If you’re looking for a great guitar teacher in Portland, let me introduce myself. My name is Rick Klaras.
I am a singer, songwriter, guitarist, and bassist. Guitar was in my blood from a young age. I started playing air guitar at 4, and I begged my parents for a real guitar every Xmas until I finally got one. I fumbled around with it a bit, but I didn’t really start to make progress until I started to take guitar lessons when I was about 12 years old.
I also play keyboards (I have a weakness for analog synthesizers) but don’t ask for lessons on those, because I’m not qualified for that job! But if you’re looking for a fun, experienced, patient guitar or bass teacher in Portland, you’ll find that I’m well-qualified to help you become the musician you want to be.
I have been teaching guitar for more than 20 years. I started giving lessons just out of high school, mainly to friends who wanted to learn to play. It was so rewarding to see my students progress. I loved it! Since then, I have helped private students of all ages and walks of life to reach their musical goals. I’m confident that I can do the same for you.
My curriculum is student-directed, so whatever your goals are, I’ll put together a plan that will help you get there. I can teach you to play your favorite songs, and write your own tunes. We’ll cover improvisation and part-writing. You’ll also learn about music theory, and how to use it. We can cover standard notation, and if you’d like to learn to record and mix your own songs, we can do that, too.
Thanks for reading. If you’d like to hear me play, click here. Or, if you’re looking for a great Portland guitar teacher, click here.
Rick has a special talent for teaching. I’ve taken lessons from several guitarists that billed themselves teachers, but Rick actually has the skills to back it up. He listens and tailors the lessons to challenge you, but not frustrate you. When you’re struggling he knows just how to get you over the hump and back on track. If you’re looking for someone to help you move your guitar playing forward you don’t need to look any further than Rick. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed taking lessons with him. Highly recommended.
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Darren T.
I love taking lessons with Rick. I am learning and improving constantly. His patience is amazing!
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Josh K.
As an older learner I really appreciate that Rick has worked with me to customize my learning path. I've made so much progress with Rick. I came in not having ever played a single song all the way through, and within a few weeks I was confidently playing a song all the way through and singing along. It was exhilarating and it was all thanks to Rick.
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Jack H.
I found Rick Klaras through other people’s recommendations.When just picking up the guitar one doesn’t know what to expect, especially an older adult as I am. As a beginner, I’ve been with Rick just over a year. My lessons are something I look forward to. I practice, each week share what I’ve learned and anxious to learn more.Rick is very easy going, has a great sense of humor and no matter where you are in the guitar experience, he can teach you, he can jam with you, teach you your favorite pieces or styles, and knows ways to deal with the struggles musicians go through in learning the craft. Going into my second year, I continue to enjoy my experience very much.Rick is definitely a cool, 5 Star dude! Give him a try… you’ll like him!
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Rick R.
I look forward to my lessons each week, Rick has amazing patience and makes me want to continue practicing consistently. Thank you Rick.
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Colton G.
I’ve been taking lessons from Rick for about a year now, and it’s genuinely the highlight of my week. First of all, Rick is a serious player, and can play just about anything. A good skill to have in a guitar teacher. Second, every time I’ve brought a question, or an idea to Rick, he’s responded and answered my questions and helped me integrate the answers in my learnings. He really will meet you where you’re at and tailor your lessons to your interests and needs.I’m an experienced musician and but a novice guitarist, and he’s really taken my experience with other instruments and helped me apply it to guitar, while keeping me interested and motivated. It doesn’t get much better.
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Zack W.
My son looks forward to his guitar lessons with Rick. He has improved so much in a year. Rick is such a patient teacher and has never discouraged my son when he messes up. My son has more confidence in his skills playing the guitar now. He feels challenged to learn new songs and practices at home. I highly recommend Rick to beginners or advanced guitar players. We feel so lucky to have found such an inspiring guitar teacher for my son. We will continue with the lessons in the years to come. Rick is truly committed in helping my son succeed in his skills with guitar.
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Jacqueline H.
