Sam Davis Guitar & Bass Lessons

Sam Davis is a wonderful guitar teacher and a very nice guy. I've enjoyed every lesson I've had with him. It had been over 35 years since I had taken guitar lessons as a teenager and I was a bit anxious to find a teacher who would help me restart my fretboard explorations. Sam was the perfect teacher for this. He introduced me to a host of new concepts, exercises, and ideas. I particularly appreciate the quality of the written materials he gave me each lesson. These charts and diagrams will be a rich resource for me to draw from for years to come. I feel lucky to have found Sam and sat in his student's chair. I also feel quite privileged to have been introduced to Darla. more

Sam Davis is a wonderful guitar teacher and a very nice guy. I've enjoyed every lesson I've had with him. It had been over 35 years since I had taken guitar lessons as a teenager and I was a bit anxious to find a teacher who would help me restart my fretboard explorations. Sam was the perfect teacher for this. He introduced me to a host of new concepts, exercises, and ideas. I particularly appreciate the quality of the written materials he gave me each lesson. These charts and diagrams will be a rich resource for me to draw from for years to come. I feel lucky to have found Sam and sat in his student's chair. I also feel quite privileged to have been introduced to Darla. more

I came to Sam after being self-taught for a few months, but still very new to playing guitar. Sam is local to Cambridge - about halfway between Central Square and Harvard Square, walkable from either Red Line stop. Being self-taught to start, I wasn't sure what to expect of lessons. I was instantly put at ease when I saw Sam's teaching space: colorfully painted, barnyard-themed (parts of it, at least), equal parts shrine to guitar and a display of Sam's unique personal style. Did I mention Darla the Cow, Sam's six-foot fiberglass pet? Sam's teaching style is a mix of whimsy, technical mastery and artistry. One moment we could be talking about the mixolydian mode, the next moment talking about the proper way to hold your fingers on the fretboard when playing a certain scale, straight into which types chords sound the most "orcish." He is very easy-going, but don't be fooled - his 40+ years of playing guitar have made him a master. The man knows it all - how to hold it, how to play it, how to care for it, how to make them cry or sing. His love for the stuff is infectious, and makes it very easy to learn. The guy is a ton of fun, and obviously loves sharing the guitar with people. The lesson always flies by. What I get most out of my time with Sam is not necessarily the technical here's-how-you-do-this type stuff (though there is plenty of that), it's the conversations we'll have through the lesson. It's those off-the-cuff statements and observations that stick with you for a while afterwards - why a certain progression is interesting or unique, or how a certain song has no dead air in it, how a riff changes slightly throughout the song. Those things - clearly the results of a lifetime study of music - are the things I find myself coming back to the most, and are the types of things you can't learn elsewhere. more

To all the adult beginners out there, Sam is your guy! I've been taking lessons with him for several months now and find him to be extremely flexible, knowledgeable, and most importantly, patient! I have no musical background, and while I'm sure the many advanced students he teaches provide a more interesting and challenging experience, he'd never let me know it. He truly seems to love teaching, and his enthusiasm helps push me to keep trying things I'd otherwise be unfamiliar, uncomfortable, or flat out frustrated with. I'd recommend him to those just starting or well-versed, he has years of experience both playing and teaching and it really shows. more

Sam Davis is a both knowledgeable and personable in his dynamic style of teaching guitar and bass (electric and/or acoustic). He has many years of experience in various genres of music, and his studio is easy to find, inviting, and much decorated. I have been playing guitar for about ten years and have taken lessons on-and-off throughout that time. I started taking lessons with Sam in the summer of 2011, and within just a few lessons, he was able to fill in gaps in my music theory knowledge and general form. Sam is very thorough in his teaching and even creates his own worksheets and guides to reference when practicing at home. Sam teaches a wide range of ages, playing styles, and experience levels from children to adults. He caters his lessons to your needs as a musician, whether you're a beginner or active performer. His lesson rates are reasonable, and he has a very flexible schedule. I would definitely recommend Sam Davis for all your guitar/bass needs! more

Sam is an amazing guitar teacher and player, plus he’s a pretty cool dude in general. I’ve had lessons with him for almost a year and he has helped me develop as a player. I’m a recent college grad who has messed around with guitar for several years, but never got really far because I didn’t know what I was doing. Sam taught me the stuff I wanted to play, but more importantly he always explained the theory behind everything so that I was learning concepts and techniques instead of just songs. He’s also very good about catering the lesson to your specific needs or interests at the time. I would recommend him to beginners or any experienced player that needs more guidance in their guitar journey. more

