Geordie Riffs hits the right note

A North Tyneside guitar business has struck a chord with musicians across the country after overcoming the challenges of launching during the pandemic.

Natalie and Graeme Bevan run Geordie Riffs from their home in West Allotment, offering guitar lessons, repairs, maintenance and technical support to everyone from complete beginners to professional musicians. 

Together, they have developed a reputation for combining technical expertise with personalised service, attracting customers from across Britain and beyond.

Graeme's route into music wasn’t a conventional one. 

Having played piano as a child, he stepped away from music for almost a decade before rediscovering his passion in his late teens and going on to build a career in guitar tuition and session work.

Alongside teaching, he has collaborated with international music companies creating guitar tones and software patches, while continuing to perform as part of the global Rockin'1000 project, which brings hundreds of musicians together for stadium performances.

He said: “I didn’t really pick up the guitar properly until I was about 19 or 20. 

“Once I started, I never put it down.”

Natalie’s route into the business began with a fascination for guitars sparked by Oasis and Noel Gallagher. 

After taking voluntary redundancy from a project management role, she trained under renowned guitar technician Robbie Gladwell, whose clients have included Eric Clapton, B.B. King and Elvis Presley. 

An endorsement received shortly after completing her training gave her the confidence to launch the business.

However, Geordie Riffs opened its doors just one week before the first COVID-19 lockdown, leaving the couple without access to government support because the business had no trading history. 

Despite the setback, they steadily built their reputation through word of mouth and a growing client base.

Natalie added: “We had to survive on our life savings. 

“It was incredibly difficult. 

“We opened, closed, opened again, and spent months trying to build a customer base through social media.”

Today, musicians regularly travel hundreds of miles for Natalie’s repair expertise, while Graeme’s flexible teaching approach tailors every lesson to individual goals rather than following a fixed curriculum. 

One student with cerebral palsy was even taught using a modified lap-steel technique, enabling him to play despite physical challenges.

Graeme added: “I adapt everything to the student. 

“It’s about finding a way that works for them and helping them enjoy music.”

The business has also earned recognition from leading names in the guitar industry, including Taylor Guitars, and Natalie believes she is one of the few female guitar technicians working in the North East.

She said: “There aren't many of us. 

“The nearest female technician I know of is in Yorkshire.”

Having long since outgrown the spare room where Geordie Riffs began, the couple are now planning their next phase of growth while remaining committed to the personal service that has helped strike a chord with guitarists nationwide.

Natalie added: “We’re just a small business, and we're proud of that.

“With so many independent music shops disappearing, it’s important to support local businesses and keep those specialist skills alive.”

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