What is Street Guitar? Private Guitar Lessons in Little Rock Explained
David Dunavant
What is Street Guitar?
Street Guitar is my structured approach to private guitar lessons in Little Rock, Arkansas. It combines professional-level technique and applied music theory with the songs students actually listen to. The goal is simple: give you the mechanics of a collegiate-level musician without forcing you into a rigid classical or jazz repertoire. The instructor David Dunavant holds a Master of Music in Jazz and teaches private guitar lessons at Little Rock Music Academy in Little Rock, Arkansas.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Street Guitar?
Street Guitar is a structured private guitar curriculum that combines professional-level technique and music theory with the songs students actually enjoy playing. - Is this program good for adult beginners?
Yes. In fact, 80% of my students are adults who want a logical, structured path without wasting time. - Do you teach classical or jazz?
Yes, I hold a Master of Music in Jazz, but Street Guitar applies those principles to modern rock, pop, and blues. - Where are lessons located?
Lessons are held at Little Rock Music Academy in Little Rock, Arkansas.
I developed this curriculum because it is exactly how I wish I had been taught. Like many of you in Central Arkansas, I started out learning from a kid down the street. I had no formal structure and missed the "why" behind the music. By the time I reached collegiate instruction, I realized my technique was so flawed that I spent three years relearning how to play the instrument from scratch. I do not want that for my students.
Most instructors fall into two traps. They either teach "recreational" lessons with no structure, leading to plateaus, or they force students into a rigid classical or jazz box. Street Guitar is the "Third Way." It provides the "armor" of a professional musician while keeping the soul of the music you love.
The Architecture of the Street Guitar Curriculum
My approach uses two comprehensive books that take a student from beginner to advanced over three to four years. However, the book is only half the story. The Street Guitar method is built on three pillars of musical development:
- Technical Literacy and Ergonomics
Adult learners often struggle with physical tension. Street Guitar prioritizes correct mechanics from day one. We focus on economy of motion and fretboard logic that allows you to play for hours without fatigue. This is the "academic" side of the house, applied to the steel-string guitar rather than the nylon-string classical model. - The "20-Song" Graded System
The other half of my method is built entirely around you. I ask my students to provide twenty songs they love. I then take those songs and arrange them in a graded order of difficulty. This allows me to use the music you already enjoy to teach the high level techniques and theory you actually need. Whether you are an adult professional looking for a serious hobby or a teenager looking for a mentor in the craft, this method ensures you never waste time on music that does not move you. - Applied Music Theory
We do not learn theory for the sake of passing a test. In Street Guitar, theory is a tool for improvisation and songwriting. We take the Master of Music in Jazz principles—such as modal interchange, voice leading, and rhythmic syncopation—and apply them to rock, pop, and blues.
Why the 80/20 Split Works for You
My student roster is an 80/20 split: 80% are adults and 20% are teenagers. This balance is intentional.
For the Adult Professional:
Adults require a logical, structured path. You don't have time to "noodle" for six months. You need to know how a chord is built and why a scale works over a specific progression. Street Guitar respects your intellect and your time, providing a sophisticated framework that fits into a busy professional life.
For the Talented Teenager:
Teenagers are highly valuable commodities and performers in the Little Rock music scene. For the young player who wants to be a "pro," Street Guitar provides the competitive edge. It gives them the technical chops to outplay their peers while keeping them engaged with the music that defines their generation. We treat the guitar as a serious craft, not a passing phase.
Breaking the "Classical vs. Street" Barrier
Many people assume that to be a "serious" musician, you must study Bach or Coltrane. While I hold an M.M. in Jazz and value those styles deeply, the reality is that the mechanics of a Great Pop Song are just as complex as a Sonata when analyzed correctly.
Street Guitar unmasks the gatekept information of the conservatory. We look at the "CAGED" system, 3-note-per-string scales, and hybrid picking through the lens of the music that actually lives in our culture today. This holistic approach ensures you aren't just a "copycat" player who can only play what they see on a screen; you become a musician who understands the language of the fretboard.
Your Custom Path in Central Arkansas
If you are tired of feeling like you are stuck in a rut with your playing, it is time for a change. My studio at the Little Rock Music Academy is designed for those who want to be the best. I am the highest-rated private instructor in Central Arkansas because I refuse to settle for "good enough" technique.
