Hi, my name is Shawn I teach Guitar, Bass and Demo recording at Truetone Music in Santa Monica, CA. I offer one on one private lessons and for those not able to physically be there also teach via FaceTime, Meet and Teams. I teach all levels beginner to advanced and have been lucky to have been a part of the team at Truetone since 1998. My main focus will be on what you want to learn not what I want to teach you. I have a YouTube channel and an instructional website. You will have access to my online lessons free of charge when you take lessons from me in person or online. Thanks so much for your time I look forward to connecting!
Song and topic guided lessons
Practice Areas
Customized lesson plan built around you.
Proper technique for a wide range of styles
Learn songs and the music theory behind them.
YouTube Channel
Website
Beginner
I like to find basic songs as a foundation for learning how to read chord grids and learn strum patterns. We also learn basic music theory. How songs function in a key and some basic pentatonic and diatonic scales that correspond to the songs we are working on.
Intermediate
Having a solid foundation for the harmonized major and minor scales with triads and seventh chords. Learning how to play through changes using modal harmony, chord tones / arpeggios and pentatonic scales. Having a strong foundation for the caged system in all keys is essential for the intermediate guitarist. Transcribing by ear and understanding rhythmic notation when reading sheet music and tabs.
Advanced
At the advanced level we work on melodic minor harmony. Motivic development, enclosures, pivot arpeggios and drop chords with inversions. Harmonic analysis of song structure of solos and chords. Chord melody playing with voice leading concepts. Comping with chords and bass lines.
My Studio
Testimonials
My Customers Said
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
5.0 from 60 + reviews
Excellent
What a great concept–the best guitar shop in LA’s Westside also has the best guitar teacher! I’ve sent dozens of people to Shawn, both beginners and ‘old hands’ who wanted a refresher, and his warm, friendly attitude, exhaustive knowledge of all things folk, rock, blues, and jazz is not to be believed!~ A lovely environment for learning. Sol Katz
★★★★★
Sol Katz
Highly Recommended
Shawn is easily one of the best guitar teachers in town. Teaches all styles at an expert level, works well with students of all different levels and musical backgrounds, and overall is a super laid back dude who knows how to work with students of all ages. I started with Shawn as a beginner at age 12, and by age 18, I was attending USC’s Thornton School of Music studying guitar thanks to the foundation Shawn set for me. I thank him to this day for helping me fall in love with guitar and he is one of the main reasons I pursue a career in music.
★★★★★
Jake Noveck
The Best
I’ve been playing guitar for 37 years and Shawn Fleming is the best teacher I’ve ever had not only because of his vast knowledge of music and particular musical styles and flavors but also because of his compassion as a teacher. He has a very solid methodology that allows me to explore and take risks and grow. He is awesome in person and I really like practicing the lessons from his website too www.guitarreferenceguide.com
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Ira Israel