I've been taking lessons with Rick for almost five years. He has really helped me improve my playing, and I can enthusiastically recommend him as a teacher. He is incredibly patient, and can break down difficult concepts, and techniques in a way that even I can understand. He has also been very flexible in adjusting the work to my interests. He's an amazing musician and guitarist. I look forward to every lesson!
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Rob S.
I've been doing lessons with Rick for half a year now, and he's the best! I am a Music Therapy intern, and I wanted to boost my confidence in guitar playing to be a better therapist for my patients. Rick worked with me on everything I wanted to touch on in ways that were super accessible. My internship supervisor told me that I was surpassing expectations on guitar, and I attribute that to lessons with Rick! I am able to use techniques I didn't think I could learn until much later in life/in my guitar journey, but Rick gave me the confidence and the tools to do so. I also have joint hypermobility, and Rick was able to give me tips to make guitar playing less painful and more accessible to my needs. Rick is an incredibly talented musician, but even better, he's a great teacher. Thanks Rick! Can't want to continue lessons from across the country!
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Leah D.
I'm a dude in his mid-forties. I've noodled around in the guitar for most of my adult life. I've done different online courses and learned a lot of musical theory along the way, but I had some major holes in my playing ability and confidence. Rick has really helped in those areas.Rick is exactly what you want in an instructor. He's has a ton of knowledge, experience and skill, but most importantly, he has a lot of patience. Which really helps when you are learning something that is difficult for your skill level. He sticks with with you and finds new ways to convey the information until he finds a way that works for you.My playing and confidence have improved dramatically in the months I've been working with Rick and I am playing songs and solos that I used to wistfully dream about playing. I would highly recommend him if you are just starting out, or if you need some help, getting over a hump!
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Marc L.
Rick is an amazing instructor! He put my beginner nerves to rest and got me sounding good on my guitar. You couldn't find a more enthusiastic, kind, patient, friendly and funny person to learn from. Highly recommended!
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Jess H.
I have been taking guitar lessons with Rick for around 6 months and really enjoy him as a teacher and I would recommend him to any other beginners looking to pick up guitar. I have been satisfied with my progress and impressed with Rick's patients on days were it feels like I have not made progress. Rick is also clearly a very skilled musician and I feel that as my skills improve his teaching will continue to be valuable.
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Rokken “.
Rick is absolutely fabulous. He was the very first guitar teacher I found in Portland and I couldn’t have asked for a better fit. He is so intelligent and patient and makes you feel confident in your skills. He is also very encouraging, which is always helpful. He is constructive in a very positive way and will listen to you play one measure for half an hour if that’s what it takes. He truly cares about each of his students with a genuine, kind attitude. I truly value my experience with Rick and would highly recommend these lessons!
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Yarrow H.
My child has been taking ukulele lessons from Rick for a couple years now and the experience has ALWAYS been phenomenal. Enthusiastically recommend.
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Kevin K.
Rick has so many five star reviews for a reason, please go check him out if you’re wanting to learn how to play!! He’s a gem. I literally drive out all the way from Columbia County because he’s just that good.
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Makayla S.
I have taken lessons from Rick for over a year now and it has been such a great experience! I have wanted to play the guitar for so long and everytime I tried I struggled to understand and stick with it. Rick has a great approach for beginners and helps to make it easy to understand and improve! I tend to get frustrated very easily when I struggle with something and Rick does a great job of helping me break down and get through things when I get frustrated. Playing music is one of my new favorite things in life and I wouldn't have been able to do it without such a great teacher. If you are looking for a teacher who can not only help you improve, but who can also bring out the fun in making music, then I would highly recommend that you take the leap and work with Rick!
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Max F.
Rick is an incredible teacher. He takes the time to truly know his students in order to help them achieve their goals. Rick never shames you for imperfections in your playing. Instead, he believes in his students, and with grace, helps fine tune the skill he believes you are capable of mastering.
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Kehlay L.
