A brief history of the Multimedia course

GCH Guitar Academy was established in 1992, however the founder had been teaching, composing sound tracks and playing in bands and as a studio artist since the 1980's. The course was developed to teach individuals, school classes and groups how to play the guitar.

Combining the GCH Guitar Academy guitar course material with new multimedia technology, has produced a multimedia guitar method that cannot be beaten. We originally intended to pass the multimedia course on to a publisher. However we have remained the sole distributors of the course giving us the ability to provide far more personal customer support.

The multimedia course is now well established, having sold thousands of copies worldwide and having been featured in a number of high profile magazines, and the GCH Guitar Academy guitar course continues to grow and improve.

Testimonial from the author

Hi my name is Gareth Hargreaves, the author of this course. I started teaching guitar professionally in 1990. The courses that were available at the time were poor to say the least. Either they taught theory with no, or few tunes, or they taught tunes with no or little theory. The worst courses of all would teach just one style of music or were just a forum for guitarists to show off their skill.

It soon became apparent to me that in order to provide the quality of teaching I wanted I would have to write my own course.

So that’s what I did, and week by week I would write the course to stay one-step ahead of my fastest student. This is how the course started. As I taught more students of varying ages and capabilities, I adapted and improved the course to suit the different capabilities. This way the course evolved and matured into the course it is today.

some of the students who have darkened my doorway

the paper based course

Currently the paper based course consists of eight books, and is still growing.

The choice of music used in the course is and has been selected by its suitability to the lessons rather than personal taste, this way the course has something for everyone, but more importantly the lessons are backed up with practical exercises that will improve the way you play the guitar.

The first version of the course was completely paper based, with midi files to provide backing for students to play along too. This version was obviously designed for the classroom situation, where I could explain the lessons clearly to the students. The success of the course at this stage was clear by the number of students coming for lessons and the results being produced in each student.

The first multimedia course was produced on a very tight budget. The course content was more or less the same from the beginning as it is now, but the overall look of the course lacked the visual impact it has now developed. Recent versions have introduced ‘click to hear buttons’ and photography of guitars and important hand positions.

The most recent additions and variations of the course have been the ‘Left Handed version’ and coming soon will be the Mac version, the children's course and the bass course.

When I first created the multimedia version of the course, my first intention was to allow a publisher to manage production and sales. However when I found that the multimedia publishers already had guitar courses in their portfolio I had no choice but to star producing and selling the course myself.

This WEB site and GCH Guitar Academy is now dedicated to creating and selling the GCH guitar course in multimedia format, making it affordable by virtually anybody and available throughout the world.

the original Guitar Academy Unit 1 CD-rom case

CD-roms and DVD-roms filed ready for distribution

A history of Unit one Revisions

Version 1.00
Version 1.01 code structure improvement,
Version 1.02 lessons submenu added, launch metronome, tunes, backings and video
Version 1.03 32 bit icons bug fixed, mouse behavior changes
Version 1.04 launch PDF‘s, CD launcher introduced, fix half barres.
Version 1.04a Backings player play list, bugs fixed.
Version 1.05 Video button glitch removed, index.pdf added, addition of ’Riff Click‘.
Version 2.00 GUI redesign, add plectrum lesson and photographic material, correct some minor spelling mistakes.
Version 2.40 New lesson design, ‘hear this’ button and ‘e-book’ button.
Version 2.50 Metronome, Tuner and Backing player launcher changed to stay in the foreground. Main application flash screen whilst launch.
Version 3.00 Better explanation of chord/scale maps added plus more guitar information. flash screen added to secondary applications.
Version 3.50 Added; 2 games, 3 presentations, 'stop sound' buttons, lessons loading screens. Improved; PDF colours, existing games.

The Mac OS9.x and OSX version was released early in January 2006.

'First Steps Guitar' released early July 2006.
Version 2.50 Vista icons, prevent screen resize on metronome, tuner and backing player. Improve quality of PDF's.

Magazine features

The GCH Guitar Academy course has been featured in a number of prestigious magazines.

Client testimonials

Apostolis (Greece)

This guitar course is amazing, I am very happy I purchased it. I just now finished printing all the .pdf files (although I do have respect for the trees in Amazon jungle, I am afraid it is a bit hard for me to read all this stuff on the monitor display). What amazes most is the fact that the course is full of useful stuff given in a very understandable and comprehensive way! Congratulations, I wish I had a relative course for piano...

John I'Anson (UK)

I would like to say a big thank you very much for the course.
I could only play some open chords through guitar lessons from a book, so your lessons helped me advance in the right direction, your multimedia course helped a great deal, being able to hear and see the lessons was great, making it possible to go over lessons again so I could get them right I looked forward to each month to see what was new to learn.
I would also like to say, your guitar course is very low priced for the content within the course, being great value for money.

Brad Schilling (Australia)

Hello Guitar Academy,
I had been playing guitar rather badly for 20 years and decided to do something about my guitar work by downloading your e-books. Already I am improving, especially in the 'scales' department. I've tried quite a few guitar courses in my time and found them wanting usually because the order of the lessons often didn't help. The Guitar Academy stuff is perfect in this respect. Also, the technique tips are very helpful, it made me realize how many bad habits I had picked up over the years. Keep up the good work guys.

Paul Crack (UK)

The best course I have seen. It sets you targets, keeping your interest and never boring. It's the next best solution to personal weekly one to one tuition

Freddie Thronson (USA)

I have to say after looking over the course, this is by far the best course I've seen. I have tried many in the past, and have spent hundreds of dollars. I wish I knew about this a long time ago. I could have saved a lot of money and be a lot more accomplished on the guitar by now. Great product.

