Adult Tuition with Pick To Play Guitar.
Looking for friendly, practical guitar lessons in Richmond?
Taught by Mark Mannering Barton.
Lessons are available in your home or online and are designed specifically for beginners and late starters.
Pick To Play Guitar offers relaxed, one-to-one tuition for adults who want to learn real songs, build confidence, and enjoy playing without complicated theory or pressure.
Local Guitar Lessons in Richmond & Surrounding Areas
Teaching near Richmond town centre and Richmond Park, I work with students across the local area, including:
Richmond
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Teddington
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Kingston Upon Thames
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St Margarets
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Hampton
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Twickenham
If you’re looking for a local guitar teacher who understands adult learners, you’re in the right place.
Learn Guitar at Your Pace
You’ve always wanted to play guitar but never started
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Tried years ago and gave up
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I don’t want boring scales and theory.
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I just want to play real songs
My approach is simple: we focus on what helps you play real music quickly and confidently.
Lessons are relaxed, supportive, and tailored to your goals.
Most students in Richmond begin with my structured 8-week programme.
A typical programme includes:
The Pick To Play Starter Programme.
Weeks 1–2
GETTING TO KNOW THE GUITAR
How to hold and tune your guitar
Understanding the parts of the instrument
Basic hand positioning
First simple chords
Playing your first song
Beginners Welcome. No experience needed.
We start where you are.
Weeks 3-4
BUILDING THE BASICS
Expanding your chord vocabulary
Smooth chord changes
Simple strumming patterns
Playing along to backing tracks
Growing your song list
This is where things really click.
Weeks 5–6
FLOW, RHYTHM & CONFIDENCE
Keeping steady time
Improving rhythm and feel
Playing with dynamics
Simple fills and variations
Developing your own style
You’ll start sounding like a guitarist!
Weeks 7-8
PLAYING INDEPENDENTLY
Playing through mistakes
Performing full songs
Building a personal setlist
Learning how to practise effectively
Planning your next steps
You’ve created the habit.
You’ll now be confident to play and above all enjoy guitar!
The Pick To Play Starter Programme includes*
8 x 45 Minute Private Sessions
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In-Person At Your Home Lessons
(Richmond & SW London) or Online
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Personal Practice Roadmap
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Song Suggestions Tailored To Your Taste
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Ongoing Support Between Lessons
£360
Offer: £340 (limited places)
Lessons are also available online via Zoom for students anywhere in the UK | Also available session by session at £45 | This means you can learn in the way that suits your lifestyle.
*What to expect
Depending on where you are in your guitar journey, your first session may include a relaxed assessment of your experience, goals, and learning style so we can build the right plan for you.
Lessons typically last 45 minutes and are delivered weekly over consecutive weeks for best progress.
In-person lessons are available in Richmond and surrounding areas. A small travel supplement may apply for some locations.
Additional individual or refresher sessions are available after completing the programme (if taken) at £45.
Progress depends on regular practice between sessions. I’ll guide you clearly every step of the way, but time spent playing outside lessons is essential.
Programme details and pricing may be updated from time to time as services develop.
Full terms and conditions are available here.
Please note: This programme is designed for adults who are willing to practise regularly and engage with the learning process. It may not be suitable for those looking for very occasional or casual tuition.
why choose pick to play guitar?
In-home guitar lessons in richmond and nearby areas
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Learn in the comfort of your own home. I can come to you.
2
Online lessons via Zoom for convenience
Giving you greater flexibility.
Daytime and evening availability
3
I can fit into your busy schedule.
Specialist in adult beginners and late starters
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I genuinely thrive on teaching people the guitar who have always wanted to learn.
Friendly, patient teaching style
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These are your lessons and everyone is different. We go at your pace.
Focus on real songs, not exams
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Real songs mean you are more likely to stick to practicing. You choose those songs, not me.
DBS checked and fully insured
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For your peace of mind I hold a yearly reviewed DBS check and the relevant insurance policies.
Local, independent tutor
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Based locally and teaching across Richmond and surrounding areas.
How It Works
A relaxed assessment in your first session
1
So we can truly personalise your guitar lessons.
2
Weekly 45-minute private lessons
I’ve found weekly sessions best for guitar learning. Giving you time to go over and practice in between sessions.
Clear Practice Guidance
3
Clear guidance so you always know what to work on as progress depends on regular practice, and I’ll guide you every step of the way.
Support between sessions
4
I’m always available to help guide you on what we went over. Just drop me an email and I’ll be back within 24hrs.
about me
mark mannering barton
I help adults in Richmond and across South West London learn or reconnect with the guitar in a relaxed, practical way, without pressure or complicated theory.
I’ve played in pubs, hosted open mics, and recorded guitar for over two decades, and I understand what it takes to go from “beginner” to “confident” without overcomplicating things.
Lessons are delivered in a calm, respectful, and supportive environment, where you can learn at your own pace and feel comfortable asking questions.
I hold a current DBS check and have experience working with adults from a wide range of backgrounds.
My focus is simple: helping you feel confident, relaxed, and genuinely enjoy playing your guitar from the very first session.
book your free intro call
ready to start playing?
If you’re ready to start learning guitar in Richmond, the first step is a free, no-pressure intro call.
We’ll talk through your goals, experience, and the best way forward.
Fill in the form and I’ll be back within 24 hours.
Look forward to it!