Guitar Kung Fu

Let me preface this review by saying that as a regular lurker on Unilocal,I’ve never actually placed a review on Unilocal.Or I should say, I’ve never been compelled enough by anything to take the time to place an official Unilocal review. Thanks to Mr. Jared Barkan, however, I’m finally breaking my silence.
Jared’s been my tutor for almost a year now and I must say, I couldn’t have imagined a better guitar pedagogue. His ability to relate core guitar principles and theory to everyday aspects which easily acclimate my myopic mind to the art of guitar bad-​assery is unparalleled to any other teacher I’ve had for other subjects.
He has an uncanny ability to precisely dissect my technique as I play and then suggest different methods to correct the minor flaws of such. Add to that — he is also patient, understanding and incredibly down-​to-​earth. He genuinely cares that his students get the most out of each of his lessons. He gives clear direction, yet all of his lessons are a beautiful combination of challenging and fun.
His knowledge of guitar theory is rock solid, but it is his ability to translate such theory into a lesson plan that is tailored to my way of thinking that sets him apart from the rest.
Plus, there’s the added pleasure of watching and listening to him strum those strings. He takes requests! Trust me, his talent is unreal.
I think its quite obvious that I HIGHLY recommend Jared Barkan as your next guitar tutor. Suppose I got lucky to find such a talented and understanding guitar tutor on the first Unilocal draw. Nevertheless, I find it hard to believe that there is a better guitar tutor out there. I can go on, but words are simply not enough.
When friends ask how I nailed down certain solos, I simply tell them the truth:
I went to Jared.

Jared is such a good teacher, and so unassuming, that it is easy to forget how talented he is as a player.
Jared was recommended to us by another family with children who have been taking guitar lessons for years. They told us that he was, by far, the best teacher their children had ever had.
My experience with him has been great. His ability to connect with both of my children during their first lesson made everyone happy. He is wise enough to realize that kids are more likely to practice and play when they are learning songs that they like. So he lets them choose their own songs. When my almost 11 year old daughter tells him what she wants to play (and he has no idea what the song is – Taylor Swift is not in his normal play list, I think :)) she plays it for him on her iPod –and in under 5 minutes he is playing the song perfectly (humbling to us!) and able to write it out for my daughter to learn.
He has been reliable, affordable compared with our other musical lessons and other guitar teachers we initially considered, and flexible with us and our crazy schedules. Cannot recommend him highly enough, but 5 starts is all they have.

Jared is an incredibly gifted player AND teacher. He knows how to teach guitar to adults and young people. He knows all the tricks and shortcuts to quickly teach his students how to play music. He easily demystifies the guitar so that it’s understandable and so that chords and strumming is doable. On top of that, he’s a personable, nice, loveable person who cares about the progress of his students. If you’re serious about learning guitar, an hour spent with Jared is the best investment you can make in your own happiness and joy that comes from being creative.
Highly recommended.

I have been taking guitar lessons from Jared Barkan of Guitar Kung Fu off and on since March 2012.
Jared is an amazing guitarist, one of the best I’ve encountered. It is a pleasure to hear him play. And whether he’s showing you his Bach (yes, Bach on the guitar!) or you’re sampling his Christmas CD, which was so awesome I bought copies for everyone I love, it is clear he is a master musician and talented artist.
He also performs locally and I’ve enjoyed his performance wherein he showcases his own unique style and original tracks that are truly out of this world, fun, energetic, moving and poignant.
I’ve also had him over to record songs for me, backing tracks to help inspire me to learn parts I can play with others and to fill out tracks I create with friends or on my own.
And, Jared’s talent extends effortlessly into his ability to teach. He breaks down concepts into bite-​sized chunks that have helped me to learn whole songs and even perform at a friend’s wedding.
He’s taught me anything I’ve asked, when I’ve asked him to. And he’s also taught me to read short-​hand tab which has been so helpful in learning strumming patters and phrasing.
I’ve put in work to get better, but I wouldn’t be where I am in my ability to play — and perform — if it weren’t for Jared.
If you’re interested in learning to play guitar, I highly suggest contacting Jared. He will show you the way.