Five stars? Shoot, give 'em six. Rick earned it, no doubt. Recently had the pleasure of taking in-person guitar lessons with Rick, not only is he a highly skilled musician but also an excellent teacher who genuinely cares about the progress and enjoyment of each student. His passion for music is infectious, creating an environment where learning feels like a joyful journey rather than a task. Rick right off the bat took the time to understand my musical goals, skill level, and preferred learning style. The lessons were tailored to suit my needs, ensuring that I was constantly challenged but never overwhelmed. This individualized attention significantly accelerated my learning and kept me motivated. Rick is not just about teaching the technical aspects of playing the guitar; he also emphasize the importance of musical expression and creativity. Lessons have been a perfect balance of theory, technique, and practical application, allowing me to not only play the notes but to truly understand and feel the music.
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Nelson N.
Rick is absolutely an amazing teacher, period. As a parent to a nuerodivergent child, he can try my patience at times. Surprisingly, enough he wanted an electric gituar early this year. That's where I discovered Rick. His passion for teaching gituar and music in general has helped my son grow musically to the point where he's starting to form his own sound. I will/would recommend gituar lessons from Rick to anyone whether child or adult who wants a solid foundation to build upon.
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Brooks A.
I've been playing guitar for years, but just a few months with Rick has really elevated my playing. Private instruction has never really worked for me in the past, but this is the exception. I feel like I'm constantly getting better and learning new things at a brisk but comfortable pace.
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Joshua R.
I have a tough time learning; I did not think I would make it this far with the electric guitar, Months later I have not given up and I won't. Rick is an amazing teacher & person. He will give you encouragement to motivate you to strive for excellence!
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Ruthie
I've been trying to learn guitar since high school and at 52 thought maybe that dream just wasn't going to happen but then I read the reviews and thought one more time. So happy I did. Rick's method of teaching has been perfect and kept me motivated to continue to stick with the learning process. He is patient, encouraging and is open to listening to you as the student and makes sure your getting everything you are looking for out of your lesson. To anyone at any age looking to learn to play the multiple instruments Rick offers as a teacher I'd highly recommend him as a teacher. Thanks again for helping me reach a life long goal.
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jeremy c.
The best music teacher I've ever had! Rick is patient, smart, understanding, and incredibly talented at guitar. Working with him for a year I've been thrilled with the progress and can't wait to keep going. He's rigorous in his own skill and knowledge building while doing a great job of keeping lessons fun and substantive. Stop reading and go sign up for classes (if he hasn't already booked up!).
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Whit P.
Rick is an amazing teacher and has something to offer a guitarist at any level. I had been playing for years, but had some gaps in knowledge on the fretboard and in music theory. Rick was able to create a challenging lesson plan that has taken me to the next level. If you are curious, you should take him up on that first free lesson.
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Douglas B.
Rick has been an excellent guitar teacher for my teenage daughter over the last year. Additionally and more importantly, he has taken time to get to know her as a person and engage her in learning, a difficult ask in the world of teenage ennui. I would recommend him for any teen. He has been a super helpful touchstone for her during these sometimes difficult years, and I've gotten to hear and learn a lot of new music!
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Ruth H.
Rick does a great job with our 10 year old lefty electric guitar player. He's patient, flexible, and fun; and our kid has learned a lot.
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Pam M.
Rick is the best! I have improved so much at the bass guitar in the 6 months I have been doing lessons with him, and I always look forward to every Monday! He truly is the best guitar teacher you can find. Not only is each lesson helpful, but it is so much fun jamming with him! -Maddie Lucia
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Nathan L.
Rick is a kind, supportive and encouraging instructor who makes playing music feel approachable and fun. I would highly recommend him to anyone interested in learning a new instrument or taking their skills with a current instrument to another level!
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Jenna E.
extremely patient with and encouraging of my easily frustrated teen. she has come really far at a pace that fits her. highly recommend Rick as a teacher
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krista k.
