Guitar Tuition Tailored for You
Our individual approach means you can spend your time learning what most inspires you
Guitar lessons built for you and what you want to learn
I teach players of all ability levels and a variety of musical styles including rock, pop, funk, jazz, metal, fusion, country and acoustic. If you’re a complete beginner looking to learn your first chords or an experienced player looking to push yourself, we can build lessons that work for you.
I started teaching in 2005 and have built up an extensive library of teaching materials that we can progress through. However, what I’m really passionate about is listening to students and discussing where you want your lessons to take you. Everyone has their own musical tastes, passions, inspirations and heroes. We can learn your favourite songs, dive into music theory, or get those chops up to tempo. Or all of it. It’s up to you.
Equally - if the guitar is a completely new world to you and you don’t know where to begin - we’ll guide you along the journey every step of the way.
Music Theory
Develop a clear understanding of how music works without getting lost in unnecessary jargon. Topics include intervals, chord construction, harmony, keys, chord progressions, rhythm, notation, tablature and practical theory that can be applied immediately to your playing.
Scales and Modes
Move beyond simply memorising patterns. Learn the major scale, pentatonic scales, blues scales, melodic minor, harmonic minor and the modes of the major scale, understanding not only how to play them but when and why they work.
Improvisation
Learn to create your own solos with confidence. Explore phrasing, note choice, targeting chord tones, melodic development, call and response, dynamics and building expressive, musical solos rather than simply running through scale patterns.
Ear Training
Strengthen your musical ear by learning to recognise intervals, chords, melodies and chord progressions. Develop the ability to learn songs by ear, transcribe solos and become a more intuitive musician.
Where are we based?
I teach at my home studio in Bromley, South East London. Online lessons are also available. If you wish to have lessons at your home, or another location, we can discuss this.
What you’ll learn
Every lesson is tailored to your goals, whether you're picking up a guitar for the first time, preparing for gigs, or looking to deepen your understanding of the instrument.
Playing Technique
Build a strong technical foundation with lessons covering posture, picking, fretting-hand technique, rhythm, timing, chord transitions, fingerstyle, alternate picking, bending, vibrato, legato, hybrid picking and advanced lead guitar techniques.
Songs and Repertoire
Learn the songs and solos that inspired you to play guitar. Lessons are built around music you enjoy, helping you develop practical skills while expanding your repertoire across a wide range of styles.
Rhythm Guitar
Become a more confident rhythm player through work on groove, timing, chord voicings, inversions, triads, funk rhythm, country rhythm, rock, pop and contemporary accompaniment techniques
Tone and Sound
Understand how great guitar tone is created. Explore guitars, amplifiers, pedals, pickups, effects, EQ, gain staging and signal chains to help you achieve the sounds you're looking for.
Guitar Setup and Maintenance
Learn how to care for your instrument with practical guidance on changing strings, adjusting action, setting intonation, basic maintenance and understanding how your guitar works.
Welcome to South London Guitar Lab
We’re passionate about helping guitar players of all experience levels to learn and grow. We love to hear about the music you like, what and who inspires you, and where you want to take your playing.
Whether you’re a complete beginner wanting to learn your first chords, or an experienced player looking to push yourself, we can craft lessons that work for you.
About me
I've been teaching guitar since 2005 and, over the years, I've had the privilege of working with students of all ages and ability levels; from complete beginners picking up a guitar for the very first time to experienced players looking to refine their technique, expand their musical vocabulary or break through a creative plateau.
My own musical journey has taken me through many different styles and experiences. I've played in both original and cover bands, with most of my performance experience centred around rock and metal, while also spending countless hours exploring blues, jazz, progressive music and country guitar. Although rock and metal remain my biggest passions, I genuinely believe that becoming a great guitarist means staying curious and learning from every style of music. Every genre has something valuable to teach, whether it's the phrasing of the blues, the harmony of jazz, the groove of country or the technical precision of progressive music.
Above all else, I believe that learning guitar should be enjoyable. Progress comes fastest when you're excited to pick up the instrument, so my lessons are built around the music that inspires you. Rather than following a rigid syllabus, I work with each student to create lessons that match their interests and goals - whether that's learning favourite songs, developing improvisation, understanding music theory, writing original music or building the technical skills needed to play with confidence.
Alongside teaching and performing, I’ve worked in the music gear industry and more recently as a guitar technician. I'm passionate about the instruments themselves and enjoy helping students understand how their equipment works. If you're interested, we can explore topics such as guitar setup, maintenance, pickup swaps and electronics, modifying instruments, choosing the right gear, understanding tone, or even planning and building your own custom guitar.
Away from music, I hold a PhD in Biological Chemistry. My scientific background has shaped the way I teach: I enjoy breaking complex ideas down into clear, logical steps that are easy to understand and apply. Whether we're working on technique, music theory or improvisation, my aim is always to make learning accessible, engaging and rewarding.
No matter where you are on your guitar journey, my goal is simple: to help you become a better, more confident musician while making every lesson something you genuinely look forward to.
James Leigh
