Paul Campbell

My name is Paul Campbell. I teach Scottish and Irish traditional music on guitar, both in Edinburgh and online. I work with complete beginners, experienced guitarists and players coming to the guitar from another instrument.

For beginners, lessons start in standard tuning. We build secure chords, steady rhythm and good basic technique using real music from the outset. Altered tunings such as DADGAD can be explored later, or sooner for an experienced player with a particular interest in them.

Traditional accompaniment requires more than knowing the right chords. It depends on listening carefully, understanding the shape of a tune and knowing when the guitar should lead or support. I help students develop the musical awareness needed to accompany jigs, reels, airs and songs without crowding the melody. We can also work on fingerstyle arrangements, flatpicking, playing tunes on guitar and arranging songs.

I have spent around 40 years actively involved in Scotland’s traditional music scene. I regularly play with fiddlers, singers and other traditional musicians. That experience feeds directly into my teaching, particularly when helping students prepare to play with other people or take part confidently and sensitively in a session. I also hold an HNC in Applied Music.

Lessons are shaped around your experience and the music you genuinely want to play. Some students want to accompany singers, while others are interested in solo guitar, traditional tunes or becoming more comfortable at sessions. Children and adult beginners are very welcome, as are returning players who want to rebuild their confidence.

My aim is to help you become a capable and thoughtful musician who can enjoy the music at home and contribute positively when playing with others.