How to Take Guitar Lessons

While guitar is one of the most popular instruments, it is also difficult to learn. Players must learn individual notes and chords and also learn to keep rhythm. Taking guitar lessons from a good teacher takes a lot of the mystery out of playing guitar.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Choose a guitar. Both acoustic and electric guitars are appropriate for the beginning student. Ultimately, you choose the type of guitar based on the style of music you want to play. Classical guitar is most often played on acoustic guitars, rock and blues on electric models.
2. Find a guitar teacher through music schools in your area. If you know someone who plays guitar and admire his style, ask who his teacher is. Look for recommendations at music stores.
3. Interview prospective guitar teachers about their style of teaching, and the music styles they prefer teaching. While any competent teacher can teach scales and chords, it's helpful to learn from a teacher with experience in the style of music you want to play. A good teaching style combines basic technique with actual song playing.
4. Practice what you learn in guitar lessons. A teacher can only provide so much. It's up to you to progress through frequent playing.
5. Ask about group guitar lessons. Group lessons are a fun (and less expensive) way to learn guitar.
6. Know when it's time to move on. If you get to a point in your lessons where progress drops off, then you need a change. Think about learning on your own or as part of a group. New teachers often bring new challenges to learning guitar.

Tips & Warnings

• Check with nearby university music programs about private or group guitar lessons.
• After you've been taking lessons for awhile, check for online tabs to your favorite songs.