Learning to Play the Guitar


Countless scores of people have learned to play the guitar over the years. Although probably the largest group of these people have learned by being taught the ropes by an experienced guitar player, this is not the only way to learn to play. Some musicians are self taught, learning to play either by ear, or through the use of a book or CD based training program. As technology has advanced, some guitar players have sought out training through computer programs or the internet. Considering briefly the pros and cons of each method can be helpful to aid an aspiring guitar player to choose the best method for the way in which they learn.

Probably the easiest way for an aspiring guitar player to learn the basics is through traditional guitar lessons. By seeking out the assistance of a more experienced guitar player, a novice will have the advantage of a trained ear listening to their playing, and then being able to offer suggestions for improvement. As most guitar lessons are between an instructor and one student, the guitar student gets the benefit of their teacher's undivided attention, and the teacher can structure the pace of the lessons to the speed at which their student picks up the new concepts and techniques. Guitar lessons can also be invaluable in teaching a new guitar player the basics of reading music and musical theory, which help to make them a better all around musician.

The main down sides of guitar lessons are typically the cost and the time required. Although some guitar players may be able to find a friend willing to teach them for free or at a very low cost, most people who seek out guitar lessons will be paying their teacher a fee. The range of prices for guitar lessons varies widely between location and instructor, so it is difficult to give a price estimate, but each student's financial situation will dictate whether or not this is affordable. The time required for guitar lessons will normally be a regularly scheduled lesson on a weekly basis, and not all aspiring musicians have the time in their weekly schedule to allow for this sort of time commitment. If a student is serious about wanting to learn to play the guitar, they will need to make the time to do so, but finding a teacher who has available time to teach when the student is not working, in school, or completing other obligations can be difficult.

Another means by which a new guitar player can learn to play guitar is through the use of a book, CD, DVD, or some combination of those three. Most music stores will offer at least one of these options for sale, and probably will offer all three. If a guitar student has access to a computer, there are some computer programs available for guitar lessons, and there are a number of sites on the internet which offer this service as well. The nice part about learning from one of these methods is that a student can work their lesson and practice time into their own schedule, rather than around an instructor's schedule. This method of learning is also fairly low cost, as it will usually require only a one time expense. Finally, some guitar students may actually learn better if they are effectively self taught, rather than if they have an instructor directing their studies.

While the upsides of self teaching mainly negate the down sides of traditional guitar lessons, the down sides are that a student misses out on individualized instruction and critique from an experienced player--basically losing the exact benefits that having guitar lessons offer. A completely self taught student may go on for years missing one or two vital aspects of guitar playing that a single lesson could have pointed out to them, or may continue doing something the hard way because no one ever explained an easier way of doing things. Additionally, teaching yourself to play guitar would certainly be difficult, if not altogether impossible, if you have no previous musical training. Previous musical training will at least give a guitar student the benefit of knowing how to read music, which is vital for a musician who does not play completely by ear.

Regardless of the method by which a new guitar player chooses to learn their instrument, the most vital part of learning to play the guitar is making time to practice regularly and often. Some instructors and instruction methods recommend daily practice to keep your skills in fine tune; at a minimum, four times a week (outside of regular lessons) is advised. If a guitar student is unable to make time to practice the techniques that they are learning, they will not be able to improve upon their use of these techniques, and their skills will ultimately stagnate. It is possible to relearn the skills, but very little earlier learning will aid a student who began to learn to play the guitar, stopped practicing for any length of time, and then returned to the instrument.