Mike Karnes Guitar Instruction

"To say that Mike Karnes is a great guitar teacher is an understatement, for in all of his understanding of the guitar and his expertise in the instrument, I think he is a true genius in his craft. Oftentimes when one wishes to learn a new instrument, it is so easy to tell oneself that it is an unachievable dream--but Mike shows you that that dream can be achieved. I have been taking lessons with Mike for about two years now and while I still consider myself to be a beginner, I have enjoyed every lesson partaken with him to the full. I learn something new—musically and philosophically—with every lesson gained. It’s a joy to watch Mike listen to every song you request for him and search the chords on his guitar, because it’s like watching him communicate in a secret language that only he and the guitar understand alone. And by the end of every lesson, I find myself excited to practice the language for myself. Some people are intimidated by the idea of learning guitar, no doubt discouraged by the “one size fits all” lessons that are out there. Most tune in to YouTube to learn instead, but I think those people are missing out. Mike is different in that he makes the instrument fun and achievable, and goes more in depth than any video online. He shows you that the guitar is not merely a stringed instrument, but also an embodiment of hidden knowledge that can only be discovered if only you would just listen and practice. If anyone is inspired to learn guitar, I highly recommend Mike. Before I started my guitar lessons with Mike, I could never even strum a chord. Now I know more than I ever thought I could hope to learn and am eager to learn more as time goes on, and I never thought that was possible. Mike has made it a possibility for me, and I think he can open the door for anyone out there who also dreams and make it a possibility for them as well. — C.M."

"My son Nathan decided that he wanted to learn to play guitar, and I'm glad we found Mike to impart this knowledge to him. Got lucky that the music he wants to learn to play is mostly material that I enjoyed listening to and playing when I was growing up . Mike's teaching style - making something that sounds complex so simple to follow, loading up the session with patience and encouragement, eliciting suggestions and input from the student - captures Nathan's attention and keeps him interested. I think, though, that I enjoy that half-hour more than he (my son) does. I find myself wishing I had a guitar tutor like him when I was first learning to stretch my own fingers on the fretboard."

"My son is 13 and has been taking lessons with Mike for over two years now. He came to Mike as a beginning student who didn't like to practice or go to lessons and now his practice time and lessons are the best part of his week. Instead of playing video games he wants to pick up his guitar and jam. As a musician myself, I can attest to Mike's musical abilities as well as his pattern of teaching. He is positive, patient, and encouraging. He is a true musical genius! If I could give more than 5 stars I would!"

"My son has been with Mike and is loving his guitar lessons! He had instructors in the past that just didn't seem to click with him, but with Mike, his enthusiasm and ability grows each week! I can't believe how much my boy has improved in such a short period of time and how much he really loves going to class! Highly recommend!"

"I’m so glad I found Mike Karnes! I had previously taken guitar lessons from other teachers at different times and can honestly say that Mike is the person who really turned me into a true guitar player. Before, it just felt like work and practice. But Mike makes it so much fun. He will teach you whatever you want to know; and the way he puts the arrangements together for you is spot-on. What I play now sounds exactly like the recordings. We’ve explored a variety of styles and techniques, both acoustic and electric, and he is a master of them all. I have a whole arsenal of tunes I can play now. His patience is ceaseless and his sense of humor makes our time together fly by. My guitar lesson is the best night of my week. I leave every lesson smiling and with a sense of accomplishment. Thanks, Mike!"