R Brown (UK)

Hi, just thought I’d drop you a line to say thank you and how impressed I am with the guitar coarse, up to now I’ve been trying to learn using books etc. but the CD-rom is just fantastic and I’m picking it up real quick. It’s like having a pro in the room with me with the demos etc, I think it’s got to be the best £10 I’ve ever spent. . . . It’s a great product at a real fair price.

Gordon (UK)

I was given your CD ROM course for x-mas it is easily the best present I have been given. I have only been playing for under a year and really getting no where until I got your course and am now on month 4 and playing better than I could have imagined.

David (UK)

Since my previous email I have had the opportunity of a much closer look at the CD's contents and it is ***EXCELLENT**. For someone absolutely new to the subject, its EXACTLY what I want - and need. The info about the type of guitar to buy, the different types, their workings, the playing of notes, etc., etc., are invaluable. People tend to wrongly assume that anyone interested in buying a guitar already knows all of this, which of course is not the case at all. Your CD will allow me to talk about the subject to a trader without sounding like a total novice! (First steps guitar course)

Mr. D Church

As a relative beginner looking for a good guitar course, I happened to try the demo version of your course on the PC Format magazine. I found it easy to follow and so purchased the Units 1 & 2 on-line. My congratulations to you on an excellent course. It is easy to follow, well thought out and very good value for money. I shall certainly recommend it to anyone looking for such a start in guitar playing.

Dave (UK)

Hi just to let you know I bought your tutor for my son who is seven and has been playing for a year, I think having just had a quick flick through that it will be brilliant for him to reach his next level. I myself have been playing pro for 10 years and can see that what you have done here will be a great addition to anyone who is wanting to learn, I just wanted to congratulate you on your programme as I think it is very very good.

Mattias (Sweden)

I´ve tried your program and I must say that it is amazing! You explain very well, and I can honestly say that this guitar program is the best I´ve seen. ! ! ! I´ve seen a lot of guitar programs, believe me, but this one take the number 1 spot.

Craig Stevens (UK)

This is by far the best course I have used as it is straight forward and versatile, by that I mean you don’t have to sit in front of the computer in order to use it thanks to the fact you have broken down the course into bite size chunks you can print off and study away from the computer. It’s also good to know that you read and reply to emails sent and not rely on auto responders and frequently asked questions.

Chris Pedler(UK)

I have just purchased Unit 1 and 2 and I just wanted to send a brief email saying how fantastic it looks. I have tried to play the guitar for the past 30 years on and off. At 45, and now having both more time and more patience than in my youth, I decided to give it one last go. Past learning through books and CDs have either expected far too much too soon, or were simply too uninteresting. Some of the basics here are familiar to me, but looking ahead I see what a varied and in-depth course it is. If I make it at all, it will be due to this. Thanks again - I'm just glad I found you on ebay!

Paul (UK)

I have been trying off and on to learn to play guitar for a few years and decided at the age of 40 that I would bite the bullet and buy myself an American deluxe stratocaster and Fender amp and get serious. I could start a large fire with the guitar books and cd's that I have bought over the years and given up on, so I cannot express how fantastic and straight forward your course is.
Last night I played for hours and it feels like I have 2 years of professional guitar lessons to work with not to mention saving the £20 per hour tutoring charges !!!!
I can only say please quote me as a satisfied customer and get someone to market this great course through music shops. Keep up the good work.

Bill (USA)

Starting late in life, age 60, I began my quest for an education in guitar playing. Little knowing without proper guidance a person can very easily get lost, disgusted and disenchanted with it altogether. After two years, 6 expensive interactive programs, little structure and very sore fingers I have naught to show for it all save the ability to give Will The Circle Be Unbroken a decent lick. Since I started unpacking this program of yours I've been glued to this ole puter. I am fairly gnawing at the bits to work this thing. Thank you for your help from the masses like myself that have so little to work with yet wanting to accomplish so much. Your program really is great and I will definitely keep you abreast of my progress. Bill W.

Kristy (USA)

I absolutely love this Multimedia Guitar Course. I will recommend to everyone. It is very user friendly. A great product. Please let me know when Unit 2 becomes available because I wish to purchase that as well. Thanks so much for a great product. Kristy

Mandy

I'd just like to thank you for the terrific CD you have been very generous with your knowledge and hope you will be rewarded. On briefly looking it is well structured with very helpful tips of which I have been lacking. Thanks Again Mandy

Kev

I cant thank you enough for the DVD - I am 51 years old and have always wanted to play - bought a cheapo electric in my teens and got nowhere trying to teach myself. Now I can actually play a few songs on my Fender Strat copy! Thank you so much for a brilliant easy to learn tutorial.

Rob (UK)

Having started to play the guitar just over a year ago i had a few lessons but lost interest and direction, after being keen at the start i stopped playing in the summer!

But my wife got me your cd's for xmas and i'm back enjoying it, there easy to follow and i really feel im getting somewhere and
playing at every opportunity. its the best £15 my wife has ever spent!

Albert

Thanks for sending me your software. I'm a 60 year old who has just recently changed over to Left handed because of an injury to my left hand which now doesn't allow me to use it on the fretboard anymore. I find your course a lot easier to understand than others I have tried in the past. It's well laid out in such a way even a mug like me can understand it. I still enjoy playing although it's just for personal recreation. I'm taking it a bit more seriously though and not skipping lessons which is a temptation sometimes.

Other comments

"I absolutely love this Multimedia Guitar Course. I will recommend to everyone.
It is very user friendly. A great product. "

"Very impressed with service and product. Honest and helpful, a good seller."

"Great price, great service, great product what more can i say.....but THANKS!!!!!"

"Outstanding, good quality product, customer support, fast shipment"

The official home page is
www.guitar-academy.com or www.guitar-academy.co.uk