Rick is an incredible teacher! My son is always excited for lesson days, and stays motivated with his practice all week. This is a result of having an instructor that is totally dedicated to his students success. Rick is really gifted in the art of inspiring people with music. If you are looking for the best, Rick is it.
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Misty W.
I've been taking lessons from Rick for almost half a year now and I find him to be a consummate professional. It is one thing to be a master of an instrument and quite another to have the skill, patience, and perspicacity to pass that knowledge on. Not only does Rick have a discerning eye and ear for music, he is a sparkling conversationalist with a gentle sense of humor. I highly recommend Learn Guitar PDX, especially if you are brand new to the instrument.
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Daniel H.
Rick has been a fantastic teacher. He's able to provide specific feedback to help in areas that I need help. And he is always positive and encouraging.
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Deven P.
He is a fantastic teacher who is always there to help you grow, be it during or after classes. He is an extremely patient person who is able to work with you no matter your pace.
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Roman C.
Great teacher!! Great person to hang around!! Very reasonable prices as well, would definitely recommend to anyone looking to start playing guitar or bass!
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Jack N.
After not playing guitar for years and never having learned anything passed bar chords, I contacted Rick and he immediately helped me understand different ways to navigate the fretboard. After just a few months my skills in playing lead have grown so much. I recommend learning from Rick if you feel like you’ve hit a wall in learning guitar. His knowledge will help you appreciate the guitar much more.
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Dario O.
My 17 year old son has been taking guitar lessons with Rick for over a year now. He started online lessons during the pandemic and has continued to take lessons with Rick after we moved across the country. Rick has been a very patient and encouraging teacher. He's the type of teacher that meets each student where they are and personalizes his lessons. As others have said, Rick is wonderful at creating genuine relationships with his students. I am grateful for his consistent positive presence in my son's life each week.
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Kristie R.
After years of trying to teach myself guitar using a varied assortment of books and online videos, I decided to finally find myself a teacher here in PDX. After spending a week or two in total analysis paralysis searching, I decided to give Learn Guitar PDX a try. I could not be more pleased! Rick, the teacher and sole proprietor of Learn Guitar PDX, is the real deal — patient, knowledgeable, and ready, willing, & able to meet you where you are. I’ve been studying with him for just under a year and have made far more progress than I thought possible. Between work and family, my schedule can get hectic, and when it does, Rick has always been willing to work with me on finding alternate times for lessons. Five stars and two enthusiastic thumbs up from me!
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Scott D.
I picked up guitar as my pandemic project after meaning to get around to learning to play for the last 30 something years. I started learning with Rick (aka Learn Guitar PDX) via Zoom classes 15 months ago. I literally didn’t know how to hold a guitar correctly when I started and can now play easy 4 or 5 chord songs (which is to say much of the pop music catalog). Rick has been super patient and helpful all along the way - even when I can’t stand to hear myself plunk through another attempt at whatever lesson is bedeviling me at present he always has encouragement and helpful pointers. Rick has returned to in-person lessons in his studio but he and I have stuck to Zoom classes as it’s very helpful for my busy schedule and I’m still able to take lessons while traveling even. If you’re curious about learning an instrument give Rick a try! He’s super approachable, patient and has a witty sense of humor tied into his deep knowledge of the music world. I also think we’ve played a ZZ Top riff, some Pavement and Dolly Parton all within the same 30 minutes - 30 minutes well spent!
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John D.
My teen has been taking virtual bass lessons from Rick for approximately a year, he started as a completely new player who was tentative about his ability to build his skills. Working with Rick has not only helped him to become a more proficient early level bass player, it has increased his self confidence and drive to work through pain points and get to the other side successfully. Rick is patient, adaptable and able to pivot to meet the needs of students as they arise while helping them focus on the big picture. I would happily recommend him for music lessons to anyone looking but especially for teens who may need a little additional support.
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Leo M.
Rick is the best! I’ve been taking lessons from him for about 1 1/2 years at this point. He is patient, he is funny, and he helps make music enjoyable, rather than stressful. I recommend him fully for anyone that wants to truly learn guitar!
