Alistair Coakley offers a unique experience to the aspirant guitar student, teaching electric and acoustic guitar online from his studio in Johhannesburg, South Africa. There are a wide range of styles available to learn:

• Pop
• Rock
• Blues (incl. bottleneck guitar, standard and open tunings)
• Funk guitar
• Country (Nashville-style chicken picking);
• Folk/fingerpicking;
• African guitar styles.

The theory covered includes sight reading and ear training, and will be tailored to the needs of the student.

Because of his track record of playing at the very pinnacle of the recording, and live playing platforms, he is able to offer a wealth of experience, that gives the student a ‘real world’ glimpse into the machinations of the music industry, and the requirements to become a session guitarist/arranger/producer, should the student decide to pursue those career paths.

We’ve included some tasty nuggets below from the testimonials Alistair has received. Click or tap through to read them, or dive straight into browsing through his dedicated testimonials page.

Gaby Bush (Gold Coast, Australia)
Thanks to Alistair I am getting better at comping, playing over the changes and playing inside and outside the tonal centre of chords. I believe I am finally escaping pentatonic prison even though I have spent so many years there I suspect I will always hear the baying of the hounds.

No matter who you are, how good you are (or how good you think you are>:) Alistair will help you become a better player. And if you are anything like me, he’ll also make you laugh until your face hurts.

Richard de Kock (Maidenhead, Berkshire, England):
Alistair’s unique value proposition is that he can not only teach you to be a lightning fast guitar player, but he is also able to teach you how to be a melodic meaningful player which is something that is very rare in most teachers today. He helps you embrace your own flavour of playing to really refine who you are as a guitar player.

He is absolutely highly recommended!

Leon Muller (Kloof, Kwazulu Natal, South Africa)
He has done so much more for my technique than I expected. My sound is far more melodic and I have learnt that the thumb is NOT just there to hitch a ride with. I continue to enjoy my weekly interactions with Alistair. His style is warm and relaxed.

I’d highly recommend this experience to anyone who wants to brush up on their skills and de-stress at the same time!

If you wish to know the salient points of his playing career, you can find out more on Alistair’s bio.

Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 related lockdown currently being enforced in South Africa, Alistair is currently unable to offer lessons to beginner players, as these would require a hands-on, one-on-one approach. This is not presently possible due to the physical distancing strictures that are in force. However, once these strictures have fallen away, beginners will be most welcome!

If you’d like to find out more about the lessons, and register your interest, we first need you to read and agree to the lesson terms. Click here.