Dean Hollingsworth

 

Tuition and Performance

Based in Lady Bay, West Bridgford, Nottingham

 

 

 

 

 

  • Electric Guitar

    By far the most popular choice for students, still really all based on either the Fender and Gibson designs. The former using single coil pickups for a cleaner sharper sound the latter utilsing humbuckers (two sets of pickups in one) for a warmer richer sound.

    I have one of each a mid 70's Fender Stratocaster and a '73 Yamaha SG85

     

     

     

     

    Whatever style you want to play I am sure I will be able to help, I began playing in bands in 1977 during punk's heyday. Since then have performed in bands of many genre's from punk to reggae, rock and blues, soul/disco and Jazz. I would describe myself as a roots music enthusiast, so getting that sound for your favourite style is my specialty.

    Performance experience is backed up by formal qualifications in guitar and I provided tuition for the RGT exam syllabus if required, they have just released some excellent graded pieces including songs from The Clash, Jimi Hendix, Clapton, Guns and Roses, Nirvana and the Red Hot Chilli Peppers so formal qualifications need no longer be limited to classical styles.

  • Acoustic Steel

    The steel string acoustics generally but not exclusively tend to attract singers who accompany themselves due to there bright percussive sound.

    I provide tuition for a range of syles on the steel string acoustic including slide, fingerpicking, jazz/blues and gypsy jazz. I have also helped songwriters to develop there composition and accompaniment techniques on this type of instrument.

    These instruments are great for big sounding open chords and finger picking but beware they will wear your nails down quickly and can be hard work, please read below for recommendations

    Steel String acoustics are a little more difficult for the beginner as the tension and action (height) of the strings make them generally harder to play. My electro-acoustic Crafter on the left here is a good example at £250 it is not a really cheap guitar, but it would present problems for the beginner in terms of left hand strength. In my experience steel string guitars under about £500 are hard to play, a good set up by a guitar repairer can help even on cheaper models. Feel free to call me for advice on buying a suitable steel string.

     

  • Nylon String

    My passion musically is Flamenco and as a fellow musician once said you do not get much more demanding technically than Flamenco. This style uses all the tehnichques found in classical playing and adds a whole lot more. Rasqueudos (strumming) and tapping, alzapua utilizing the thumb as a pick like in Oud playing, make the instrument vibrant and exiting.

     

    I have taken many students through Classical ABRSM grades and this approach is excellent for developing your technique - all of these students have wanted to learn some flamenco as well.

     

    So whether you want flamenco, classical/fingersyle jazz or are just a beginner I can help!

     

    Nylon string or Classical guitars are the cheepest option for the beginner, even guitars at £40-£50 are usable. If you want something a bit more inspiring it is worth spending a bit more, as a dull sound can be frustrating. Phone me for some advice.