A Physiology informed Guitar course
The Physiology of the
Bar Chord
Play Bar chords with clarity and ease - without squeezing harder
When principles of physiology are applied, bar chords that once felt impossible can become clear and sustainable within minutes
Created by Kenji Iwamitsu-Holdaway (University of Auckland Guitar teacher) and Greg Holdaway (MSc Physiology and Sport Science, University of Sydney)
The problem
"Squeezing harder" is painful, and it doesn't work
For decades, the standard advice for bar chords has been to use more force. "Practice more", "squeeze harder", "push through the pain."
This approach doesn't just fail — it can cause real physical harm. Excess tension, repetitive strain, and long-term injury are all common results of forcing bar chords without understanding the mechanics involved.
When you understand how to co-ordinate your whole body, bar chords stop being a struggle
Sound familiar?
- ✕Your fingers buzz or mute strings no matter how hard you press
- ✕You feel pain or tension after a few minutes of practice
- ✕You've almost given up on bar chords altogether
- ✕You can hold a bar chord briefly but your hand fatigues fast
These are signs you have not been taught the anatomical and physiological mechanics of the bar chord
The breakthrough
You are not the problem.
Once you understand how to leverage your whole body to perform the bar chord, the bar chord becomes a completely different experience
"Within 5 minutes, students who have struggled with bar chords for years, can suddenly play them with ease and clarity"
What you'll learn
A complete physiological framework
for bar chords
Movement fundamentals
Mastering bar chords isn't just about finger strength—it's about how you move your entire body. In this introductory lesson, we break down the neuro-physiological "Movement Fundamentals" that allow you to play (or do anything) with more clarity, and less tension.
Eliminating excess tension
Learn how to identify excess tension and release it
Active flexion and passive hyperextension of knuckles
Learn to distinguish between active flexion and passive hyperextension of your knuckle, and how this can be used to achieve clear sounding strings
Arm anatomy
How and where the arm is attached to the body, and what this means for our guitar playing
Practice routines
Learn practice routines and stretches that prepare your mind and body for easy clear Bar chord execution
Angle adjustment
Learn about different Body and Guitar angle adjustments that can be made to unlock your clear and easy Bar chord
Built on real expertise
Kenji Iwamitsu-Holdaway
Guitar Instructor, University of Auckland
Kenji has over 12 years of teaching experience across universities, high schools, and his own school. He has worked with platinum-selling artists and performed to tens of thousands of people internationally. His own experience with a playing-related nerve injury led him to rethink everything about how guitar technique is taught.
Greg Holdaway
MSc Physiology & Sport Science, University of Sydney
Greg holds a Master's degree in Physiology and Sport Science from the University of Sydney. He is a qualified movement specialist with 30 years of experience teaching the Alexander technique. His scientific background underpins the entire physiological framework of this course.
There is controlled-trial evidence that this type of technique training improves body use and reduces excess tension in musicians — known contributors to playing-related pain and overuse injury.
Pricing
Choose your access
Both options give you full access to the course. The Patreon option also includes ongoing support and additional content as it's released.
- ✓Full course — all lessons
- ✓Lifetime access, watch anytime
- ✓No recurring fees
- ✓All future updates to this course
- ✓Full access to this course
- ✓New Physiology informed Guitar lessons every month
- ✓Access to additional content and materials as it's released
- ✓Our undying gratitude
papabumpkin
Kenji is a great teacher and if you're learning guitar for the first time or want to improve on your skills I recommend coming here.
Carolina Borquez
It has been a great discovery to find Kenji. Our 6-year-old daughter is thrilled to have him as her teacher. She had been wanting to learn guitar for a while but was a bit scared to try something new. From the very first lesson, Kenji made her feel at ease.
Jack Walch
Brilliant lessons thank you.
Natasa Trpkovska
Kenji is great! Very calm manner and knowledgeable. We're always looking forward to the guitar lessons.
Billy Gao
Kenji is the best!
Ben Richards
Kenji & The Guitar school are amazing. So Patient, skilled and an amazing teacher. I can't wait to go back for my next lesson.
Swap Gomez
Absolutely amazing teacher. My son and myself have found it so easy to learn and such a friendly environment!
liv dickson
My son has been having lessons from Kenji for about 9 months and is loving it. Kenji is a great teacher and he's very patient and easy going and he lets my son learn metal lol. Would 100% recommend The Guitar School to anyone wanting to learn to play guitar.
