof

5 (29 reviews)

€70/h

1^st lesson free

Guitar
Acoustic Guitar
Electric guitar
Rock Guitar
Jazz Guitar
Metal Guitar

Birmingham guitar teacher specialising in extreme metal, Jazz graduate with 25 years' teaching and performing experience, focused on improvisation and composition

Guitar
Acoustic Guitar
Electric guitar
Rock Guitar
Jazz Guitar
Metal Guitar

Lesson location

- Online

Ambassador

One of our best tutors. Quality profile, experience in their field, verified qualifications and a great response time. Mathew will be happy to arrange your first Guitar lesson.

About Mathew

I am a professional guitarist and music tutor with over 25 years of teaching and performing experience. I hold a degree in Jazz from the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama and teach guitar in a wide range of styles, from blues and jazz to rock and extreme metal.

Alongside teaching, I am one of the guitarists in the funeral doom band Esoteric. Although I teach all styles, my own musical background is rooted in extreme metal, jazz and 80s hard rock, with particular strengths in blues, improvisation, composition and music theory.

Whether your goal is to learn your favourite songs, improve your technique, develop your improvisation, write your own music or gain a deeper understanding of the guitar, my lessons are shaped around your individual interests and ambitions, helping you to develop your own musical voice.

About the lesson

I tailor my lessons to suit the specific needs and goals of each individual student. Playing music should be fun, and one of the most important things for me to do as a teacher is to inspire my students.

I take a holistic approach, providing clear and valuable information that is relevant to their goals as a musician. I give my students the tools they need to explore musical ideas productively and enjoyably, and show them how to apply that knowledge to their performance, improvisation and composition.

Review

All of our reviews are collected by us and are 100% reliable. They correspond to a real experience had by the students of Mathew.

5 (29 reviews)

Alice
- 5
Deadly! Mat is a fantastic guitar teacher. He’s been teaching my son for around six months now, and the progress has been amazing. More importantly, my son genuinely loves his lessons. Mat has a wonderful way of tuning into what each child needs and adapting his approach to suit their personality and pace. His patience, encouragement, and ability to make every session fun have made a huge difference. I couldn’t recommend him more highly.
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Alice

Deadly! Mat is a fantastic guitar teacher. He’s been teaching my son for around six months now, and the progress has been amazing. More importantly, my son genuinely loves his lessons. Mat has a wonderful way of tuning into what each child needs and adapting his approach to suit their personality and pace. His patience, encouragement, and ability to make every session fun have made a huge difference. I couldn’t recommend him more highly.
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Thomas
- 5
Deadly! As a beginner to guitar, Matthew has been an excellent teacher, super talented, knowledgeable, and funny, making the lessons feel very relaxed. Always willing to answer any questions in and out of lessons. Would highly recommend to anyone thinking about learning the guitar
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Thomas

Deadly! As a beginner to guitar, Matthew has been an excellent teacher, super talented, knowledgeable, and funny, making the lessons feel very relaxed. Always willing to answer any questions in and out of lessons. Would highly recommend to anyone thinking about learning the guitar
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Floris
- 5
Deadly! I've loved learning from Mathew, he's super knowledgable about the guitar and he'll answer any questions you have!
He's helped me a lot in preparing for music school auditions, and I don't think I would've progressed so much in a short space of time without his help.
If you want to learn to improvise on guitar and have a fun time doing it, then I'd definitely recommend having a lesson with Mathew!
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Floris

Deadly! I've loved learning from Mathew, he's super knowledgable about the guitar and he'll answer any questions you have!
He's helped me a lot in preparing for music school auditions, and I don't think I would've progressed so much in a short space of time without his help.
If you want to learn to improvise on guitar and have a fun time doing it, then I'd definitely recommend having a lesson with Mathew!
K

Kirill
- 5
Deadly! Mathew is one of the best guitar teachers I have ever had. His lessons are always really fun and most importantly super informative. His style of teaching is very flexible and his explanations are always clear.
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Kirill

