From First Chord to Real Songs.
Guitar Lessons in Teddington, Richmond & SW London and UK Wide online
Taught by Mark Mannering Barton.
Friendly, practical guitar lessons for adults who want to enjoy playing.
Whether you’ve never picked up a guitar before, or tried years ago and gave up, I’ll help you play real music with confidence at your pace, without pressure.
Acoustic or electric, I teach both.
I offer friendly, practical guitar lessons in Teddington, Richmond and across South West London, as well as online guitar lessons for adults anywhere in the UK. Lessons are designed to help you play real songs with confidence, without complicated theory.
In-Person & Online Guitar Lessons
I offer friendly, practical guitar lessons at your home:
Teddington
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Richmond
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Kingston
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St Margarets
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Hampton
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Twickenham
Pick To Play Guitar provides one-to-one guitar lessons in Teddington, Richmond, Twickenham and surrounding areas of South West London. Online lessons are also available nationwide.
Lessons are also available online via Zoom for students anywhere in the UK.
This means you can learn in the way that suits your lifestyle.
Is This Right for You?
You’ve always wanted to play guitar
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You tried before but gave up
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You don’t enjoy technical theory
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You want to play real songs, not exercises
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You’re learning for enjoyment, not exams
If that sounds like you, you’re in the right place!
why choose pick to play guitar?
In-home guitar lessons in SW London and nearby areas
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Learn in the comfort of your own home. I can come to you.
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Online lessons via Zoom for convenience
Giving you greater flexibility.
Daytime and evening availability
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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.
The Pick To Play Starter Programme.
A flexible 8 Week programme designed to take you from first contact with the guitar to confidently playing real songs.
Every student is different, so we co-design your learning plan based on your experience, goals, and musical taste.
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!
What You’ll Be Able To Do by the end of the course
PLAY 5+ OF YOUR FAVOURITE SONGS
PLAY CONFIDENLY AT HOME OR WITH OTHERS
BE MOTIVATED TO CONTINUE YOUR JOURNEY
CHANGE CHORDS SMOOTHLY
KEEP STEADY RHYTHM
KNOW YOUR GUITAR INSIDE AND OUT
No pressure. No judgement. Just progress.
How It Works
Weekly relaxed lessons
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Personalised, one-to-one sessions at your pace.
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Simple practice guidance
Clear help so you always know what to work on.
Real music from early on
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You’ll start playing songs straight away. Songs you want to learn.
we go at your speed
4
Need to go over the same thing as last week? No problem. These are your lessons. Take your time.
The Pick To Play Starter Programme includes*
8 x 45-minute Private Sessions
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In-person At Your Home Lessons
(Teddington & 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: £320 (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 Teddington 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.
about me
mark mannering barton
I help adults learn or re-engage with the guitar in a relaxed, practical way without pressure or boring, theory.
I’ve played in pubs, ran open mics and recorded guitar for over two decades and I understand what it takes to go from “beginner” to “confident” without overcomplicating things.
I provide lessons in a calm, respectful and supportive environment.
I hold a current DBS check and have experience working with adults of all backgrounds.
My focus is always on helping you feel comfortable and confident from the very first session.
My focus is simple:
Helping you enjoy playing you guitar.
Your questions
do i need my own guitar
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Yes, I can advise you on buying one if needed. I can teach both acoustic and electric.
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Am I too old to start?
Absolutely not. Many of my students start later in life 40, 50, 60 and beyond.
how much practice do i need
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15-20 mins daily can be enough and the key really is consistency.
Do you really teach complete beginners?
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Yes, I genuinely do. Honestly, no experience needed!
Do you offer group lessons?
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Group options may be available in the future.
can you teach more than one person per session?
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I can as long as you both understand progress may be slower. There will also be a small uplift in cost.
is the 8 week course all you offer?
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No, not at all. I’m happy to structure weekly lessons centred around what you want to learn or we can co-design a course to meet your personal goals. Lessons individually at £45.
What About Theory and Scales?
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Theory and scales absolutely have their place. However, most beginners simply want to start playing real music first.
We introduce theory naturally, when it becomes useful and relevant whether that’s understanding chord relationships, major and minor scales, or how songs are structured. The goal is clarity, not overload.
CAN YOU TEACH MY CHILD?
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My lessons are designed primarily for adult beginners and late starters. Highly motivated older teenagers may be considered by arrangement, following a short introductory chat but they, as any adults I teach, must want to learn.
book your free intro call
ready to start playing?
If you’ve been thinking about learning guitar for a while, now is the time.
Book a free, no-pressure intro call and we’ll talk through your goals and how I can help.
Fill in the form and I’ll be back within 24hrs.
Look forward to it!