I highly recommend Sam Davis, guitar/bass teacher. Sam is an incredibly qualified and personable teacher who conducts lessons out of his tidy, colorful, and centrally located apartment in Cambridge and offers very flexible hours. I have been taking acoustic guitar lessons from Sam for almost ten years now. Sam is very interesting and eccentric but unlike many people who fit that description, he is very organized, responsible and reliable. This ability to offer the best of both worlds really sums up why Sam is so special as a person and as a teacher. He is brilliant, but is able to tailor this knowledge to each student's particular level of ability and interest. He is happy to go with the flow of where you want to take your learning or, if you need more guidance, can custom design a course of study for you. Either way, you will leave with either a pre-printed sheet of music or one that Sam has instantly rendered and precisely annotated with all that you have just covered. This makes practice more productive, plus, after you have collected enough of these, you've got a great reference guide for future learning. No matter what your age, skill level or musical interest, do yourself a favor and get in touch with Sam. I have learned tons and have had a really good time doing it. more

I highly recommend Sam Davis, guitar/bass teacher. Sam is an incredibly qualified and personable teacher who conducts lessons out of his tidy, colorful, and centrally located apartment in Cambridge and offers very flexible hours. I have been taking acoustic guitar lessons from Sam for almost ten years now. Sam is very interesting and eccentric but unlike many people who fit that description, he is very organized, responsible and reliable. This ability to offer the best of both worlds really sums up why Sam is so special as a person and as a teacher. He is brilliant, but is able to tailor this knowledge to each student's particular level of ability and interest. He is happy to go with the flow of where you want to take your learning or, if you need more guidance, can custom design a course of study for you. Either way, you will leave with either a pre-printed sheet of music or one that Sam has instantly rendered and precisely annotated with all that you have just covered. This makes practice more productive, plus, after you have collected enough of these, you've got a great reference guide for future learning. No matter what your age, skill level or musical interest, do yourself a favor and get in touch with Sam. I have learned tons and have had a really good time doing it. more

Taking lessons with Sam has probably been one of the best music decisions I made. Bored with ripping Bob Dylan songs off from the internet and with a love for jazz, I called Sam about six months ago and said "I want to play like Django Reinhardt." He replied, "Yeah, we can do that, I was in a gypsy jazz group once." Sam is a true master. His experience teaching shines through with every lesson. He has gotten me started and built a great foundation for me while always listening to what I am playing and saying. Never has a lesson felt like a drag and they are always fun! His encouragement has fostered my learn-by-doing attitude. I've grown exponentially over the past six months and it's due to Sam's masterful teaching! more

I've been taking acoustic guitar lessons from Sam Davis for the past four years, and I can honestly say it's one of the most rewarding things I've ever done. When I came in, I "knew" four open-position chords (but I couldn't tell you how to construct any other chords!) and could barely play "Smells Like Teen Spirit,". I definitely couldn't play barre chords without buzzing the strings, and my strumming was about as rhythmic and controlled as a white guy trying to dance. Now I can play and sing at the same time, I actually practice and I know James Taylor and can improvise blues and folk guitar. That's like waking up one day and knowing Kung Fu. TRUE STORY. Sam doesn't care how much you do or don't know, he always tailors lessons to you. Do you have problems hearing how the music should sound? He's on it. Can't figure out strumming rhythm? He's there playing it with you, always patient, never tiring of your constant and un-improving repetition of "Paint It Black." Are you scared of mistakes? He'll coach you through and build your confidence so that you begin to love messing up so that you learn new things. Do you feel like bringing your accordion to the lesson instead of a guitar? Right on, he'll help you figure out the chord relationships. Are you feeling sad today and can't bear to play arpeggios? He'll find a song to learn that gets you through the lesson AND improves your day. The posters don't lie, Sam Davis is a mystic musicality guru who inherently knows all the gaps in knowledge, bad habits and failure to practice that stand in the way of the guitar player you are today and the guitar player you want to be. Sam Davis is not a lesson manager. He's not a slave driver. He's one of the best people you can know, secretly masquerading as the best guitar teacher you'll ever have. You could be 8 or 80, a novice or a virtuoso. Sam Davis is appropriate for all ages. more

I have been taking guitar lessons from Sam from many years, and I have learned so much from him! Sam is eclectic and extremely intelligent. He has a holistic understanding of the instrument and of how to teach it - both for song playing and theory. Taking lessons in his apartment instead of a little music room is far more comfortable and fun, too. I often bring ideas for new songs to learn, and Sam can easily and quickly learn the song (if he doesn't already know by heart, which he often does), and then prepare the chord progressions and strumming on the spot, and within a few minutes we are playing it together. Sam is very active around Cambridge/Somerville music scene, playing with different bands, including lots of gigs at Johnny D's. It is always a blast to hear him play. Sam is truly a unique person and a great teacher, and I am happy to count him as a teacher and friend. more

I can’t agree more with all the 5 star reviews that are given to Sams Guitar lessons! Back in the Netherlands I started learning playing the guitar by doing lessons on the internet. I have tried a lot of websites, some are better than others but no lesson could substitute one of Sams lessons. When I came in Boston I really wanted to get better in playing the guitar so I started searching the internet for “real” guitar lessons. Luckily I found Sam! After just one single lesson with Sam, I learned more than have ever learned by surfing the internet. I’ve had just a few lessons now and I already feel like I know the guitar much better as an instrument. Sam is really good in explaining everything in a way that you understand it. I’m 23 but I am sure that Sam can also make everything understandable for children. Unfortunately, I’m just in boston for 6 months. In short, if you really want to master the guitar (whatever guitar you want to play), you should really try a lesson with Sam Davis!!! more