Deadly! Mathew is one of the best guitar teachers I have ever had. His lessons are always really fun and most importantly super informative. His style of teaching is very flexible and his explanations are always clear.
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Christopher
- 5
Deadly! One of the best guitar teachers I have worked with in my 40+ years playing guitar. He got me back on track with my playing and has a great teaching technique
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Christopher

Deadly! One of the best guitar teachers I have worked with in my 40+ years playing guitar. He got me back on track with my playing and has a great teaching technique
James
- 5
Deadly! Mathew has a unique approach to teaching that makes the lessons both highly informative and highly enjoyable. His passion for music and guitar playing seeps into the lessons making them all the more interesting. He is positively unlike teachers I've had before and has a unique flexibility in his approach that makes evident his abilities to cater for a large range of guitar playing styles and levels. I'm thoroughly enjoying my lesson with Mathew and would highly recommend him.
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James

Deadly! Mathew has a unique approach to teaching that makes the lessons both highly informative and highly enjoyable. His passion for music and guitar playing seeps into the lessons making them all the more interesting. He is positively unlike teachers I've had before and has a unique flexibility in his approach that makes evident his abilities to cater for a large range of guitar playing styles and levels. I'm thoroughly enjoying my lesson with Mathew and would highly recommend him.
Olga
- 5
Deadly! I just had a trial lesson with Mathew and it was awesome! We talked about my experience and things I'm looking to improve, and despite this being only a trial lesson, Mathew was very kind to show me a few really useful exercises and ways of thinking about guitar's fretboard. Thank you!
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Olga

Deadly! I just had a trial lesson with Mathew and it was awesome! We talked about my experience and things I'm looking to improve, and despite this being only a trial lesson, Mathew was very kind to show me a few really useful exercises and ways of thinking about guitar's fretboard. Thank you!
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Aleksandr
- 5
Deadly! I'm a self-taught guitar player and felt stuck for a long time. Mat really helped me understand crucial concepts and structure my knowledge. Also, he gave me a lot of ideas on how to diversify the learning process. I had 12 lessons so far and I can highly recommend Mat for players of all levels.
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Aleksandr

Deadly! I'm a self-taught guitar player and felt stuck for a long time. Mat really helped me understand crucial concepts and structure my knowledge. Also, he gave me a lot of ideas on how to diversify the learning process. I had 12 lessons so far and I can highly recommend Mat for players of all levels.
J

Jack
- 5
Deadly! Matthew is very knowledgeable, supportive and flexible in his teaching methods. I recommend him to anyone looking to improve on the guitar!
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Jack

Deadly! Matthew is very knowledgeable, supportive and flexible in his teaching methods. I recommend him to anyone looking to improve on the guitar!
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Daniel
- 5
Deadly! Definitely would recommend, extremely patient and whatever your skill/experience level is he will improve your playing ability. Always there to answer any questions or equipment/software recommendations aswell. Very experienced and overall top bloke aswell.
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Daniel

Deadly! Definitely would recommend, extremely patient and whatever your skill/experience level is he will improve your playing ability. Always there to answer any questions or equipment/software recommendations aswell. Very experienced and overall top bloke aswell.
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Rey
- 5
Deadly! I've been taking guitar lessons with Mathew for a few months now and I can say that he is an amazing teacher! He took the time to understand my musical preference and has adjusted the lessons accordingly which has made them very enjoyable for me. He has been very patient and his teaching style is very easy to understand and follow. I highly recommend him to anyone who wants to learn how to play guitar with good technique and a good understanding of music theory.
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Rey