Jedi Jumig
Really loved how patient Kenji is! He also doesn't only teach guitar skills but he also teaches some really awesome theory skills that you can use to improve your guitar skills!
Xavier Tait
I had Kenji as my guitar teacher for about a year he taught me everything from my first chord to songs and techniques. From the year I had with him I could see not only my guitar skills progressing.
Brown Family
Kenji is a great guitar teacher our teenage son really enjoys his lessons with The Guitar School. The lesson format works really well for our son and he is challenged and receives homework to practice at home to keep his skills up. Kenji is also helping him prepare for a guitar exam.
Isaac Brown
Just fun for all.
Robert Woodward
Have been really enjoying my lessons with Kenji. He is a great teacher, very patient, knowledgeable, I am learning a lot and making good progress with my classical music studies. Thank you.
Babak Rezaei Bastani
You are a nice teacher and a professional one cause my son learnt a lot of guitar lessons from you and I can find his improvement today.
Tara Ranchhod
Kenji is the best guitar teacher I've ever had. Their mastery of the guitar is matched by their exceptional teaching skills. The lessons were fun and well-structured, striking a balance between theory, technique, and practical application.
Andrew Pollock
Fantastic teacher with a practical approach to teach you to learn in a relaxed atmosphere that helps you improve week by week and makes you want to come back. Highly recommended for all ages and guitar level.
fakhrul alam
Very patient and invested in my son's success.
fdsteve
Kenji is an amazing guitar teacher who has helped me improve my skills and confidence in playing the guitar. He is very patient, supportive, and knowledgeable, and he always tailors the lessons to my goals and interests.
Anadil Sameen
Good bass guitar teacher.
Gareth Ewen
Great teacher who is obviously a master at the guitar. Makes it both fun and easy to understand and keeps things relaxed and positive during lessons.
deformed slime
Kenji was my guitar teacher throughout this year and he was very kind and supportive to me especially because I was still a beginner to the guitar. I highly recommend!
Isolina Vila
My son has been attending The Guitar School for 3 years with Kenji. He is an exceptional teacher very knowledgeable, patient and creative. My son has learnt how to read music and plays beautifully. He always enjoys his sessions.
Caleb Wright
Kenji is an extremely friendly, passionate and patient teacher as well as being an incredible guitarist. My playing has improved significantly since beginning lessons with him.
Frank Eliesa
The best in Auckland! Highly recommend!
Niklas Meads
Kenji is a masterful guitarist and teacher. I fully recommend him to anyone willing to level up their skill and find their musical voice.
Leigh Love
Kenji is a great teacher, I have been taking lessons with him for a few months now. He is always pushing me out of my comfort zone and encouraging me. I love the random jam sessions we have.
Michael Ding
Kenji is an amazing teacher. He understands what student needs and how to make efficient improvement. He always delivers lessons professionally. His lessons are highly attractive to students.
Coco Li
My child has been learning guitar with Kenji for over three years, covering both acoustic and electric guitar. Under his patient and professional guidance, my child has made great progress and successfully passed the Grade 6 acoustic guitar.
Julie Murton
Kenji is an amazing, patient teacher with my 8 year old son. Very passionate about teaching and guitars.
Safia Nanjanmoore
Patience and knowledge - that's Kenji, even when I need things repeated. Love your work Kenji from Naren.
Ali Ghaheri
A lovely place to learn how to play guitar. Very good atmosphere and amazing teachers. Having a blast learning from Kenji.
Ryan Gao
Really good guitar teacher, he's very good at guitar and teaching.
SomeGuyCalledThad
Kenji is just the man, I'm sure a lot of people had teachers who is just the man at playing the guitar but when they teach you it's like an alien telling you something.
Terry Yin
Great teacher, progress fast.
oggiraymond
Kenji's great, would recommend to anyone thinking about lessons. His knowledge and approach has benefited me more than any previous teachers/lessons. Very inspiring!
Manu Helu
Thank you Kenji for teaching my son, he's a professional now. Having my proud mom moment.
Chaii Music
Kenji is a great teacher, I've enjoyed my lessons! Highly recommend!
Matthew Webster
Kenji is a very good teacher, who helps me learn guitar with music that is relevant and enjoyable for me.
Scott Young
Kenji is tremendously patient and enthusiastic and I couldn't ask for a more passionate teacher!
Echo Janman
Love the teaching at The Guitar School. Highly engaging, fun and making great progress in technique and style. Definitely recommended!
X Patel
My 12 yr daughter enjoys Kenji's teaching and has made great progress, since starting lessons with Kenji.
