Meet the Guitar Tricks Instructors

Calm, cool, and collected: that's Guitar Tricks instructor Lisa McCormick. Lisa has a certain air about her that immediately puts guitarists at ease. Consequently, they learn faster and have more fun in the process. It doesn't hurt that Lisa holds a Master's Degree in Education, either. Lisa specializes in presenting her tutorials in an organized, methodical manner that any guitarist will find easy to follow.

As a mainstay of the indie music underground, Lisa describes her style of playing as "contemporary folk/pop, with some jazz, latin, and world influences."

Let Lisa guide you through such beginner-to-intermediate topics as acoustic strumming, 4-step fingerpicking, open bar chords, and more topics in her large collection of over 200 lessons.

Lawrence Katz is the real deal: an in-demand player who tours, composes for TV and film, does session work, and happily for us, loves to teach here at Guitar Tricks. Originally out of Atlanta, Lawrence is a graduate of Berklee College of Music. He writes songs, produces records and plays lead guitar for the Mighty Mighty Bosstones.

Lawrence's unique range of experience has established him in the music industry as a vibrant, versatile, and accomplished artist...and he brings it all to you on Guitar Tricks. His Ska 101 tutorial takes you through the fine points of ska; his artist study on The Edge gives you detailed insight into one of rock's most unique players; his song tutorials on "Wild Thing," "What I Like About You," and "Ace of Spades" take you through garage rock, pop rock, and metal - all in an easy to follow, relaxed style.

A Danish Bluesman, you say? Yes, it's true. Anders Mouridsen is a young guitar phenom from Denmark and he knows the blues. But make no mistake, Anders is a versatile, well-rounded player in virtually every style.

Ander's teaching style is relaxed, inviting, thorough, and insightful- plus he's always keeping the bigger picture in mind as he digs into the details. He is the lead instructor for our Blues Level 1 & 2 courses and a key contributor to our Rock Level 1 & 2 courses. He's also authored our lessons on several classic blues and rock songs, including "Before You Accuse Me," "The Sky is Crying," "I Ain't Drunk," and "Free Ride" - with many more to come.

Andy is the most unassuming, down to earth guy. You wouldn't think he's a guitar god - until you saw him play. He is truly a player's player. The kind of guitarist you call for any sort of gig, in any style, and who always steps up to the plate with a boatload of skill and finesse. That's why Andy is an in-demand session player in Nashville and on tour all over the U.S.

What really makes Andy such an asset to Guitar Tricks is his teaching style. He is an expert at being both deliberate and relaxed, laid-back and thorough. Andy has been our go-to guy for Country Level 2 course lessons, numerous blues and rock lessons, and now has epic songs like "Carry On Wayward Son" up on the site.

In the year he has been shooting instructional videos for us, Andy has produced 50 tutorials. That's well over 200 lessons - and counting. When he's not out on one of his many tours, or in Nashville studio sessions, we'll get him in to shoot more!

Ever wished for a highly experienced and friendly guitar instructor? Learning from Christopher Schlegel is just like that. His easy, conversational manner has taught many thousands of Guitar Tricks students barre chords, power chords, pick positioning, and other essential techniques.

Classically trained, Christopher holds a B.A. in Music with an emphasis on Applied Guitar, and has decades of experience teaching students both privately and in group sessions. Christopher is the primary instructor for Guitar Fundamentals 1 & 2, our introductory guitar course that will teach you to play guitar with correct form and technique from the very beginning.

Douglas Showalter is a man all about details, a truly talented guitarist and composer out of Los Angeles. He brings a unique and eclectic outlook to Guitar Tricks, specializing in acoustic guitar techniques, chords and rhythm, alternate tunings, new age styles, and singer/songwriter approaches.

Douglas is an energetic and committed musician. He is always involved in several exciting bands and projects. His work has been featured on MTV, Virgin Radio, and National Public Radio. Douglas presents thoughtful and insightful lessons. His tutorial on "John Mayer Style" playing is the blueprint we use for all "in the style of" tutorials. He has a unique ability to understand the eseence of the technique of a player and clearly explain those ideas in a friendly, step-by-step manner.

Let no one say that Swiss guitarist Hanspeter Kruesi has a limited artistic vision. A professional guitarist, as well as pianist, composer, and speaker at international conferences, Hanspeter can truly be called a "jack of all trades, master of all."

Hanspeter is a regular feature at the annual jazz festival Montreux, and whose music has been featured on national television and feature films. He brings a distinguished level of instruction to Guitar Tricks. His Touch Technique tutorial will teach you a revoluntionary way to play your guitar like a piano by fretting with both hands and his rock soloing lessons teach you a melody-focused approach to playing lead.