Deadly! I've been taking guitar lessons with Mathew for a few months now and I can say that he is an amazing teacher! He took the time to understand my musical preference and has adjusted the lessons accordingly which has made them very enjoyable for me. He has been very patient and his teaching style is very easy to understand and follow. I highly recommend him to anyone who wants to learn how to play guitar with good technique and a good understanding of music theory.
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Ethan
- 5
Deadly! Really useful learning about jazz harmony from Matt. I’ve only had a classical teacher before so it’s really useful him going into such detail on how the other school of thought works! Starting to apply it to my own writing now
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Ethan

Deadly! Really useful learning about jazz harmony from Matt. I’ve only had a classical teacher before so it’s really useful him going into such detail on how the other school of thought works! Starting to apply it to my own writing now
Fraser
- 5
Deadly! Really great teacher, have had a few lessons now and learn a lot from each lesson. Very good at communicating how music works and (more importantly) how that theory can be applied in a very practical sense! Would recommend!
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Fraser

Deadly! Really great teacher, have had a few lessons now and learn a lot from each lesson. Very good at communicating how music works and (more importantly) how that theory can be applied in a very practical sense! Would recommend!
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Gabriel
- 5
Deadly! Great guy, with the ability to learn at your pace. Would recommend!
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Gabriel

Deadly! Great guy, with the ability to learn at your pace. Would recommend!
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Tara
- 5
Deadly! Mat is a really great teacher. He’s got a real love of metal and has a wide range of experience as a professional musician to share with his students. My 8 year old son is really enjoying his lessons. Definitely recommend!
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Tara

Deadly! Mat is a really great teacher. He’s got a real love of metal and has a wide range of experience as a professional musician to share with his students. My 8 year old son is really enjoying his lessons. Definitely recommend!
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Alicia
- 5
Deadly! Matthew is a great tutor, very patient and encouraging and he makes sure you are learning while playing what you like/is engaging for you, I will recommend
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Alicia

Deadly! Matthew is a great tutor, very patient and encouraging and he makes sure you are learning while playing what you like/is engaging for you, I will recommend
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Ryan
- 5
Deadly! Mathew was fantastic and after discovery on where I am at we are working out a lesson plan to develop me further. Mathew made the lesson fun, was easy going and I came away with some clear things to work on ready for the next lesson. Would highly recommend Mathew as a teacher.
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Ryan

Deadly! Mathew was fantastic and after discovery on where I am at we are working out a lesson plan to develop me further. Mathew made the lesson fun, was easy going and I came away with some clear things to work on ready for the next lesson. Would highly recommend Mathew as a teacher.
J

Jamie
- 5
Deadly! Absolute amazing guy. Very responsive to my abilities and caters the lessons around that. Top lad.
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Jamie

Deadly! Absolute amazing guy. Very responsive to my abilities and caters the lessons around that. Top lad.
Dylan
- 5
Deadly! Mathew is a great tutor with real skill and a real passion for music. I’ve been getting lessons for a few weeks now and every session I come away with fresh knowledge, exercises to work on and an excitement to explore the new concepts just talked about. Lessons are well paced and catered to what I want to do. Outside of lessons Mathew sends me backing tracks and tips to help my progress. I definitely recommend!
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Dylan

Deadly! Mathew is a great tutor with real skill and a real passion for music. I’ve been getting lessons for a few weeks now and every session I come away with fresh knowledge, exercises to work on and an excitement to explore the new concepts just talked about. Lessons are well paced and catered to what I want to do. Outside of lessons Mathew sends me backing tracks and tips to help my progress. I definitely recommend!

