FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions and answers to help you understand how things work:

Q: Will I learn the complete song?

A: You'll learn all the guitar parts/sections of the song you need in order for you to perform it as a solo artist or with a group of musicains. Obviously, if there are three guitar parts playing simultaneously, we may not cover them all … but you'll get all the "main" stuff for sure.

Q: Will you show me all those cool signature licks and riffs that make a song special?

A: Yes … you will learn intro riffs and any special licks throughout the song that are memorable!

Q: Will you show me the strumming pattern so that I can grasp the rhythm of the song?

A: Yes .. you will get a close-up and slowed-down look at what the right hand is doing during the song. Lefties … I know … it's a right-handed world. But it will be easy to adapt what you see.

Q: Will I learn all the great guitar solos?

A: The lesson focuses on the whole song, chords, rhythm, riffs and vocals. However, in some cases, if the lead break is not too long or complex, it will be included.

Q: How does the picture-in-picture work?

A: Picture-in-picture will pop up from time to time. It simply shows you what the right hand is doing while the left hand is forming/playing the chords and riffs. Sometimes it will show you and blend in a second guitar part.

Q: Are tabs included? I like tabs.

A: Tabs are included for some sections of the song. Most often that means an intro that is catchy and perhaps tricky. The tab will be posted directly under the video screen.

Q: Are lyrics included so I can sing along?

A: Yes … complete lyrics are posted directly below the video screen.

Q: The screen is a bit small. Can it be enlarged?

A: Yes the screen fits nicely on to the web page. If you want full screen to make viewing easier … simply click on the full screen icon.

Q: Are the chords accurate?

A: Yes … and many on the Internet are not. Occasionally different versions of a song produce slightly different chord arrangments. But you can count on getting the right chording.

Q: What if I just don't "get" something. Can I contact you?

A: Absolutely. I pride myself on personal support. If something is not clear … I will take some responsibility for that and  will do my best to make it more easily understood. Just email your questions and I'll get back to you ASAP!

Q: Can I just choose songs randomly?

A: Yes … now with the Song Mentor Premium membership, you have access to the entire site … the complete catalogue! And it's a catalogue that features 208 of The Greatest Songs on Earth!

Q: What makes the "Greatest Songs On Earth" so great?

A: Well … history and general audience acceptance has dictated the choices. All the songs presented are among the most popular and beloved songs in the history of music. They are validated by Internet polls and lists, record sales, expert opinion and common knowledge.

Q; How can I find song lessons suited to my ability level?

A: There is a level of difficuly posted for each lesson. Most are 2 or 3 stars … meaning intermediate. A few are 1 (beginners) and some 4/5 (advanced).

Q: I'm pretty busy. How will I know when a new song is available?

A: Song Mentor is fully integrated with AWeber … the world's number one email notification and autoresponder system. Once you confirm your subscription, AWeber automatically sends you an email update every seven days. It even provides direct links to your new songs. I do this for the 1st year or so until you get into the habit of checking the site each week for your new song(s). Of course with the Premium membership, you have full access so do not require notification.

Q: But how long do I have access to song lessons once they have been posted or sent to me?

A: Forever! For as long as you remain a member of Song Mentor, you will continue to have access to all previous song lessons. Let's say you get busy and you run into a stretch where learning songs takes a back seat to "life". During those times, you are continually building a library of songs that you can access later as things free up for you. That "library" will always be there for you. Of course, if you cancel your membership, you can no longer access the lessons.

Q: Is there an easy way to pick up where I left off and continue working on a song lesson?

A; Yes! Just add the lesson to "My Learning List" and it will appear in the sidebar and be there for you the next time you log in!

Q: What about payment? How does that work?

A: When you subscribe, you set up an automatic withdrawl from your Paypal account. Paypal is the most trusted and used payment service in the world and it is all FREE for you to use. If you subscribe to a monthly plan, your account is debited each month. The two year plan offers savings to you and your account is debited one more time on the anniversary date of your registration. If you wish to stop learning after the first year, just cancel your recurring payment with Paypal.

Q: Can I get my money back if I'm not happy?

