COAL GROVE — It is a matter of mind over music.

Again this fall, the Trinity Assembly of God in Coal Grove is offering free guitar lessons to the public.

“It’s one way of giving back to the community,” said church member Darrell Ford, who organizes the classes. “It’s our way of giving back and trying to provide music lessons for people who have an interest. We love music, we love singing and we want to help others who also enjoy music.”

Ford said over the last three years the classes have ranged in size from four students to 23 students. The participants range in age from youngsters to senior citizens.

“We had one lady who was 65 years old and she told us she had always wanted to play, came from a musical family but through the years she had always been busy and never got to learn. Now she’s playing and doing some of the things she always wanted to do but never got the chance.”

The 30-minute classes include instructions on DVD along with accompanying assistance from Ford.

The course is 21-weeks long and includes 35 chords including bar chords, many strumming and picking patterns, transposing from one key to another, reading tablature, left hand strength and agility exercises. Classes begin Aug. 21. Students are asked to bring their own guitar.

“If you have the desire to learn nothing can keep you from learning to play,” Ford said. “You’ll develop basic skills and feel good about having learned something you’ve always wanted to learn.”

For more information or to register, call Darrell Ford at 532-9952.