Mathew's response
Great first lesson yesterday. Dylan has awesome chops, and a great time feel. His rhythm playing and improv was very confident and solid. We discussed how to access spicy notes on the blues form using by contrasting regular dominant chords with altered dominants. He soaked the stuff we talked about very quickly. His playing sounds excellent, and I'm excited to play more with him once he's applied some harmonic concepts to his already great technique.
- Mathew's response :
  Great first lesson yesterday. Dylan has awesome chops, and a great time feel. His rhythm playing and improv was very confident and solid. We discussed how to access spicy notes on the blues form using by contrasting regular dominant chords with altered dominants. He soaked the stuff we talked about very quickly. His playing sounds excellent, and I'm excited to play more with him once he's applied some harmonic concepts to his already great technique.
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Tamara
- 5
Deadly! I loved this first lesson! Mathew was very patient, interested in finding out where I'm at and where I want to go to, and super helpful in providing the insights and exercises I needed to get me started. Looking forward to the next lessons!
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Tamara

Deadly! I loved this first lesson! Mathew was very patient, interested in finding out where I'm at and where I want to go to, and super helpful in providing the insights and exercises I needed to get me started. Looking forward to the next lessons!

Mathew's response
I really enjoyed our first lesson. Tamara and I share a common interest in extreme metal, which gives me a guiding light in how to go about helping her in clearing the path to ascend. We explored the major key in open position, which doesn't sound very metal, but once she has a firm grasp on it, she'll be able to start using it for more nefarious purposes, which will be sooner rather than later, given her patience, enthusiasm, and attention to detail.
- Mathew's response :
  I really enjoyed our first lesson. Tamara and I share a common interest in extreme metal, which gives me a guiding light in how to go about helping her in clearing the path to ascend. We explored the major key in open position, which doesn't sound very metal, but once she has a firm grasp on it, she'll be able to start using it for more nefarious purposes, which will be sooner rather than later, given her patience, enthusiasm, and attention to detail.
M

Mevan
- 5
Deadly! Barnes was super patient, very knowledgeable, and indulged all my stupid questions. I felt very relaxed and enjoyed the lesson immensely - excited to learn more from him.
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Mevan

Deadly! Barnes was super patient, very knowledgeable, and indulged all my stupid questions. I felt very relaxed and enjoyed the lesson immensely - excited to learn more from him.

Mathew's response
Our first lesson was really enjoyable. We talked about Mevan's musical goals, and had quite a deep conversation about some of the emotional implications of different chord types. I really enjoy these conversations, especially at the early stages of learning, as they give the material some relatable context, which I believe makes it easier to digest. She already knows and can play many open chords with constant technique, and beautiful note production and tone. That consistency was present in the material we covered also—how to play the key of C Major in the open position, which she picked up very quickly. I'm excited to see how her playing will develop.
- Mathew's response :
  Our first lesson was really enjoyable. We talked about Mevan's musical goals, and had quite a deep conversation about some of the emotional implications of different chord types. I really enjoy these conversations, especially at the early stages of learning, as they give the material some relatable context, which I believe makes it easier to digest. She already knows and can play many open chords with constant technique, and beautiful note production and tone. That consistency was present in the material we covered also—how to play the key of C Major in the open position, which she picked up very quickly. I'm excited to see how her playing will develop.
T

Thomas
- 5
Deadly! Had a great lesson with Mathew. Good communication, friendly and he has an in depth knowledge of music and the instrument. Thanks!
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Thomas

Deadly! Had a great lesson with Mathew. Good communication, friendly and he has an in depth knowledge of music and the instrument. Thanks!

Mathew's response
I had great first lesson with Thomas. We discussed his goals and our respective philosophies on music from both an artistic and educational perspective. He's very amiable, and commendably overcame his nerves to play some impressive blues improv to give me a handle on where he's at, which was beautiful. He's already an accomplished player, which gives me a lot to work with. We started discussing ways to effectively visualise the fingerboard and how to approach creating tension and resolving it. I'm very excited to continue developing these ideas with him.
- Mathew's response :
  I had great first lesson with Thomas. We discussed his goals and our respective philosophies on music from both an artistic and educational perspective. He's very amiable, and commendably overcame his nerves to play some impressive blues improv to give me a handle on where he's at, which was beautiful. He's already an accomplished player, which gives me a lot to work with. We started discussing ways to effectively visualise the fingerboard and how to approach creating tension and resolving it. I'm very excited to continue developing these ideas with him.
Kane
- 5
Deadly! My experience with Matthew has been awesome! He's gone above and beyond to ensure that I'm getting the maximum out of my lessons to enable me to reach my goals. Genuinely recommend anyone looking to make progress to go with this guy.
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Kane

Deadly! My experience with Matthew has been awesome! He's gone above and beyond to ensure that I'm getting the maximum out of my lessons to enable me to reach my goals. Genuinely recommend anyone looking to make progress to go with this guy.