We focus on music literacy and correct mechanics from day one. You get the benefit of my years as a college professor, but we apply that knowledge to the music that makes you want to pick up the guitar in the first place. It is a win-win situation: you practice more because you love the songs, and I ensure you are developing a superior technique that will last a lifetime.
Start Your Journey Today
Stop guessing and start growing. Whether you are picking up the guitar for the first time or you are a seasoned player looking to fill the gaps in your knowledge, the Street Guitar curriculum is your roadmap to mastery.
Contact me today to start your first book and begin the process of building your custom 20-song repertoire.
Guitar Lessons with David Dunavant
Little Rock Music Academy
11220 North Rodney Parham Road
Little Rock, AR 72212
Phone: +1-501-291-1171
Highest-Rated Private Instructor in Central Arkansas
No pressure lessons! David Dunavant offers adult-first guitar lessons in Little Rock with options for private study, jam sessions, or the Guitar Wars competition.
Not too late, discover the benefits of learning guitar after 60, including memory improvement and arthritis relief, with David Dunavant in Little Rock.
I grew up playing rock, blues, country, metal, folk, and modern fingerstyle guitar. Then I went on to earn two degrees in jazz guitar and received formal training in classical guitar. I teach both pick and fingerstyle, and I understand the strengths and demands of each genre. While my Street Guitar curriculum is focused on popular music, I also teach jazz, classical, and other advanced styles upon request. Whether you're interested in indie folk, worship music, ambient textures, funk, or anything else, I'll help you get there. Metal, folk, etc. are all in the mix if that's your thing.
If you've never played before, the good news is that you have no bad habits to break. You'll be learning clean from the start. The only question is whether guitar ends up being worth your time, something only you can decide once you see how much effort it takes to play well. If you've already been playing, we skip that part. You're already a guitarist. But you've probably picked up some inefficient habits, whether from YouTube or casual lessons. I'll point them out one at a time, clearly and without pressure. You'll know what works and what doesn't, and you'll always decide what to keep or change.
Street Guitar is how I wish I had been taught when I started. It includes all the good stuff that actually applies to popular styles, without the baggage of academic methods. You learn proper left and right hand technique, accurate chord transitions, and practical theory. But here's the twist. Half the curriculum is blank. That's where you come in. You tell me what you want to play, and I pull songs and techniques that match your goals and organize them into a level-based structure. If you want to go deeper into jazz or classical guitar, I love teaching those styles too. You just have to let me know and I'll build them into your plan.
Most guitarists out in the real world use TAB. It's everywhere: websites, YouTube videos, charts, and books. I use it too because it matches the environment students actually learn in. But by itself, TAB is missing key info: which left-hand fingers to use, which right-hand fingers to pluck with, how to pick, and how to play cleanly. That's where I come in. Over time, I teach you how to read between the lines and make smart decisions based on experience and technique. If you stick with lessons, you'll learn to think critically about music, not just copy finger positions. I also teach standard notation and reading music if you request it. Learn about my student policies today!
This isn't a meet-and-greet. We already took care of that in the consultation. In your first lesson, we get straight to the point. You'll learn string names, basic chords, and the key info needed to start playing right away. I also cover correct right and left hand technique from day one. The goal is to give you a real sense of momentum, not just an introduction. Ready to book your first 30-minute guitar lesson? Contact me at Little Rock Music Academy and let’s get started.
Guitar engages multiple parts of the brain at once. You're using memory, movement, creativity, and focus together. That's one reason it's so effective for older adults looking to stay sharp. Even short practice sessions can help slow cognitive decline and improve mood. Unlike brain games, guitar ties into something personal and fun. It doesn't feel like homework. It feels like progress Interested in boosting your memory and enjoying the benefits of music? Contact me today to schedule your first lesson at Little Rock Music Academy.
Guitar isn't just for kids or teenagers. Most of my students are adults in their 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s, and even 80s. Some are picking up a guitar for the first time. Others are coming back after decades away. I've built my lessons around adult learners because they bring patience, life experience, and a deep appreciation for music. I also teach teenagers, especially those who are focused and ready to learn in a one-on-one setting. Whether you want to play your favorite songs, improvise, or challenge yourself with something new, I tailor the lessons to you. Ready to start your guitar journey? Contact me today at Little Rock Music Academy and let’s unlock the joy of music together.