The first task of a guitar instructor is to provide the student basic information about the guitar. This includes information about the guitar itself -- explain the various parts of the guitar such as the neck, peg head and tuners, the bridge and so forth. The beginner also needs instruction about basic guitar technique such as how to hold the guitar properly, the positions of the left and right hands, and information about tuning the guitar. Additional information and advice about guitar care and maintenance is also valuable for the student. Suggest the student use light gauge strings on the guitar -- they are easier on the fingers and help prevent a beginner from becoming frustrated.
Guitar students have different goals and aspirations when it comes to learning the guitar. Students at one end of the spectrum may aspire to greatness. They want to emulate their guitar heroes. Students on the other end on the spectrum may simply want to develop an ability to strum a few chords and accompany themselves while they sing. Assessing the student's goals allows you to gear your teaching methods to more effectively meet their needs. The student may be more interested in learning acoustic or electric guitar or she may want to focus on fingerstyle rather than playing with a guitar pick.
The length of an average guitar lesson is 30 minutes and students typically take one lesson a week. Divide the 30 minute guitar lesson into three segments. In the first segment ask the student to play what he learned in the lesson from the previous week. In the second segment, introduce new techniques and exercises. Finally, reserve the third segment for jamming with and accompanying your student. This allows the student to put theory into practice and encourages the student's creativity. This is a basic outline for the 30 minute lesson. Don't regard the outline as set in stone. It is important to be flexible.
The guitar lesson introduces ideas, offers constructive criticism and guidance and monitors the student's progress. Remind the student that he is responsible for the bulk of the work. Progress is only made if the student practices consistently several times in the week between lessons. Provide the student with an exercise and practice regimen each week. Give him clear practice tips such as scales 30 minutes day, 30 minutes on new chord formations, 30 minutes on songs, and so forth. Encourage the student to practice with a metronome. Listen attentively when the student plays at the beginning of the lesson. Praise him for the good elements, politely point out mistakes or errors and show him how to correct them -- and teach him to critically listen to his playing as well.