Mathew's response
I've had a few lessons with Kane now. He's a great student and excellent company. He makes me laugh constantly, and he's an awesome guitar player with savagely tight rhythm chops and a great sense of groove. We're both into metal, which is the main focus of our lessons, but he's very thorough in his exploration and understanding of the theoretical side of what we've been covering, which has most recently been connecting the modes of the major scale with relevant arpeggios to open the door a melodic approach to improvisation and composition. Judging by the riffs I've heard that he's been working on recently, that work is already paying off.
- Mathew's response :
  I've had a few lessons with Kane now. He's a great student and excellent company. He makes me laugh constantly, and he's an awesome guitar player with savagely tight rhythm chops and a great sense of groove. We're both into metal, which is the main focus of our lessons, but he's very thorough in his exploration and understanding of the theoretical side of what we've been covering, which has most recently been connecting the modes of the major scale with relevant arpeggios to open the door a melodic approach to improvisation and composition. Judging by the riffs I've heard that he's been working on recently, that work is already paying off.
S

Scott
- 5
Deadly! Great first lesson with Mat, and looking forward to continuing to learn guitar with him. It's evident that he has the experience and knowledg of a great guitar tutor, and is a genuinely easy going, down to earth guy. I clicked with him right away and felt relaxed during the lesson.
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S

Scott

Deadly! Great first lesson with Mat, and looking forward to continuing to learn guitar with him. It's evident that he has the experience and knowledg of a great guitar tutor, and is a genuinely easy going, down to earth guy. I clicked with him right away and felt relaxed during the lesson.

Mathew's response
Great first lesson! Scott had a thorough and attentive approach to the material we covered, and wasn't afraid to ask questions. Very friendly and easy going also.
- Mathew's response :
  Great first lesson! Scott had a thorough and attentive approach to the material we covered, and wasn't afraid to ask questions. Very friendly and easy going also.
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Recommendations

Recommendations come from relatives, friends and acquaintances of the teacher

C

Charles

Mathew has a rare combination of insight, understanding and patience. I have been playing guitar for some years but have developed a rut in my playing and lack of progression. Mathew quickly identified what areas (practical guitar music theory) we needed to focus on and set about on a program of tuition. All the while maintaining the flexibility that I require to fit lessons in around my life. Each lesson unlocks another door and I am starting to see guitar differently again.

Top notch!
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C
Charles
Mathew has a rare combination of insight, understanding and patience. I have been playing guitar for some years but have developed a rut in my playing and lack of progression. Mathew quickly identified what areas (practical guitar music theory) we needed to focus on and set about on a program of tuition. All the while maintaining the flexibility that I require to fit lessons in around my life. Each lesson unlocks another door and I am starting to see guitar differently again.