Helia Ba
Kenji is an awesome guitar teacher and as one of his students I can say that he is extremely passionate, patient, and experienced. Kenji has amazing teaching abilities with great skill. If you are looking for a guitar teacher I would definitely recommend Kenji.
Alyson Roach
My husband and I have been taking lessons from Kenji for a while now. He's an awesome teacher and he easily caters to both of our different playing styles and interests.
Kelli Booth
Kenji not only is an accomplished musician, he's patient and encourages you to stretch your own musical ability. He inspires confidence and you never feel like you're not good enough. One of the best music teachers I've had.
Brad Kelly
Very accomplished musician, great guy. Has a good rapport with students and easily relates to all abilities. My daughter is a beginner, Kenji is really enthusiastic, encouraging and super patient as she learns.
Jess Warren
Kenji is super talented and easy going! Really enjoy the style of learning which involves us jamming together.
Daniel Rissetto
Our daughter started learning guitar this year and Kenji has been amazing. She now loves playing guitar and enjoys each session she has.
traci toon
Kenji has been teaching my 8 yr daughter for sometime now, we won't go anywhere else for her lessons. She enjoys her classes and it's wonderful watching her grow with her music alongside a wonderful patient tutor.
BOWEN LI
Kenji is the best!
Ray Zhao
Really great, learnt a lot of good stuff here.
Dom
I had Kenji as my bass teacher for almost 2 years and to put simply, he was awesome and incredibly helpful. I highly recommend.
Emma S
I would highly recommend Kenji our son looks forward to lessons and is learning new songs to play on guitar each week.
Lois Mills
Kenji was super chill and cool teacher. Taught me the basics so I can grow in guitar. Shot Kenji!
Caleb Wright
Kenji is an extremely friendly, passionate and patient teacher as well as being an incredible guitarist. My playing has improved significantly since beginning lessons with him.
Jedi Jumig
Really loved how patient Kenji is! He also doesn't only teach guitar skills but he also teaches some really awesome theory skills that you can use to improve your guitar skills!
Coco Li
My child has been learning guitar with Kenji for over three years, covering both acoustic and electric guitar. Under his patient and professional guidance, my child has made great progress and successfully passed the Grade 6 acoustic guitar.
Isolina Vila
My son has been attending The Guitar School for 3 years with Kenji. He is an exceptional teacher very knowledgeable, patient and creative. My son has learnt how to read music and plays beautifully. He always enjoys his sessions.
Carolina Borquez
It has been a great discovery to find Kenji. Our 6-year-old daughter is thrilled to have him as her teacher. She had been wanting to learn guitar for a while but was a bit scared to try something new. From the very first lesson, Kenji made her feel at ease.
Robert Woodward
Have been really enjoying my lessons with Kenji. He is a great teacher, very patient, knowledgeable, I am learning a lot and making good progress with my classical music studies. Thank you.
Oggiraymond
Kenji's great, would recommend to anyone thinking about lessons. His knowledge and approach has benefited me more than any previous teachers/lessons. Very inspiring!
Fdsteve
Kenji is an amazing guitar teacher who has helped me improve my skills and confidence in playing the guitar. He is very patient, supportive, and knowledgeable, and he always tailors the lessons to my goals and interests.
Brown Family
Kenji is a great guitar teacher our teenage son really enjoys his lessons with The Guitar School. The lesson format works really well for our son and he is challenged and receives homework to practice at home to keep his skills up. Kenji is also helping him prepare for a guitar exam.
Deformed Slime
Kenji was my guitar teacher throughout this year and he was very kind and supportive to me especially because I was still a beginner to the guitar. I highly recommend!
Liv Dickson
My son has been having lessons from Kenji for about 9 months and is loving it. Kenji is a great teacher and he's very patient and easy going and he lets my son learn metal lol. Would 100% recommend The Guitar School to anyone wanting to learn to play guitar.
Tara Ranchhod
Kenji is the best guitar teacher I've ever had. Their mastery of the guitar is matched by their exceptional teaching skills. The lessons were fun and well-structured, striking a balance between theory, technique, and practical application.
Xavier Tait
I had Kenji as my guitar teacher for about a year he taught me everything from my first chord to songs and techniques. From the year I had with him I could see not only my guitar skills progressing.
Traci Toon
Kenji has been teaching my 8 yr daughter for sometime now, we won't go anywhere else for her lessons. She enjoys her classes and it's wonderful watching her grow with her music alongside a wonderful patient tutor.
