Zen Guitar


"Zen teaches that our approach to today determines our whole approach to life."

Philip Toshio Sudo, Author of 'Zen Guitar'

Be Kind to Yourself

Don't expect too much too fast

Don't compare yourself

Guitar Haiku 001

(Credit: Tomo Fujita (John Mayer's guitar teacher))

Six Strings Span Guitar

Twenty two frets on each string

Pick up Tune and Play

Guitar Haiku 002

Ben Lee


"The way is in training" - Miyamoto Musashi (Actual Samurai)


Step into ancient China and witness the captivating journey of Li, a young warrior with a heart full of music. In a world where strings were weapons and melodies, battles, Li embarked on a quest to master the art of the guitar.

With unwavering determination, Li sought out 'The Guitar Dojo,' a legendary sanctuary where discipline and hardship molded raw talent into brilliance. Guided by wise masters, Li's fingers bled, his muscles ached, but his spirit soared. Each pluck of the strings was a step closer to harmony, both in music and in life.

Through the multi-episodic series, you'll witness Li's transformation – from a novice struggling to strum, to a skilled guitarist who could weave emotions through the strings. Each episode unveils Li's challenges and triumphs, mirroring the journey of anyone who aspires to greatness.

As Li faced setbacks, he learned that perseverance was his greatest ally. The Guitar Dojo became his second home, a place where passion was nurtured and mistakes were stepping stones. The series captures the essence of this ancient art, inspiring you to pick up the guitar and embark on your own musical odyssey.

Are you ready to join 'The Guitar Dojo'? Unleash your inner warrior, embrace discipline, and experience the joy of mastering the guitar. Contact Ben now to start your transformative journey – just like Li, who found his melody amidst the echoes of history.


*The Guitar Dojo Chronicles: Episode 1 - The Quest Begins*

Greetings, music enthusiast!

In the misty mountains of ancient China, where dragons roamed and legends were born, lived a young boy named Li. While other children played with simple toys and dreamed ordinary dreams, Li was different. Tucked safely in his arms, everywhere he went, was a peculiar wooden instrument with strings - a guitar. It was said that this guitar was a gift from God, and whoever mastered it would possess the power to weave magic through music. But mastering the guitar was no child's play. Many dismissed Li, saying, "That is no instrument for our land. Stick to the pipa or guqin." But Li's heart echoed with the chords of passion and determination. He knew he was destined for greatness, but he lacked guidance. 

One fateful day, an old monk named Master Shen, known for his mysterious ways and profound wisdom, watched Li struggle with his guitar. "Young one," Master Shen began, "you have fire in your soul, but your technique is wild, unrefined." Li bowed his head, admitting, "I wish to make the strings come alive, but I know not the path." Master Shen smiled gently, "There exists a place, hidden among the clouds – The Guitar Dojo. 

There, one can learn the ancient ways of the guitar, discipline their fingers, and touch the souls of many." Hope lit up Li's eyes. "How do I find this place?" Master Shen replied, "The journey is treacherous, filled with tests of courage, discipline, and heart. But if you are willing, the dojo will find you."

Join Li on his extraordinary journey to The Guitar Dojo. Dive deep into the world of music, discipline, and self-discovery. If Li's story resonates with you, perhaps you too are destined for greatness. Begin your own quest and learn the ancient ways of the guitar. 

Stay tuned for the next episode where Li faces his first challenge.

 Music is magic. Unleash it. 

*The Guitar Dojo Chronicles: Episode 2 - The Melody of Challenges*

 Hello, musical warrior!

 As Li ventured into the dense bamboo forests, his heart raced with anticipation. The path to The Guitar Dojo was shrouded in mystery and filled with challenges that would test not just his skills, but his spirit. The first trial awaited him at the Forest of Echoes. Every step Li took, the forest echoed back distorted sounds, throwing off his sense of direction. Amidst the cacophony, Li sat down, took a deep breath, and began to strum his guitar. As he played, he realized the challenge was not to overpower the echoes, but to harmonize with them.

 Hours turned into days as Li immersed himself in the dance of melodies. The once-disorienting echoes transformed into a harmonious symphony. Emerging from the Forest of Echoes, Li was met by a shadowy figure - the Guardian of Rhythms. With an approving nod, the guardian presented Li with an ancient parchment. "This," he whispered, "contains the rhythm of the universe. Understand it, and you will be one step closer to The Guitar Dojo." Li's fingers trembled as he unfurled the parchment. The notes and rhythms seemed alien, but he knew this was his next challenge.


 His understanding of rhythm, tempo, and beat would be put to the ultimate test. --- Will Li decipher the rhythm of the universe? Dive into the enchanting world of guitar mastery and embark on your own musical journey. 

Train at The Guitar Dojo Today! www.patreon.com/theguitardojo

 Eager for more? Await the next episode where Li delves deeper into the rhythm that binds us all. 

Find your rhythm. Chase your destiny.


*The Guitar Dojo Chronicles: Episode 3 - Rhythm of the Universe* 

Greetings, seeker of melody!

 Deep in meditation, Li tried to comprehend the mysterious rhythm scribed on the ancient parchment. Hours turned into days, and with every passing moment, doubt crept in. Was he worthy? Could he truly understand the rhythm of the universe? One evening, as the crimson sun painted the horizon, Li's strumming was interrupted by the gentle tapping of a drummer. An elderly woman with silver hair and a radiant smile approached. "You are trying too hard," she whispered, introducing herself as Grandmaster Mei, the Keeper of Beats.