Top notch!
P

Peter

I began taking guitar lessons with Matthew Barnes in 2020. He is an extraordinarily gifted teacher who has already taught me so much about playing the guitar and about music theory in general. His gentle manner, humour and kind disposition are coupled with a rigorous knowledge of the guitar and how to teach it. One of his chief strengths is the willingness and ability to understand what I want to learn, and then to teach me how to reach that goal. In other words, he personalizes the lessons according to my own interests and needs as a guitarist. He also provides many extras outside of lesson time: individualized instructional videos, song breakdowns, links to software, PDFs of sheet music. Matthew is flexible in his availability, and he fit classes around my chaotic schedule. Overall, Matthew is a terrific teacher—my guitar playing skills have improved immensely from his lessons.
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Peter
I began taking guitar lessons with Matthew Barnes in 2020. He is an extraordinarily gifted teacher who has already taught me so much about playing the guitar and about music theory in general. His gentle manner, humour and kind disposition are coupled with a rigorous knowledge of the guitar and how to teach it. One of his chief strengths is the willingness and ability to understand what I want to learn, and then to teach me how to reach that goal. In other words, he personalizes the lessons according to my own interests and needs as a guitarist. He also provides many extras outside of lesson time: individualized instructional videos, song breakdowns, links to software, PDFs of sheet music. Matthew is flexible in his availability, and he fit classes around my chaotic schedule. Overall, Matthew is a terrific teacher—my guitar playing skills have improved immensely from his lessons.
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Rob

I recently found Mathew on this site whilst looking for a guitar teacher to get me re-inspired in music and playing - after 20 years of messing around! And I'm VERY glad to have found him, and a lovely bonus was that he's a signed artist too! And what a band! If you're interested in hearing his work, check out INTENSIVE SQUARE on Spotify. Absolutely wild music!!!

He's helped me LOADS with composition - to do with my own stuff: he's taught me some jazz harmony (?!!!) and helped me structure some of my own music.

We've also gone down the rabbit hole with theory and neck knowledge, and I'm weirdly able to improvise through some jazz tunes now! It really has blown my mind.

I've had teachers in the past before (obviously), but Mathew (and his music!) have really pulled me forwards with all this. Money well spent, I say!!!
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R
Rob
I recently found Mathew on this site whilst looking for a guitar teacher to get me re-inspired in music and playing - after 20 years of messing around! And I'm VERY glad to have found him, and a lovely bonus was that he's a signed artist too! And what a band! If you're interested in hearing his work, check out INTENSIVE SQUARE on Spotify. Absolutely wild music!!!

He's helped me LOADS with composition - to do with my own stuff: he's taught me some jazz harmony (?!!!) and helped me structure some of my own music.

We've also gone down the rabbit hole with theory and neck knowledge, and I'm weirdly able to improvise through some jazz tunes now! It really has blown my mind.

I've had teachers in the past before (obviously), but Mathew (and his music!) have really pulled me forwards with all this. Money well spent, I say!!!
Tom

Barnes really knows his stuff and is great at tailoring lessons to what you're interested in, while still providing a well thought out longer-term structure. Can't recommend him enough if you want to learn how to become a better guitar player
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Tom
Barnes really knows his stuff and is great at tailoring lessons to what you're interested in, while still providing a well thought out longer-term structure. Can't recommend him enough if you want to learn how to become a better guitar player
Owen

I’d already been playing for many years before I sought tuition from Barnes. What I was looking for from an instructor was someone to give me a structure or framework to guide me through the fundamental principles of playing music on guitar. I’d somehow avoided studying the modes/scales for over a decade. I already had total confidence in his breadth of knowledge, but Barnes made each session fun while gently nudging me out of my comfort zone.
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O
Owen
I’d already been playing for many years before I sought tuition from Barnes. What I was looking for from an instructor was someone to give me a structure or framework to guide me through the fundamental principles of playing music on guitar. I’d somehow avoided studying the modes/scales for over a decade. I already had total confidence in his breadth of knowledge, but Barnes made each session fun while gently nudging me out of my comfort zone.
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Rate

€70

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5h: €333
10h: €660

travel fee

+ €5

free lessons

The first free lesson with Mathew will allow you to get to know each other and clearly specify your needs for your next lessons.