Daniel Rissetto
Our daughter started learning guitar this year and Kenji has been amazing. She now loves playing guitar and enjoys each session she has.
Helia Ba
Kenji is an awesome guitar teacher and as one of his students I can say that he is extremely passionate, patient, and experienced. Kenji has amazing teaching abilities with great skill. If you are looking for a guitar teacher I would definitely recommend Kenji.
Leigh Love
Kenji is a great teacher, I have been taking lessons with him for a few months now. He is always pushing me out of my comfort zone and encouraging me. I love the random jam sessions we have.
Andrew Pollock
Fantastic teacher with a practical approach to teach you to learn in a relaxed atmosphere that helps you improve week by week and makes you want to come back. Highly recommended for all ages and guitar level.
Niklas Meads
Kenji is a masterful guitarist and teacher. I fully recommend him to anyone willing to level up their skill and find their musical voice.
Michael Ding
Kenji is an amazing teacher. He understands what student needs and how to make efficient improvement. He always delivers lessons professionally. His lessons are highly attractive to students.
Brad Kelly
Very accomplished musician, great guy. Has a good rapport with students and easily relates to all abilities. My daughter is a beginner, Kenji is really enthusiastic, encouraging and super patient as she learns.
SomeGuyCalledThad
Kenji is just the man, I'm sure a lot of people had teachers who is just the man at playing the guitar but when they teach you it's like an alien telling you something.
Alyson Roach
My husband and I have been taking lessons from Kenji for a while now. He's an awesome teacher and he easily caters to both of our different playing styles and interests.
Echo Janman
Love the teaching at The Guitar School. Highly engaging, fun and making great progress in technique and style. Definitely recommended!
Julie Murton
Kenji is an amazing, patient teacher with my 8 year old son. Very passionate about teaching and guitars.
Kelli Booth
Kenji not only is an accomplished musician, he's patient and encourages you to stretch your own musical ability. He inspires confidence and you never feel like you're not good enough. One of the best music teachers I've had.
Ben Richards
Kenji & The Guitar school are amazing. So Patient, skilled and an amazing teacher. I cant wait to go back for my next lesson.
Papabumpkin
Kenji is a great teacher and if you're learning guitar for the first time or want to improve on your skills I recommend coming here.
Jess Warren
Kenji is super talented and easy going! Really enjoy the style of learning which involves us jamming together.
Babak Rezaei Bastani
You are a nice teacher and a professional one cause my son learnt a lot of guitar lessons from you and I can find his improvement today.
Natasa Trpkovska
Kenji is great! Very calm manner and knowledgeable. We're always looking forward to the guitar lessons.
Dom
I had Kenji as my bass teacher for almost 2 years and to put simply, he was awesome and incredibly helpful. I highly recommend.
Ali Ghaheri
A lovely place to learn how to play guitar. Very good atmosphere and amazing teachers. Having a blast learning from Kenji.
Lois Mills
Kenji was super chill and cool teacher. Taught me the basics so I can grow in guitar. Shot Kenji!
Matthew Webster
Kenji is a very good teacher, who helps me learn guitar with music that is relevant and enjoyable for me.
X Patel
My 12 yr daughter enjoys Kenji's teaching and has made great progress, since starting lessons with Kenji.
Gareth Ewen
Great teacher who is obviously a master at the guitar. Makes it both fun and easy to understand and keeps things relaxed and positive during lessons.
Manu Helu
Thank you Kenji for teaching my son, he's a professional now. Having my proud mom moment.
Emma S
I would highly recommend Kenji our son looks forward to lessons and is learning new songs to play on guitar each week.
Chaii Music
Kenji is a great teacher, i've enjoyed my lessons! Highly recommend!
Scott Young
Kenji is tremendously patient and enthusiastic and I couldn't ask for a more passionate teacher!
Swap Gomez
Absolutely amazing teacher. My son and myself have found it so easy to learn and such a friendly environment!
Safia Nanjanmoore
Patience and knowledge - that's Kenji, even when I need things repeated. Love your work Kenji from Naren.
Jack Walch
Brilliant lessons thank you.
Ryan Gao
Really good guitar teacher, he's very good at guitar and teaching.
Fakhrul Alam
Very patient and invested in my son's success.
Ray Zhao
Really great, learnt a lot of good stuff here.
Stop fighting your bar chords.
Start understanding them.
The principles in this course have helped students unlock clean bar chords in a single session. The information has been there in physiology for years — it just hasn't been applied to guitar teaching. Until now.