My guitar playing journey started nearly 20 years ago leading me to play in bands which toured the UK supporting major artists such as Catfish and the Bottlemen, Reverend and The Makers, Doves, The Futureheads, Shed Seven, Hot Club De Paris and many more, playing at legendary venues such as The Cavern Club.

As part of a previous venture I was a music promoter putting on gigs round the UK for up and coming bands trying to break through, as well as helping young children in the local community get into music.

I began giving private lessons around 10 years ago to friends and family who’d constantly ask “Why don’t you do this all the time?” I was recognized by the Registry of Guitar Tutors of the London College of Music as an outstanding guitarist and was awarded membership solely based on my playing and teaching ability, nope I didn’t sit exams either!

After years of being asked to set up a music school, I did. I didn’t want to be just a regular guitar school though, I wanted it to be special, no exams, no set curriculum, a bespoke school tailored to you. I wanted people to learn what they love. That’s how Geordie Riffs came about and we’ve grew into what you see now working with some of the biggest names in music.

Although I don’t gig regularly any more, I am now requested as a session guitarist, collaborate with other artists supplying guitar tracks for their recordings,  a guitarist for the Rockin’ 1000 and a product tester for some of the biggest manufacturers in music. I’m also an artist for PRS (Paul Reed Smith), IK Multimedia (Amplitube and Tonex), Blackstar Amplification and Old Bones Pickups.

Guitar is my one true passion and I hope that I can pass that down onto all of the Geordie Riffers!

Hi I’m Natalie, guitar repairer at Geordie Riffs. I’ve played guitar for over 15 years and started tinkering about with my own guitars from day one! Over the years I’ve repaired friends, families and of course my husband’s guitars. I was previously a Project Manager and fixing guitars was my hobby, but when Graeme decided to set up Geordie Riffs as a guitar school I thought why not make it a one stop shop! Which lead me into training as a fully qualified luthier!

I’ve since worked on thousands guitars and love seeing the weird and wonderful come into the workshop. From Fender Strat’s built with Jaguar XJ200 parts to custom Warmoth builds made to blow your windows out, it’s always a fun day here at Geordie Riffs. I’ve been awarded certification in professional setups, rewiring, modifications, relicing, refrets, electronic work  on acoustic, electric and bass guitars. I’m a certified Taylor Factory Authorized Service Technician and due to my quality of work and expertise, I’ve also worked alongside Alvarez Guitars, PRS, Allparts, Headstock Distribution, Music Alliance, D’Addario and Rotosound. On top of that I work with signed artists to ensure they get the best playing guitars around for when they’re away on tour.

Guitar not feeling quite right? I’ll set it up to play like a dream. Not getting that sound you want? I’ll upgrade your guitar to get that epic tone you always wanted!!

THE REAL BOSS! This is Ted our labrador. He rules the roost and what he says goes! We drove all the way to Wales to rescue this pooch after he was neglected. Now he’s the star of the show at Geordie Riffs! He loves people and he’ll likely come up to see you should you visit us. We’re sure the majority of our customers just come to see him! He loves guitar and you will most likely see him smiling, fast asleep on the sofa while guitars are being played. Awwww…