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Rick P.
My 17 year old son has been taking guitar lessons with Rick for over a year now. He started online lessons during the pandemic and has continued to take lessons with Rick after we moved across the country. Rick has been a very patient and encouraging teacher. He's the type of teacher that meets each student where they are and personalizes his lessons. As others have said, Rick is wonderful at creating genuine relationships with his students. I am grateful for his consistent positive presence in my son's life each week.
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Kristie R.
If you'd like to learn guitar, I highly recommend Rick! He is beyond patient and very focused during lessons. I was an absolute beginner and have been learning online with Rick. I am very happy with the progress he has helped me achieve this year! You will find that he is very kind and has a straight forward system for lessons, which has been great. At the same time, he is a creative and flexible teacher, when needed. Ten zillion stars!!
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Jasmine D.
My son (13 yo) has been taking lessons from Rick for a little over a year and he is learning how to play guitar! While that's obviously great, what I've been most impressed with is how Rick has established a genuine relationship with my son that has bridged the typical frustrations of beginner guitarists, middle school age development, and frankly, a global pandemic. When he started he was meeting Rick in his studio for in person lessons, but within three months he needed to pivot to lessons on Zoom due to physical distancing requirements. While this took a little getting used to, he has continued to progress in his abilities. In addition, he looks forward to his half hour online with Rick each week! In part, I think this is because so much of his time is spent with members of our own household and he hasn't been able to socialize as much with others. But even more so, I think it is because Rick is such a fun, motivational teacher, and just a great guy in general!
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Ben H.
Rick is friendly and fun. I had some nerves about playing in front of someone and he helped me feel comfortable. Rick has been very encouraging and informative helping me progress on my guitar journey! I was very hesitant to take lessons with all of the stuff available on the internet for free. Now that I have started lessons with Rick I highly recommend them!!! It makes a huge difference to have someone sit down 1 on 1 with you and give advice specific to you as an individual! So if you were like me, know that lessons are worth it! My learning is much clearer and more rewarding than random internet information.
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Walter M.
Rick is an excellent teacher, even when zoom is the only option, he's found a way to make the lessons engaging. He also does a great job of holding you accountable, which is really what I needed.
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Ken P.
Rick is a great guitar teacher! He is positive and encouraging. Also, prompt and organized. My 12 year old son is learning to read music and has made great progress as a beginner, we highly recommend Rick!
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Liza S.
My 8 yr old had been playing guitar for two years prior to meeting Rick. Her skills and enthusiasm for playing has skyrocketed. She explained to me that "Rick teaches in a way that is easy for me to understand." He's patient and funny, my daughter adores him. We can't recommend him enough.
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C J.
After reading all the other glowing reviews that Rick has received over the years/months/weeks, I can personally vouch for them. Whether you're an adult picking up a guitar for the first time or already an intermediate or advanced student, Rick's combination of knowledge, ability and patience will elevate your playing - No doubt! Even with my questionable musical talent, I feel and hear myself getting better with each lesson. Whether its reminding me to play closer to the frets or demonstrating how to put some swing into the alternate picking exercises, Rick has elevated my playing. He can do the same for you no matter your age. So if you're in the Portland area, heck, with the pandemic - anywhere with an internet connection, you owe it to yourself to check out Learn Guitar PDX if you want to further your guitar journey!
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Jeff H.
I'd like to say that Rick is an amazing musician and teacher. It's been ~1 year that I've taken lessons with him and I have to highlight a few things: - He has demonstrated deep knowledge in music ( theory, technique, song writing, msuic production) and if there is something he hasn't mastered he lets you know (but he certainly knows a lot) - His lessons are based on the student's goals. Since day 1 he asks you what do you want to get from the lessons so he can guide you and set clear objectives that will target those goals . - He is extremely patient. It doesn't matter for how long I was stuck in an exercise or how long it took me to understand something, he takes a step back and explains you as many times as needed with the same patience as he did the first time. - His passion for teaching and music, you can see how much he enjoys doing this and certainly transmits that energy to his students. At least this happens to me. I would strongly recommend anyone interested in guitar to take lessons with Rick, it doesn't really matter if you're a beginner or advanced, there are plenty of things to be learned from him.
