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 guitar in the music.
Build the rhythm, confidence and musical instinct to accompany tunes, play melody, arrange songs and join in with other musicians across Celtic and North Atlantic traditions.
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 guitar is about listening, responding and supporting the tune. 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 are practical, musical and adapted to your interests—whether you are picking up a guitar for the first time or already playing in sessions.
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 & 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 & 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.
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A teacher who knows the session from the inside
I’m Paul Campbell, an Edinburgh-based guitarist, traditional musician and experienced teacher.
I have spent decades immersed in traditional music—as a guitarist, former fiddle player and regular session musician. That experience shapes the lessons: technique matters, but it is always connected to phrasing, rhythm, listening and playing with other people.
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 explanation. Patient encouragement. Useful material. Music 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 and families 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.”
“Paul is enthusiastic, experienced and highly motivated. His friendly and encouraging manner brings out the best in his students.”
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.