Welcome, Advanced Guitarist!

Hi, I’m Allen Mathews

Hello Advanced Guitarist,

Thanks so much for visiting my website. Most of the lessons are aimed at players at the beginning-to-intermediate level, and may therefore be review for you.

However, I may be able to offer you a different perspective on some topics you are already fluent in. I studied with a concert pianist for nine years, focusing on phrasing and practice strategy. Many of the ideas stem from the Matthay school of piano playing.

Phrasing And Interpretation

Here are a few articles on specific phrasing devices I’ve come to use and love. More here.

Practice Methods

You are likely an expert in the practice department. Still, here are some short pieces that may be novel or worth revisiting.

Teaching Ideas

If you’re an advanced player, you may also teach. If so, perhaps the ideas below will come in handy.

Other destinations you may enjoy:

The Free Sheet Music Library – over 1300 pieces of music to download and play. Most have both notation and TABs.
Visit the full Site Index – Hundreds of lessons, categorized for easy browsing.
DIYJointPainRelief.com – My go-to for anything pain-related. The techniques work better than anything else I’ve found. Life-changing.

Thanks again for your interest. If you’re looking for something specific, please feel free to reach out and ask.

All the best,

Allen Mathews

Hi, I’m Allen Mathews.

I started as a folk guitarist, then fell in love with classical guitar in my 20’s. Despite a lot of practice and schooling, I still couldn’t get my music to flow well. I struggled with excess tension. My music sounded forced. And my hands and body were often sore. I got frustrated, and couldn’t see the way forward. Then, over the next decade, I studied with two other stellar teachers – one focused on the technical movements, and one on the musical (he was a concert pianist). In time, I came to discover a new set of formulas and movements. These brought new life and vitality to my practice. Now I help guitarists find more comfort and flow in their music, so they play more beautifully.
Click here for a sample formula.

I have lost my entire metallic sound while I am playing now. Even my single note practice sounds more melodious, less tinny. [The Woodshed technique practice] has made a major difference in my tone. Thank you.

~ Harlan Friedman

-Harlan Friedman

As I said before, I think your site is outstanding. I have spent my life teaching adults difficult stuff that they really wanted to learn but didn't have the time to learn at the speed we teach university students. Thus I understand only too well how many hundreds of hours you must have spent perfecting your lessons to make my learning as quick and easy as possible.

~ Mike Barron

-Mike Barron

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