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A Guitar Is For Life - Not Just Christmas

So that big present under the Christmas tree turned out to be your first guitar. Welcome to the club! All you need to do now is to learn how to play it, that’s all there is to it. Turn to page one of the quick start guide that came with the guitar and off you go. If only it were that simple. Seriously, learning to play the guitar can be a very satisfying and rewarding experience. The basics can be picked up fairly quickly, but as with most instruments, to master it will take a lot longer and hard work.

What is the best method for learning to play the guitar?

Well there is something to be said about picking up that quick start guide, it will get you playing quickly. However, just like the quick start guide for a new computer it won’t get you much beyond the basics. Once your computer is connected and switched on, you have to learn more by putting extra effort in to get the most out of it. In that respect the guitar is no different.

A more in depth approach is required!

1. The text book.

A good text book with plenty of diagrams and good quality photographs is a good learning tool. However, be sure to get a good quality one by a well known publisher as there are a few poor quality ones around. As with learning any new skill, if you pick up bad habits early on, or are taught incorrectly, it takes a lot longer to correct these mistakes later. It will pay to spend a little extra for a good quality book.

2. A teacher.

Guitars lesson with a tutor are an excellent way to learn to play. You have someone there with you to tell you if you are playing something correctly or not. They can be expensive though, so be sure you are committed to learning and remember to concentrate hard during the lesson as you won’t be able to take your tutor home with you. Again, as with the text book there are good and bad tutors around so try getting testimonials from other pupils before you sign up.

3. Online Courses.

A really good online course can offer the best of both worlds. An online course has most of its content in an electronic format which can be downloaded as a book, and the best ones have links in the book to view online videos and music clips. In this format you get the diagrams and pictures you would normally get in a text book as well as video and music to see and hear if you are playing correctly. The obvious advantage is that you can view and play the video an music clips as often as you like.

Whichever method you choose, practice is the key. Take it step by step and break the learning into small, manageable chunks, that way you won’t get bored. Remember, no cheating, do not turn straight to the last page and expect to play like a pro - it takes time but is very rewarding.

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January 17, 2007 | In Articles |