6 Guitarist Interview Questions and Answers

Introduction

This question assesses your adaptability as a guitar instructor and your ability to tailor your teaching methods to meet the needs of diverse students, which is crucial for effective instruction.

How to answer

• Begin by outlining your overall teaching philosophy regarding skill development
• Discuss how you assess a student's current skill level and learning style
• Describe specific techniques or methods you use for beginners versus advanced students
• Provide examples of how you adjust lessons based on student progress and feedback
• Emphasize the importance of fostering a positive and encouraging learning environment

What not to say

• Using a one-size-fits-all approach without considering individual needs
• Failing to provide specific examples of techniques or adjustments
• Neglecting the importance of student feedback in improving your teaching
• Overemphasizing technical skills without addressing creativity or musicality

Example answer

“In my teaching at a local music school in Tokyo, I start by assessing each student's skills through a casual performance. For beginners, I focus on basic chords and strumming patterns while introducing songs they enjoy to keep them motivated. For advanced students, I delve into techniques like fingerpicking and improvisation, often using jazz standards as a foundation. I adjust my lessons based on their progress and interests, which fosters a supportive environment where they feel comfortable exploring their musicality.”

Introduction

This question is crucial for assessing your adaptability and creativity as a guitarist, especially when unexpected situations arise during performances.

How to answer

• Begin by setting the context of the performance, including the venue and audience.
• Describe the unexpected situation that required you to improvise.
• Explain your thought process and how you adapted your playing style.
• Highlight the outcome of the performance and audience reaction.
• Reflect on what you learned from this experience and how it has influenced your playing.

What not to say

• Failing to provide a specific example or story.
• Overemphasizing technical details without discussing the emotional impact.
• Blaming external factors without showcasing your own adaptability.
• Ignoring the audience's response or the overall performance outcome.

Example answer

“During a gig at the Sydney Opera House, the sound system malfunctioned mid-song. I quickly switched to a more acoustic style, relying on fingerpicking instead of electric riffs. The audience appreciated the change, and I felt a deeper connection with them. This experience taught me the importance of flexibility and keeping the performance engaging, regardless of technical challenges.”

Introduction

This question is important because session guitarists often face the challenge of playing in diverse musical styles, requiring flexibility and a strong understanding of different genres.

How to answer

• Begin by outlining the specific project or gig that required you to adapt your style.
• Explain the genre you were asked to play and any challenges it presented.
• Detail the steps you took to prepare, such as listening to reference tracks or practicing specific techniques.
• Share the outcome of your performance and any positive feedback you received.
• Highlight what you learned from the experience and how it has influenced your versatility as a guitarist.

What not to say

• Claiming you're only comfortable in one genre or style.
• Failing to provide a specific example or story.
• Neglecting to discuss the preparation process or learning involved.
• Overlooking the importance of feedback or collaboration with other musicians.

Example answer

“During a session for a pop artist, I was asked to incorporate a reggae style into the arrangements, which was unfamiliar to me. I dove into listening to classic reggae tracks, focusing on the unique rhythms and chord progressions. I practiced specific riffs and techniques for a week before the session. On the day, I delivered a solo that really captured the vibe, and the artist praised my contribution. This experience broadened my musical palette and taught me the importance of being adaptable.”

Introduction

This question assesses your creativity and technical skills, which are crucial for a lead guitarist in crafting parts that enhance the overall musical experience.

How to answer

• Start by discussing your understanding of the song's mood and structure
• Explain your approach to improvisation and composition
• Detail the techniques you utilize, such as scales, phrasing, and dynamics
• Share specific examples of solos you've created and their impact on the song
• Discuss how you collaborate with other band members during this process

What not to say

• Claiming you don't have a specific process and just wing it
• Focusing overly on technical jargon without explaining its application
• Neglecting to mention how the solo fits within the context of the song
• Not acknowledging the collaborative aspect of music creation

Example answer

“When I create a guitar solo, I first immerse myself in the song's vibe. For instance, in a recent track, I identified a melancholic tone and decided to use the Dorian scale to evoke that feeling. I started with a melodic phrase that mirrored the chorus, then added some improvisational licks that built tension towards the climax. Collaborating with the band, we found a balance that complemented the vocals beautifully, enhancing the overall emotional delivery.”

Introduction

This question assesses your versatility as a musician and your ability to connect with different audiences, which is crucial for a successful guitarist.

How to answer

• Begin with a brief overview of the performance and the genre you were adapting to.
• Explain the specific elements of your playing style you adjusted.
• Detail any challenges you faced and how you overcame them.
• Highlight audience feedback or reactions that demonstrated your success.
• Conclude with what you learned from the experience.

What not to say

• Avoid vague descriptions that don't specify how your style changed.
• Don't focus solely on technical skills without mentioning audience engagement.
• Refrain from complaining about the genre or audience expectations.
• Avoid examples that lack a positive outcome or personal growth.

Example answer

“During a summer festival, I was invited to play with a jazz band, which was outside my usual rock genre. I had to adapt my fingerpicking technique to incorporate more improvisation and swing rhythms. Initially, I struggled with the timing, but after practicing with the band, my confidence grew. The audience responded positively, and I even received compliments on my solos. This experience taught me the importance of adaptability and the joy of stepping outside my comfort zone.”

Introduction

This question is important for a Junior Guitarist as it assesses your technical skills and versatility in playing the guitar, which are crucial for live performances and studio recordings.

How to answer

• Start by mentioning the different techniques you have learned (e.g., fingerstyle, strumming, tapping, etc.)
• Provide specific examples of songs or performances where you applied these techniques
• Explain how mastering these techniques has improved your overall musicianship
• Discuss any challenges you faced in learning these techniques and how you overcame them
• Mention how you plan to continue developing your skills in the future

What not to say

• Claiming to know techniques without demonstrating usage in performances
• Focusing only on one technique or style without showcasing versatility
• Ignoring the importance of practice and growth in your answer
• Being vague or providing irrelevant examples that do not relate to guitar playing

Example answer

“I've explored various techniques like fingerstyle and alternate picking. In my last performance at a local café, I used fingerstyle to play 'Blackbird' by The Beatles, which really showcased the song's melody. Learning to tap has been challenging, but I practiced daily, and recently, I performed 'Eruption' by Van Halen. This journey taught me the value of persistence and creativity in music, and I’m excited to learn more advanced techniques in the future.”