Will Doughty
About
Hi! I’m Will— Guitar guy, Loog enthusiast, and your go-to guide for turning musical curiosity into confident, creative playing.
I’ve been teaching music for over 20 years, helping kids, teens and bucket-listers not just play their instruments, but truly own their sound. Whether it’s a three-string Loog, a full-blown six-string guitar, or a ukulele with dreams of grandeur—I make learning music fun, focused, and fearlessly expressive.
My students stick with me for years (average: 5+!), growing from beginners into jazz band heroes, singer-songwriters, and even professional recording artists. I’m a certified Loog Educator, a YouTube creator (check out the Loog Nation channel), and a proud music instructor for charter schools, homeschoolers, and private lesson platforms like LessonFace.
For kids and teens, I blend technique and theory with creativity and fun. From “Smoke on the Water” to songwriting, I help young players build real skills and a lifelong love of music focused on the songs they want to play!
For bucket-listers and comeback players, I specialize in getting you unstuck—whether you’re dusting off your guitar after years or tackling the basics with fresh eyes. I meet you where you are, with no judgment, and guide you through the stuff that actually works (no more aimless noodling, I promise).
What Students and Families have to say:
"I give Will seven stars! Will is different than other teachers because he lets you try until you succeed and he teaches you important concepts, ways to play, and can make you better.". - J.M. Age 11 (student since age 5)
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"- Will used to come to the house on Saturdays to do lessons with both Rowena and Navin and in 2020, we had to pivot and do it online instead. Will is extremely effective teaching guitar online. Will provides his full attention to the student and keeps them engaged throughout the class. - You can tell that Will enjoys working with kids and has a true passion for guitar and bringing music into people's homes.
- Will makes guitar learning fun - he is creative in teaching specific guitar techniques through music kids are interested in learning. - Will is a very patient teacher and brings a ton of energy to each lesson and is genuinely interested in progress of the student. - The kids have been working with Will since 2018. - Rowena used to play the violin before the guitar and Will was able to leverage her skills from playing the violin to enable a smoother transition to playing the guitar. Rowena also continued to improve her ability to read music while working with Will." --The Smith Family (students since ages 8 and 11)
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What is something that sets Will Doughty apart from other teachers or online resources (YouTube etc.)?
By my second lesson, we were already learning chords to the songs I wanted to play. Most classes take the first several months just teaching chords and drills. Also, he is watching you play live so if you are doing anything wrong he can correct you, or if you are having difficulty he can modify it.
How have you specifically improved playing the guitar while working with Will Doughty?
My ability to switch from chords, finger strength, and my finger dexterity has improved by outstanding leaps and bounds.
If a friend asked you about taking lessons with Will Doughty, what would you tell them?
Do it! He is such a good teacher! he makes learning fun and has you playing songs you enjoy so you'll want to practice! - Susan S.
Teaching Style
Personalized. Empowering. Song-Driven. Always Fun.
No cookie-cutter lessons here—my teaching is all about you. Whether you’re just starting out or picking things back up after years away, I’ll meet you where you are and build a custom path to where you want to go.
You get to play what you want to play. Together, we build a list of songs you love—whether it’s Billie Eilish, The Beatles, or that one tune you’ve been humming for years. I then map out a learning sequence using those songs, starting with the simpler ones and layering in skills so you’re ready for the trickier ones down the line.
🎵 Every song becomes a lesson.
🎵 Every lesson moves you forward.
🎵 And every step is tailored to you.
🎸Fun • Personalized • Student-Focused
- 🎶 You choose the songs – We build your lesson plan around music you love
- 🪄 Song-driven learning – Each song teaches a specific skill (chords, strumming, theory, etc.)
- 🎯 Strategic progression – I pick songs from your list in an order that builds toward more complex playing
- 🧠 Musicianship matters – We cover note reading, music theory, and creative expression
- 💪 Fretboard confidence – You’ll improve finger strength, chord changes, and rhythm every week
- 🧩 Paced for YOU – Lessons are customized to your goals, speed, and style
- 🙌 Empowering & fun – You’ll leave each session feeling capable, creative, and inspired to play more
Curriculum
Tone First. Always Personal. Built to Last.
Great guitar playing starts with a great tone. If your chords buzz or your notes sound thin, it’s frustrating—and I’ve seen far too many players give up because no one helped them fix it early on... That’s why my #1 focus is getting you to create clean, confident sound from day one.
Here’s how I teach:
- 🎶 You pick the songs – Together, we build a list of tunes you love
- 🧭 I guide the path – I select songs from your list in a strategic order that builds skills progressively
- 🎵 Each song is a lesson – Chords, strumming, theory, note-reading, rhythm—all woven into the songs you play
- 🔊 Tone is the foundation – We start with good technique for clear chords and strong single notes
- 🎯 Custom finger exercises – I’ve developed proven drills that boost accuracy and speed—tailored just for you
- 📚 Real books, real results – We draw from classics like Reading Music for Guitar and Scale Guru, but never rely on one-size-fits-all lesson plans
- ✍️ Original exercises that work – I’ve written hundreds of my own drills that simplify complex techniques and get real progress
- 🧩 Personalized pacing – You’ll never feel rushed. We work at your pace, with each lesson crafted to your current ability
- 🛠️ Skills that stick – Chords, melodies, scales, strumming patterns—taught in context so they make sense and sound great
- 🎵 Progress through songs – Your favorite music becomes the map. We build technique through tunes you love
- 🧠 Smart structure = lasting growth – You’ll get better every week without burning out or feeling lost
Over the last 20+ years, I’ve seen this approach work for total beginners, returning players, and even pros hitting a plateau. When you sound good, you feel good—and that’s when the real learning begins.
Credentials & Affiliations
Loog Certified Educator 2023
Child Performer Services Permit expires June 2027
CPS-LR-1001256499
