What’s the Best Way to Learn to Play Guitar?

So the passion is there, the newly bought equipment is there, the sheets and

samples, all present. The only question now is this: how do I learn to play guitar?

After once dreaming of becoming a rock star and taking heed of the fantasy by

finally strapping on his/her guitar, the starting guitarist is usually left pondering

what method of learning he/she will subject himself/herself to.

There are many ways by which the aspiring student can learn, especially now that

the Internet seems to be bigger and bolder than ever. There are loads of uploaded

videos that demonstrate guitar-playing techniques, which the student can make as

basis for his/her education. Also, a lot of music teacher websites are now up and

running, providing instant guitar lessons to anyone who is interested. And there are

just as many write-ups that discuss the subject matter, too.

And that is just the online world! We are not yet talking about book stores, music

stores, clubs and gig spots--all of which are places one can find materials he/she

can use to study how to play the guitar. In fact, friends and colleagues who know

how to play the guitar can be a good source of information, too.

Good source. Would you settle for a “good” source? If an unsolicited advice would

help, then here is what I have to say: NO. Instead, go for the best source, so that

you can be the best guitar player than you can be.

Learn to play guitar by enrolling in private guitar lessons! If you sign up for a

guitar class, your study of the instrument will be broader than all those earlier

methods combined. And the lessons you will take will be organized. As such, it

will be easier for you to understand the topics presented to you. This will be

helpful for your gradual growth. You see, a common mistake among beginners is

this: they study whatever lesson is available, even if it is not fit with their skill set,

then jump from one subject matter to another. What is worse is that they rush

completing these tutorials. If this is what you will do, your learning will not only

be random but also insufficient.

Moreover, when you go for one-on-one guitar lessons, you will have a personal

instructor that is always available to teach and guide you as you go along your

lessons. This is the biggest advantage of having guitar lessons. If you have a

teacher, you get to have someone to explain to you the lessons thoroughly. This

will avoid confusion, which can happen when you have your lessons all to yourself

and a bunch of books and videos. Also, the teacher can call your attention right

there and then if you are doing things wrong. And so, you can make the necessary

adjustments at once. By this, you get to avoid developing bad playing habits.

So if you want to learn to play guitar at great lengths, consider taking up lessons.

Sure, you will pay, but then with the many tips and techniques--and, more

importantly, their explanation--that you can get from the tutorials, such investment

is worth it!