Accompaniment
Rhythm, lift, chord choices and how to support fiddles, pipes and other melody instruments without crowding the tune.
Celtic guitar lessons in Edinburgh
Learn to play Celtic music on guitar.
My name is Paul Campbell. I teach Celtic guitar in Edinburgh and online.
I want to help you play tunes confidently, accompany songs sympathetically and develop the musical awareness to become a welcome contributor at traditional music sessions.
New to guitar? We begin in standard tuning. DADGAD and other tunings can be explored later, or sooner if that is your particular interest.
- EdinburghIn person
- AnywhereOnline
- All levelsBeginner to advanced
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More than learning chords
Traditional accompaniment begins with listening. The guitar should support the tune, not compete with it. Lessons are shaped around the music you want to play and the musician you want to become.
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What we can work on
Lessons follow your interests and experience. Beginners can start from scratch, while established players can concentrate on the parts of traditional guitar they most want to develop.
Standard tuning first
Beginners build secure chords, rhythm and technique in standard tuning. DADGAD and other altered tunings are available later, or as a specific focus for experienced players.
Fingerstyle and melody
Develop control and expression through fingerpicking, solo arrangements and traditional tunes played on guitar.
Session skills
Train your ear, follow unfamiliar tunes and learn the musical judgement that makes playing with others enjoyable.
Songs and arrangements
Find accompaniments that serve the voice, then shape complete arrangements with introductions, texture and dynamics.
Your own repertoire
Bring music from Scotland and Ireland, the distinct traditions of Orkney and Shetland, Nordic, Breton or Québecois repertoire, or tunes you already play on another instrument.
Practical information
Lesson lengths and prices
Adults
45 minutes · £33.75
Fortnightly lessons often work well for adults balancing music with work and other commitments.
Children
Up to 30 minutes · £22.50 for 30 minutes
Weekly lessons are usual. For younger children, I’ll discuss with a parent whether 30 minutes is the right length for their attention span.
In person or online: The lesson price is the same for both. Most in-person lessons take place at my home in Edinburgh; I can also travel to students. An Edinburgh home visit usually adds £2.50 for travel.
New students: Start with a free 45-minute trial lesson.
Arrange your free trial03
A teacher who knows the session from the inside
I am an Edinburgh-based guitarist with decades of experience in traditional music and teaching.
I have spent much of my musical life playing guitar and fiddle with other musicians. That experience shapes the lessons. Technique matters, but it must connect with phrasing, rhythm and careful listening.
I hold an HNC in Applied Music and teach adults, children and families. Lessons are encouraging and well structured, while remaining flexible enough to suit different learning styles, musical backgrounds and ambitions.
Teaching approach
Clear explanations and patient encouragement, using material you can put into practice from the first lesson.
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Watch and listen
See the guitar in its musical setting and get a feel for the playing behind the lessons.
Celtic guitar showreel
From solo fingerstyle to ensemble accompaniment
The reel moves through several sides of my playing:
- Detailed fingerstyle arrangements of a Scottish pipe tune and a Scottish air
- Accompaniment for fiddle and two different singers
- A group arrangement of Sergio Ortega’s El pueblo unido, playing both guitar and cittern
Recorded work
Taghahd Fiodh / The Lives of Three Wattles
From Far Flung Collective’s 2024 album To A Sea Cliff. Co-composed by Paul Campbell, Anna-Wendy Stevenson, Naomi Harvey and Sheena Peteranna.
Open on Bandcamp ↗05
What students, families and organisations say
“The guitar has become our daughter’s favourite instrument; thanks to Paul’s encouragement, she now chooses her own music and spends hours playing and singing along.”
“Paul’s patience and encouragement make the lessons enjoyable. He explains techniques clearly and finds tunes that connect guitar with her bagpipe playing.”
Traditional music organisations
These professional references were independently received and verified through MusicTeachers.co.uk.
“Paul was an enthusiastic and encouraging tutor … pupils always made excellent progress under his tutelage.”
“Paul is an enthusiastic, experienced and highly motivated guitar teacher. He is always extremely well prepared and has his pupils’ best interests at heart.”
Your first lesson is free
Bring a tune.
Start a conversation.
Tell me a little about what you play, what you listen to and what you would like to achieve. The free 45-minute trial gives us time to play, talk and see whether the lessons feel right.
Telephone07793 201514
Contact me directly, or use MusicTeachers for platform booking. Available in Edinburgh, at students’ homes where practical, and online.