Our son has a passion for guitar. He has been strumming guitars, books, brooms, tennis rackets since age 3. He first expressed his desire to take guitar lessons when he was 4. My wife and I then started to ask our friends in Cambridge and Boston, if a guitar teacher would be crazy enough to teach a 4y old. We thought that person did not exist, until we found Sam. Sam is undoubtedly unique. He is enthusiastic and warm, amazingly patient, funny, extremely knowledgeable. He is very creative in finding ways to teach while maintaining the joy of playing. Our son always looks forward to seeing Sam. Besides, we have the genuine feeling that Sam is happy to teach our son. Sam is a fabulous teacher. We are so thankful to have been able to connect our son with him. more

I have been studying with Sam since I was six or seven, and I'm 12 now, so you might guess that i like him. he teaches music great, and he's a nice guy, too. i study songs that i like, songs that are challenging, and music theory as well. PS As a parent, I'm really happy with the quality of lessons my son is getting. He comes home fired up about a new song or a new technique just about every week. That's a pretty impressive thing when you're twelve and you've been going for years! more

Sam is a super mellow personality--and a guy with great teaching technique. I've been working with him for 2 years and I always look forward to seeing him. If you're looking for a guitar guru who can help you vibe as well as play, he's your man! more

Generally speaking, I’m not one for teachers, but I quickly discovered that Sam is not your average guitar teacher (or player, for that matter). Not only is his knowledge of music extensive and seemingly endless, it is also without pretense--a rare virtue in the guitar world. However, what truly sets Sam apart from the scads of other teachers is his unique ability to convey complex information in a manner that is understandable to beginners, working professionals, and those of us stuck somewhere in between. He is especially gifted at transforming the theoretical into the practical: he actually shows you how to integrate and apply modes, scales (the triads within the scales…), chord structures, etc., to your own music, thus enabling you to become more creative. He is beyond patient, never, ever makes you feel stupid for asking questions, and is one of the funniest guys around, not to mention one of the smartest. Aside from all of that, Sam has been extremely flexible with scheduling and understanding that not everyone can afford to come every week. I usually go two or three times a month, budget permitting. He is easy to get a hold of, and always replies to texts/calls/emails quickly. I also love that he writes out all of the stuff you’ve gone over, so that you have material you can refer back to throughout the week, month, year, etc. You know the guy loves to teach when he tells you to call him if you find you don’t understand something or have additional questions. And he means it, too. I have found Sam’s knowledge to be invaluable, and his teaching style second to none. I cannot recommend him highly enough. more

Music is a new field of knowledge for me, and Sam was a perfect person to introduce me to it. He is everything anyone could imagine an inspiring music instructor to be: informative and cool. Sam is a passionate player, as well as a very sophisticated theoretician, and great instructor, who knows how to find the individual approach to each student, and make the experience enjoyable and informative at the same time, condensing complex, intricate material to accessible bits in seconds. You would be taken by his fluency with diverse music styles, from Blues to Jazz to Rock, and knowledge of its history. I would recommend him to anyone with any levels of experience: beginners to advanced. Sam has magical surprises in his toolbox for everyone! more

Sam is a great guitar teacher who is great at guitar and teaches it in a great fun way. Plus he has a rocking cow show and a hilarious picture of him dressed like a chicken by the freeway. That pictures been on my guitar binder for months, and it’s still hilarious. On scale of one to ten of fun musical ability he’s a twelve. Matt R., 12. When my son asked to try guitar lessons again, I decided to do some research and luckily found Sam Davis, guitar teacher, extraordinaire. The previous attempt was not successful. Sam has a way with kids, my son is dazzled by him and really looks forward to his lessons . My son enjoys his lessons now and practices regularly without much if any of a reminder and is progressing at learning how to play. Sam has a great approach and wonderful sense of humor. Check him out you will not be disappointed. Gianna R. more

I've been taking lessons with Sam for the past three-ish years, and I can ensure that Sam is, to put it simply, a god among guitar teachers. He has infinite knowledge of music, is beyond awesome at guitar playing, and has great taste in music. And more importantly, he puts up with my brother and I for an hour and a half each week. Trust me - that's impressive. Sam has shown us awesome YouTube clips of people getting mauled by bears, locked us in the student torture closet (complete with lights, sound effects, fake spiders, and severed arms), and thrown forks/pennies at our heads. And at the same time, he's taught us a really impressive amount of guitar and bass. S.A.M. = Scary-Awesome Musician!! more

Sam is great! I've been taking bass lessons from Sam for over a year. I was originally referred by my brother Whitney, who has taken guitar lessons with Sam since 2005. Sam is a great teacher, awesome to play with, and a blast to hang out with. Perfect for all ages, and all skill levels. An hour never seems like enough, and you'll always leave with a smile on your face, guaranteed!! more