In terms of the guitar lessons I provide I've been asked to define my meaning of "Intermediate Standard". 

Well, if you've ever had to sit music examinations you will probably know what "intermediate" means, or have a fair idea about it. But for the type of tuition I provide I think the only way to try to define it is to suggest you try playing something like Andrew York's "Squares Suspended", note perfect with good intonation, (traditional music notation is available on his website http://www.andrewyork.net/SheetMusic/Wovenharmony.php) - or maybe the John Williams version of Cavatina, again note perfect and with good intonation, and from start to finish. I would say that anyone who can do so has reached the very peak of "intermediate" standard. That said no two people are alike so even this test is debatable, but at least it gives an idea as to the expectations of anyone taking lessons with me. How long it would take to reach that standard will, of course depend on the level of your ...

When I first started playing the guitar a tuner was something you usually had to blow into and then remember the sound it produced before tuning each string. Either that or you would use the old 5,5,5,4,5 fret tuning method which was never satisfactory and unless you got lucky still left you with a problem once you started playing in a band with other guitarists! Thank goodness for digital tuners. Even if you have a good "ear" a digital tuner can be a life-saver, and considering how little they cost these days are a vital tool in any guitar player's arsenal - so never be without one. Oh, and when the battery starts to give up, replace it as soon as you can to avoid getting incorrect readouts.