Guitar 101: Introduction to Guitar for Adult Beginners (8 Weeks)

Kickstart your playing with an 8-week adult beginner guitar course designed for busy lives. You’ll build practical skills, foundational music theory, and real-world confidence in weekly, in-person sessions—no prerequisites required.

What You’ll Learn:

-Proper posture, tuning, and essential chords (open shapes, power chords)

-Rhythm basics: strumming patterns, groove, and timing

-Reading essentials: chord charts, tabs, and lead sheets

-Intro to music theory: keys, song form, progressions (I-IV-V, ii-V-I)

-Practice systems for adults (short, focused sessions that stick)

Schedule & Format

Duration: 8 weeks

Class format: Weekly, 1–2 hour, in-person sessions

Locations: 1690 Watermill Road San Ramon, CA 94582

Credits: 2 units

Who It’s For:

Adult beginners and returning players who want structured, goal-oriented learning without the fluff.

Instructor: Adam Mackintosh

Instructor Bio: Adam Mackintosh, a unique American songwriter from Fremont, CA, has achieved significant milestones in his career. His composition “Forbidden Fruit” was performed by The Portland Symphony and Storm Large and later recorded by Storm Large and her band Le Bonheur, with members of Pink Martini. It was later released on Heinz Records alongside such artists as Tom Waits, Jacques Brel, Cole Porter, Randy Newman, Rodgers and Hart and Lou Reed.
Mackintosh is an International Touring Artist with four full-length original releases in Europe and the U.S. He has worked as a producer, performer, and co-writer with artists from Los Angeles, Austin, San Francisco, Atlanta, New Orleans, Wisconsin, Barcelona, Nashville, Memphis and many places in-between. He is credited on over 60 recorded and released co-writes with writers from around the world. Perhaps most notably, his composition “Forbidden Fruit” for Storm Large and Pink Martini is performed by symphony orchestras globally.

In addition to his performing and recording music career, Mackintosh has been involved in alternative music education for over 15 years, teaching over 500 students. He authored The Mackintosh Music Method, which condenses his 15 years of experience into a 60-minute video presentation. His curriculum and song creation approach offer unique insights to students and creators beyond traditional single-instrument instruction.
Adam has an extensive performance history, sharing stages and recording with notable artists such as Earl Slick, James Hall, Jackson Browne, Storm Large, Clyde Stubblefield, and many more. He has performed over 500 concerts in the US and Europe.
Film credits for his music appear on the soundtracks of June Falling Down, Damaged Goods By David Walker and “Westbound” by Arketype Inc. He currently resides in California, performs solo and as the lead singer of The Last Dancers. He is currently an invited songwriter in the Goffin and King Foundation Annual Songwriting Festival and is actively involved in multiple writing and recording projects worldwide.

FAQs

How much experience do I need? None—this is for adult beginners.
Do I need a guitar? Yes; Need help finding one? Email adam.m@methodtothemelody.com
What styles will we play? “Core Elements of Popular Music” styles with focus on rhythm and chord fluency.
Will I learn to read music? You’ll learn the essentials needed to play hundreds of songs in 8 weeks
Can I make up a missed class? Unfortunately, we cannot offer a two-hour make up class for a single student.
Is there homework? Yes. Short, focused practice plans each week (10–20 minutes/day).