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Fabian G.
Rick Klaras is the greatest! Our 11yo son is learning to play the ukulele with Rick and is thoroughly enjoying it and learning a lot as well! Highly recommended!
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Shannon G.
Rick is super with our son, patient instructor with attention to detail! Also, flexible and helpful with scheduling. Recommendation without reservation! Andrew
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Andrew J.
My 11 year son loves Rick! He says he’s a great teacher and easy to understand !
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Amy G.
Rick is an absolute pleasure to learn from. I always hesitated to pay to learn when you have the internet at your fingertips but he is the internet version of learning guitar with all the quick links ready to answer and demonstrate! Seriously every question and tangent I’ve ever presented to him he’s had the direct answer along with other things to consider as well. In addition to the standard lessons, Rick has been helping me write music to lyrics I wrote that I’m going to use to propose to my lady with which has been an extraordinary experience. He’s also always been so flexible with my schedule as I’m a fireman and bartender which has been incredible. He’s very easygoing and fun to hang with while learning - has made learning guitar fun for sure.
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Tyler W.
Taking lessons with Rick has been great! I've been going once a week for a little over a year and I'm really happy with the results. Taking lessons as an adult was nerve racking for me because I had kind of written myself off, thinking I'd never be able to get the hang of it. Rick does a great job of taking you through the basics and building each week, but more importantly he's thoughtful in talking to you about what songs/musicians you like and want to learn, and incorporating that into the lesson as well. Do yourself a favor and book a lesson!
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Cynthia C.
I can't say enough about Rick and Learn Guitar PDX. After not playing the guitar for over 15 years, I really wanted to get back to playing but was having a hard time getting started. After my first lesson with Rick I felt very comfortable and confident that he could get me playing again. I've been learning so much and am playing better than I ever have, I'm so happy to be working with Rick and Learn Guitar PDX!
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Peter W.
Rick is so special. He is an amazing, thoughtful, caring person, who happens to be an amazing guitar teacher. He has the patience of a saint, a great sense of humor, and is a joy to work with. Beyond that, he is super well organized, caring, and really helps me learn and grow as a guitarist. I would recommend him highly to absolutely anyone who wants to learn guitar from the best.
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Kat S.
I have been taking lessons with Rick for almost a year. He is a wonderful musician and teacher. He is great for all levels and backgrounds. I was worried that since I have a long background with music in other instruments I would have trouble connecting with a teacher (since I'm so picky). Rick is very patient and goes at your level. He is very flexible, and always works with me and my crazy schedule. The price is fair and worth it. I really could not have asked for a better experience. He has knowledge of all different types of music which makes lessons fun and productive. I would highly recommend Rick to any guitarist with goals for any style and starting at any level!
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Emily L.
My daughter has been taking lessons with Rick for some time now, and it's been a great experience! Rick is patient with children, but also really good at holding them accountable in a kind, no-nonsense manner. I also appreciate that he uses not only the sometimes dry lesson book but also teaches pop and rock songs that my daughter adores, and customizes them so they're at the right skill level when needed. This has kept lessons interesting and fresh. I would highly recommend Rick as a teacher for children or adults. My kiddo is his biggest fan!
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Jami F.
I've been getting lessons from Rick for about a year now and it's been a great experience. I had no guitar experience, I just woke up one day and said I wanted to learn, and I've made so much progress from our initial lesson. Rick's incredibly patient, keeps me engaged by challenging me with new songs to learn and creates a really fun learning experience. I highly recommend him if you're interested in taking lessons!
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Justine J.
I’m retired and have time to take guitar lessons. I’m so glad to have found Rick to teach me. He is very patient, clear instructions, and knowledgeable. I would recommend Rick for any age group. Thanks Rick!
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Monica F.