online

€70/h

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Learn more about Mathew

When did you first develop a passion for music and your favourite instrument?
When I was young, my grandfather had a beaten up acoustic guitar. I used to pester him to let me play with it as a toy and then one day he taught me how to play Bert Weedon's 'Guitar Boogie Shuffle'. I was instantly hooked and persuaded my parents to give me my own electric guitar for my 12th birthday. My tastes have changed quite a bit since then, but I haven't been able to leave the guitar alone ever since.
Is there a particular type of music or artist that you listen to on a loop without it driving you crazy?
I only have a few CDs in my car, and I listen to them on loop all the time. They are the first four Dokken albums, the first three Winger albums, and all of the David Lee Roth and Sammy Hagar period Van Halen albums. That's been my car playlist for the past seven years, and I'm nowhere near bored of it. I also never get bored of Pantera, Vangelis, Eric Dolphy, Celtic Frost, and probably many others. Even if I've listened to something 500 times, I still find new details and nuances in it. If I'm working on learning or transcribing something, then listening to it relentlessly is an essential part of that process for me.
Explain to us the most difficult or riveting course you could personally give to a student of music.
I love teaching improvisation. In particular, I love teaching my students how to explore the harmonic possibilities of diminished seventh chords to create tension when improvising. It's a very deep topic that can open up your ears and knowledge of the neck. I never tire of wrestling with it myself, and it's very satisfying to watch it fall into place for my students and to hear the ways that they use the concept in their own playing.
What do you think is the most complicated instrument to master and why?
I can only speak from experience here. I have spent most of my life concentrating on the guitar, I've dabbled in playing saxophone (at which I leave much to be desired), and I've recently started studying piano. All three instruments are extremely challenging. Guitarists have to wrestle with the unfriendly layout of the notes, whereas the order of the white and black keys on keyboard instruments make each octave look identical. Fingering patterns in a given key change positionally on the guitar, and this layer of abstraction provides many challenges for tenacious guitarists who want to explore the entire fretboard. That being said, piano has many technical challenges that make me feel like a complete beginner all over again.
What are your keys to success?
G flat is the key to success (but an open mind and lots of practice won't do any harm).
Name three musicians you dream of meeting in your favourite bar in the early hours of the morning. Explain why.
Most of my favourite musicians are deceased. Of those that remain, I'd love to have a drink with some of my guitar heroes: Dave Tronzo, Reb Beach, and John Scofield. I'd love to ask them about their approaches to composition and improvisation, and I'm sure that would take us way past sunrise. I've already met Scofield, and I made a fool of myself.
Provide a valuable anecdote related to music or your days at music school.
When I was doing my degree in jazz, we had a weekly class that everyone dreaded called free improvisation, which was taken by Keith Tippett, a titan of the British jazz scene. He would instruct groups of people who did not tend to play music or socialise together to get on the stage in front of the whole department and improvise together spontaneously. In this setting, all of us felt very anxious and out of our depth, which resulted in some extremely timid performances. To add salt to the wound, he would subject each student to the razor-sharp blade of his criticism. Initially, we were essentially being forced to fail, but after doing this a few times, students would flourish as they conquered their anxieties. At least that was the effect it had on me, and it ended up being my favourite class.
What are the little touches that make you a Superprof in music?
I'm a very patient guitar nerd, who loves teaching music. I don't believe I will ever stop being a student of music myself, which makes it easy for me to empathise with the hurdles that students face, regardless of whether they're a beginner or an experienced player. I've helped many students overcome their anxieties and reach the point where they can improvise expressively and unlock their own personal sound on the guitar.

Birmingham guitar teacher specialising in extreme metal, Jazz graduate with 25 years' teaching and performing experience, focused on improvisation and composition

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Learn more about Mathew

When did you first develop a passion for music and your favourite instrument?

Is there a particular type of music or artist that you listen to on a loop without it driving you crazy?

Explain to us the most difficult or riveting course you could personally give to a student of music.

What do you think is the most complicated instrument to master and why?

What are your keys to success?

Name three musicians you dream of meeting in your favourite bar in the early hours of the morning. Explain why.

Provide a valuable anecdote related to music or your days at music school.

What are the little touches that make you a Superprof in music?

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