 With her drum, Grandmaster Mei began to play a simple beat. "The rhythm of the universe is not just in this parchment," she explained. "It's in the heartbeat of every living being, in the rustling of the leaves, and in the dance of the flames." As Li listened, he began to strum his guitar in tandem with Mei's drumming. Slowly, the seemingly complex rhythms on the parchment started making sense. He realized that it wasn't about mastering what was on the paper, but feeling and connecting with the rhythm around and within. Under the guidance of Grandmaster Mei, Li danced and played through the night, uniting the rhythm of his heart with the rhythm of the universe.

 The path to mastery is paved with revelations and harmonies. Are you ready to connect with your own rhythm? *

Discover Your Beat at The Guitar Dojo! www.patreon.com/theguitardojo

 Stay with us for the next episode, where Li faces a challenge that goes beyond melodies and rhythms, delving into the depths of emotion. 

Embrace the rhythm, become the music.


*The Guitar Dojo Chronicles: Episode 4 - Strings of Emotion* 

Hello, guardian of melodies! 

With the rhythm of the universe in his heart, Li moved forward with renewed vigour. However, the road to The Guitar Dojo held one more challenge, one that was more personal and profound than the rest. As Li journeyed through the Valley of Echoed Feelings, every strum of his guitar resonated with memories of his past - moments of joy, sorrow, love, and loss. Each note seemed to awaken emotions he had long buried. Tears rolled down his face as he remembered the gentle hands of his mother, teaching him his first chords, and the painful memory of her parting words as she left their world. His heart swelled with love recalling the playful laughter of his childhood friend, Ling, who always believed in his dreams. 

In the heart of the valley stood an ancient tree, known to locals as the Tree of Emotions. It was said that only by playing a melody that was true to one's soul could one pass through the valley. Summoning all his courage, Li began to play. He poured all his emotions, memories, and love into his music. The chords echoed his joys and sorrows, painting a vivid tapestry of his life's journey. As the final note lingered in the air, a passage opened, signaling Li's successful communion with the tree.

 True mastery lies in playing not just with skill, but with heart and soul. Are you ready to play your story? 

Find Your Song at The Guitar Dojo www.patreon.com/theguitardojo

 Join us in the next episode where Li finally reaches The Guitar Dojo, but discovers that his journey of learning has only just begun.

 Strum with heart, play your story.


*The Guitar Dojo Chronicles: Episode 5 - The Doorway to Mastery* 

Warmest greetings, disciple of harmony! 

With the trials of the valley behind him, Li finally stood before the legendary Guitar Dojo. The majestic structure, carved into a mountainside, looked as if it was birthed by nature itself. Vines draped over ancient stone, and the soft hum of melodies whispered through the air. But as Li approached, he was met with a grand door adorned with intricate carvings, but no visible handle or keyhole. Above the door, an inscription read: "The true key is the song within."

 Understanding the meaning, Li closed his eyes, allowing his journey's lessons to flood his senses: the Forest of Echoes, the rhythm of the universe, and the strings of emotion. Taking a deep breath, he began to play a melody that encompassed all he had learned, experienced, and felt. As the final note resonated, the grand door slowly opened, revealing a world unlike any other. Wise masters strummed ethereal tunes, students practiced harmonies in unison, and the very air seemed alive with music. An elder, radiating a serene aura, approached Li. "Welcome, young one, to The Guitar Dojo. Your journey to get here was just the prelude. Now, your true symphony begins."

Every guitarist has their own dojo within. Are you ready to unlock yours? Begin Your Symphony at The Guitar Dojo! www.patreon.com/theguitardojo

 Stay with us for the next episode where Li delves into the teachings of The Guitar Dojo, uncovering secrets that transcend time and technique.

 Every note holds a universe. Play yours. 

*The Guitar Dojo Chronicles: Episode 6 - Melodies Beyond Time* 

Greetings once more, maestro of strings! 

Inside The Guitar Dojo, Li found himself amidst a realm of ageless wisdom. Stone platforms floated in the air, each holding a master teaching students, the notes they played forming ripples in the very fabric of the atmosphere. Guided by the elder, Li was led to a serene chamber where a guitar of unparalleled beauty rested. "This," the elder began, "is the 'Harmonious Echo', a guitar said to possess the memories of every tune ever played."

 Li hesitated, but the elder nodded, encouraging him to play. As his fingers caressed the strings, the guitar emitted a glow, and melodies older than the mountains and as fresh as the morning dew intertwined in an enchanting dance. Days turned into weeks as Li learned from various masters, each imparting wisdom not just about techniques, but about the heart of music. From Master Yun, Li learned to breathe life into notes. From Master Liao, he discovered the delicate balance between silence and sound. But with every lesson, Li was reminded of one profound truth: Mastery wasn't a destination, but a journey. The path of learning was eternal, and every end note was but a bridge to a new melody. 

The strings await your touch, the notes your spirit. How will you shape your eternal journey? Craft Your Melody at The Guitar Dojo! www.patreon.com/theguitardojo

Join us in the upcoming episode where Li prepares for his most challenging lesson yet, one that will change the course of his musical destiny.

 In the heart of music, we find ourselves.