If you are interested in taking guitar lessons it might be a good idea to consider what you want to learn before making a commitment. There are lots of options and lesson formats available today, but what works for one person may not work as well for you.
Here are several things to keep in mind when you are looking for guitar lessons...
1. Do you know what you want to learn on the guitar?
Most beginners respond to this question by saying they want to learn how to play songs on the guitar. That's fine, but it involves more than you may realize. In order to play songs you also need to know about chords, how to strum, hold a pick, count time... Some songs require specific techniques and skills such as hammers, bends, finger-picking, how to use effects, etc.
2. Are you a self-motivated person?
If you have been thinking about taking guitar lessons online, or teaching yourself, you should ask yourself this question. If you are a self-motivated person you will be able to commit yourself to a regular practice routine, setting goals, monitoring your progress, and figuring out how to get beyond the humps you encounter along the way. If you are not this type of person you will become frustrated and give up as soon as the going gets rough. Online forums and guitar communities can provide support and feedback, but you may prefer taking private lessons from a personal instructor instead.
3. Do you want to learn how to play a specific guitar style?
Many guitar teachers specialize in a particular style, so it's helpful to know what you are interested in learning before you sign-up for lessons. For instance, a jazz guitar teacher might know a little about finger-picking, but they might not be able to teach you how to play classical or fingerstyle guitar. A teacher who is great at playing blues guitar riffs, may not know much about the nuances of jazz guitar. Ask potential teachers about their background and what styles they play before making a decision.
4. Do you want to play electric or acoustic guitar?
This is similar to the previous question, but a little more generic. If you are a beginner, it really doesn't matter if you learn on an acoustic or an electric guitar because the basics are the same for both. However, after you get the basics down you will probably want to learn specific techniques and styles that are more relevant to the type of guitar that you own. Some of these areas will cross over, but some will not.
5. How much money and time do you want to invest on lessons?
There are many free online guitar lessons available today for beginner through advanced players. This can be a great way to get started if you trust the source. But let me remind you that not all guitar lessons are created equal!
One illustration I came across recently said something like... if you were looking to buy a car you probably wouldn't go to every car lot in town until you found the cheapest one available. More than likely you would go to a car dealer you trust, have specific features in mind, and then look for one that fit within your budget. This is where the rubber meets the road when you're looking for the best guitar lessons that are most suitable for you too. =)
Kathy Unruh is the webmaster of ABC Learn Guitar.com. She has over 20 years experience as a guitar teacher and is currently offering lessons online for students of all ages.
Learn How to Play: IRIS - by the Goo Goo Dolls.
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