A: If you purchase a monthly subscription for $9.95 or $14.95 … it is non-refundable. It's just a few bucks for a great service. However, if you are not happy, simply go to Paypal and cancel your automatic payment so that you don't get billed again. A small and worthwhile wager. The risk is larger for a yearly subscription but then the savings are much greater as well. If you know me and my lessons, chances are you'll grab the yearly plan and save yourself some cash. Lifetime Premium memberships are non-refundable.

Q: Great … how do I get started?

A: Decide which program you are most interested in then click on the HERE or on the REGISTER NOW tab at the top of this page. Options will be displayed for you.

 

 

{ 36 comments… read them below or add one }

Dennis July 20, 2017 at 10:10 pm

Hey my Candian Guitar Buddy,

Question… i am a lifelong member of Guitar Mentor.  That said, i only have access to the group of songs i bought.  I would like to get access to more of your lessons and new songs.  How do i do that?

 

thanks

Dennis Sholl

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songmentor August 9, 2017 at 8:22 am

Hi Dennis. The group of songs you bought is the actual Song Mentor program. It consists of over 200 songs but is fixed. I do have three other programs in mind for the future that are specific to the country, folk and British Invasion genres. But they will be down the road. Thanks kindly and take care.

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Richard Suppes November 30, 2016 at 4:36 am

Ok, I am impressed and excited by this site and the learning capabilies. I had a problem with the site at first and sent an email to Jackson. He fixed it once he seen the problem and even responded to my complaint.  I will totally now be a loyal student of his.  I have tried many other sites and have paid for help to learn the guitar,  I have found this site is the best by far,  Slow learning and over and over teaching of the songs., Perfect and again thanks Mr, Jackson.

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songmentor November 30, 2016 at 5:34 am

Thank you Richard! I’m glad the pacing works for you!

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Jim November 27, 2016 at 6:45 pm

Hi Jackson

Are all the lessons available on your premium program a similar presentation as the free lessons on your web site?

Jim

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songmentor November 28, 2016 at 9:25 am

Hi Jim! I believe they are much improved! Longer, more detailed and with cleaner organization than the free lessons! 

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Randy Clark September 20, 2016 at 12:07 pm

Love your site. I have maxed out on the songs to learn. Will you ever add to this. I sure hope you would consider it. Your lessons truly "ROCK"

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songmentor November 3, 2016 at 9:14 pm

Site is fixed at 208 Randy but I truly appreciate your kind words!

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Peter Watson January 4, 2016 at 6:45 am

Hi.

Just become a premium member after seeing your lesson : I'll never find another you.

I don't seem to be able to find it here. I've put the title into the search engine but no results.

Peter

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songmentor June 19, 2016 at 8:59 am

It’s on freeguitarmentor.com … cheers!

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Robert Kirkendall July 1, 2015 at 8:20 am

Hi Jackson,

How about a lesson on BTO's  "Let It Ride". I heard you play the intro on one of your guitar sale videos and love it.

Thx,

Robert

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Phoenix98 March 11, 2015 at 1:05 pm

What an impressive site, love the song search options, sure speeds up the process of getting to what your wanting to work on that day… 

Coodoo's to everyone involved developing this incredible site. 

Thank you 

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songmentor March 11, 2015 at 2:35 pm

Thanks so much Kenneth. I’m glad the site is working well for you … cheers!

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Joseph Miller May 11, 2014 at 2:42 pm

Jackson, do you recommend a soft ot hard pick for alternating up/down picking exercises?

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songmentor May 11, 2014 at 3:09 pm

Ji Joseph!  I would recommend using the pick that you plan on using most of the time when you play. It really doesn’t make sense to me to use a hard pick for exercises and then switch to a soft pick for your everyday playing. So, figure out which pick is right for you on a day-to-day basis and then use that for the exercises. Cheers!

