Learning Guitar While Learning English: How Music Can Boost Your Language Skills

If you’re learning English in Japan, you’re probably familiar with the frustration of studying textbooks that pile on vocabulary but don’t help you actually speak or interact naturally. I’ve seen this with thousands of English learners over my 10 years teaching at a popular Eikaiwa school here in Japan. Many students want to speak English confidently, but often get stuck in passive learning.

As a guitar instructor with over 20 years of experience teaching hundreds of non-native speakers, I’ve found a fun and effective way to break this pattern: learning guitar in English. This bilingual approach not only improves your musical skills but also helps you naturally practice and improve your English — without it feeling like a chore.

Why Learning Guitar in English Works

The magic lies in combining two things you love: music and language. When we learn guitar, we’re focused on a clear goal — playing songs, mastering riffs, and creating music. This shared purpose makes conversation easier and more engaging because we always have a topic to talk about.

In my lessons, I teach mostly in English, sometimes mixing in Japanese for support when necessary. I always encourage students to express themselves in English by asking open questions and guiding conversations around music. This turns every lesson into both a guitar session and a comfortable English practice.

True English Immersion vs. Roleplaying at Eikaiwas

Many English learners in Japan get stuck practicing scripted dialogues or roleplays in Eikaiwa classrooms. While these can help with some basic phrases, they often feel artificial and don’t prepare you for real conversations. This kind of practice can make it hard to build natural speaking skills because you’re simply repeating patterns, not genuinely communicating.

True immersion happens when you’re engaged in meaningful, spontaneous conversation — the kind that comes naturally when learning guitar. Since music is a shared passion, lessons create real interactions where you have to think, respond, and express your ideas in English. This pushes your language skills forward far more effectively than rehearsed roleplay.

Real Results from Real Students

I’ve had beginners who initially struggled to speak smoothly in English. With patient guidance and consistent practice, within a few months many of them switch from relying on Japanese to communicating naturally in English during lessons. One student put it simply: “Taking lessons in English helps me maintain and improve my language skills while learning guitar.”

Here are some words from students who have experienced this bilingual approach:

"I was a complete beginner at guitar, but after starting lessons, I can play many songs now. Ryan’s kind and patient teaching style, along with encouragement for even small successes, motivates me every time. Learning guitar in English helps me maintain and improve my English skills."

"I’ve been taking lessons for almost a year and can now play my favorite songs. Ryan teaches everything carefully, from basics to techniques, and his lessons are fun with jokes included. Learning guitar in English is the best!"

"I’ve been learning guitar with Ryan for over a year in both English and Japanese. He speaks mostly in English, which naturally encourages me to study English expressions. I love jazz, so Ryan arranges jazz standards and solos to fit my skill level, helping me practice efficiently."

Who Benefits Most?

This approach works for all kinds of students — from kids just starting out, to adults aiming for fluency. Whether you want casual conversation practice or serious language improvement, learning guitar in English provides a low-pressure, enjoyable way to get better at both.

Tips for Learning Guitar While Improving Your English

• Be patient: It’s normal to mix languages at first. Over time, you’ll naturally switch to English as your confidence grows.

• Engage actively: Ask questions, describe what you’re playing, and share your musical ideas in English.

• Practice regularly: The more consistent your lessons, the faster your language and guitar skills will improve.

• Use music vocabulary: Learning guitar exposes you to a fun set of English words and phrases that you can use both in and outside lessons.

• Enjoy the process: When learning feels like play, you’ll stay motivated longer.

Learning guitar in English has been a rewarding experience for my students and me. It transforms language practice from something tedious into a creative, interactive journey. If you’re an English learner in Japan looking for a fresh, fun way to boost your skills, give bilingual guitar lessons a try — it might just be the perfect harmony you need.

👇 Curious About Real English Immersion?

If this resonated with you, you’re not alone — I’ve been in the Eikaiwa world, both as a teacher and a student, and I know how hard it can be to find real ways to improve. That’s why I’m passionate about offering something different.

I teach guitar in both English and Japanese here in Tokyo (Takadanobaba), and my lessons are a great way to get natural, relaxed English practice without forced small talk or textbook roleplay. Whether you're into jazz, funk, anime songs, or rock — I’ll help you grow as a guitarist and as an English speaker at the same time.

👉 Book a free trial lesson here and come see the difference for yourself!