Online Guitar Lessons

How to Choose the Best Beginning Guitar Lessons: Online, In-Studio, or Home Visits

Ready to learn guitar but unsure where to start? Discover the unique benefits of online, in-studio, and house call guitar lessons to find the perfect fit for your lifestyle, learning goals, and schedule.

Unlocking Potential Through Music: A Journey for All Ages

Discover how learning an instrument does more than just create music—it builds a better brain. At McMusic Lessons & Performances, we offer personalized guitar, piano, bass, and ukulele instruction for all ages, focusing on the powerful link between musical training and cognitive development. Watch a featured performance from our improvisational project, Hooked, and see how a “fingers-on” approach can help you or your child reach new creative and intellectual heights. Start your musical journey in Palos Hills today!

Master the Mood: How to Play Mazzy Star’s “Fade Into You” on Guitar

Master the dreamy 90s classic “Fade Into You” by Mazzy Star with this easy-to-follow guitar tutorial. We break down the A-E-Bm chord progression, offer simplified power chord alternatives for beginners, and master the signature 6/8 strumming pattern. Perfect for acoustic players looking to capture that iconic atmosphere.

Mastering the Heart “Crazy on You” Intro Riff: A Rhythmic Guide

​If you’ve ever tried to tackle the iconic intro to Heart’s “Crazy on You,” you know that the speed and complexity can be intimidating. While the notes themselves are essential, the real secret to nailing this legendary riff lies in the rhythm and counting.

E minor Diatonic Scale on the guitar

Mastering the E Minor Diatonic Scale on Guitar

In the world of music theory and performance, understanding scales is the foundation of everything from improvisation to songwriting. Today, we’re diving into a fundamental but essential exercise: The E Minor Diatonic Scale.

Master the Melancholy: How to Play Alice in Chains’ “Nutshell”

​Alice in Chains’ “Nutshell” is one of the most hauntingly beautiful and emotionally resonant songs in rock history. Whether you’re a beginner looking for your first “moody” track or an experienced player wanting to nail that iconic atmosphere, this guide and tutorial video McMusic Lessons & Performances will walk you through the essentials.

Master the Blues: Hendrix’s “Red House” – Introductory Guitar Lesson

​The opening notes of Jimi Hendrix’s “Red House” are iconic—a masterclass in 12/8 blues phrasing, soulful bends, and raw emotion. Whether you’re a beginner looking to dip your toes into blues-rock or an experienced player wanting to polish your Hendrix style, our latest introductory lesson breaks down the foundational licks you need to know.

The Wait is Over: Trial Music Lessons are Back at McMusic Lessons!

​Finding the right music instructor is a lot like finding the right pair of shoes—it has to be the perfect fit. After a long hiatus, I am thrilled to announce that Trial Lessons are officially back at McMusic Lessons & Performances!

How to play Shape of My Heart by Sting

Whether you’re a beginner looking to expand your repertoire or an intermediate player refining your fingerpicking technique, Sting’s “Shape of My Heart” is a quintessential piece to master. In a recent tutorial from McMusic Lessons & Performances, we get a deep dive into the specific fingerings and textures that make this song so iconic.