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Stephen Mullins March 24, 2014 at 6:28 pm

Song suggestion

 

I'm Your Captain ( M.Farner ) PS Mark has recorded an acoustic version on RED WHITE & BLUE CD

 

thanks Jackson, you have the best site, why? Cause you go SLOW in your lessons, that is key

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Rebecca Hooper February 15, 2014 at 8:17 am

Jackson, I am subscribed to Rockin and Relaxed and still I am locked out of some of your categories on the upper page such as, Chord Diagrams.  I get the message that I don't have the correct membership to access these areas.  What else do I need to join to have total membership with 100% access to everything you offer?  Lee

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Levis Ouellet September 15, 2013 at 6:38 am

Hi Jackson,

One ot the songs that is requested a lot during our sing-song evenings is ABBA's song "I Have a Dream".  As you know it is a fairly easy song but it would be nice if you could have that one on your web site.  I will be in Florida this Winter again and want some of my friends to join your online lessons.  Anyway, I will be trying to have them join in with you as they are very new at guitar playing and would like to know.  So I will recommend you.

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Levis Ouellet September 12, 2013 at 12:13 pm

By the way Jackson….I'd learn a few chords when I was in my early 40's than I was hospitalized with Guillain Barré Syndrome which paralized me from head to toe.  That was in 1982.  At that time I left the guitar aside until just recently after learning a few open chords.  Two years ago I took my Fender out and started playing again.  I now have 6 guitars and learning more and more and try to practice everyday.

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songmentor September 12, 2013 at 12:15 pm

You should be very proud of yourself! Enjoy!

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Levis Ouellet September 12, 2013 at 12:07 pm

By the way Jackson….I'd learn a few chords when I was in my early 40's than I was hospitalzed with Guillain Barré Syndrome which paralised me from head to toe.  That was in 1982.  At that time I left the guitar aside until just recently after learning a few open chordes.  Two years ago I took my Fender out and started playing again.  I now have 6 guitars and learning more and more and try to practice everyday.

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Levis Ouellet September 12, 2013 at 12:01 pm

Hi Jackson,  I recently took advantage of your special for the Song Mento Premium.  After viewing some of your lessons I decided to join.   I will be 73 later this month and I enjoy you way of teaching.  I also love some of your song selections.  I especially like…. Neil Young, Neil Diamond, the Beatles, the Eagles….and more.  I love some of the country and western that you are teaching us also.  Thank you for all this.

I would like to know if you are ever planning to teach a few of Chris Isaak songs?

Thanks again

.

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Lyn May 19, 2013 at 3:09 pm

Sorry, one last question about the Premium membership if that's ok?

Are all the lessons able to play on iPad? It's just that many programes only play the newest uploads on iPad and the older ones are only able to open on a main computer. I love the versatility of using my iPad and playing my guitar in comfort not stuck in a room because that's where the home computer is. 

Thanks,

Lyn

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songmentor May 19, 2013 at 4:20 pm

Hi Lyn! Yes …. all the video plessons will be viewable on your iPad!

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john February 17, 2013 at 2:12 pm

What level do you need to be……beginner, intermediate….????

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songmentor April 23, 2013 at 12:13 am

Probably the best answer is advanced beginner through Intermediate!

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Paul February 4, 2013 at 11:09 am

also: didi u say that R&R means you get a 1 relaxed son & one rockin' song each week (2 songs) compared to the others whick only give you one song per week?

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Paul February 4, 2013 at 10:57 am

Hi Jackson…can a member print the song material as well?

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Paul February 2, 2013 at 8:58 am

Jackson, what if i become a member and want to switch from relaxed to rockin'?

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songmentor February 2, 2013 at 9:07 am

Hi Paul. That would not be a problem at all. I would just change your membership level internally from Relaxed to Rockin. Take care

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Eric December 31, 2012 at 1:41 am

Hi
If I subscribe, do I get access to all the previous songs that have been covered up to now? Like on "Free Guitar Mentor".
Cheers
Eric from Switzerland

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songmentor April 23, 2013 at 12:22 am

Absolutely Eric!

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Gerry Jorens August 6, 2012 at 6:44 pm

I'm on a monthly plan.  Can I change to a yearly plan without interupting my membership?

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songmentor March 18, 2015 at 9:38 am

Absolutely. Just let me know Gerry and I’ll help you with that.

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Jerry June 30, 2012 at 8:37 am

How long after the original posting will the lessons be available for?

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songmentor June 30, 2012 at 8:39 am

For as long as you remain a member Jerry! You always have access to previous posts!

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