I'm tired of trying to learn guitar on my own.
Guitar lessons engrain proper technique & build confidence. It is very admirable that some people can learn guitar on their own. However, don't torture yourself with cryptic guitar tabs & chords from the internet. Don't flounder. Finding a guitar teacher who enjoys your type of music & play style can make all the difference. An instructor provides the basic foundation. Become a decent guitarist, and perhaps even be a great performer!
Learn classical guitar, rock, jazz, blues, whatever your style. Complete the music lesson inquiry, and CMS will answer any questions you may have. Most importantly, if you eventually decide to choose CMS, you will be matched with the guitar teacher who is right for you.
What is a good age to start guitar lessons?
Guitar is easier for children who are at least 7 years old. It takes a lot of strength in the wrists as well as the fingers to be able to push down the strings. Some children can become frustrated if they are too young. If your child is younger and is persistent in wanting to play the guitar, you should ease them into it by introducing the piano first. This really is the best instrument to start on, and it will help your child when he does transfer to the guitar.
As a beginner, should I learn acoustic or electric guitar? The acoustic and electric guitar have many similarities. Electric guitars are generally much easier to play than acoustic guitars. The strings are lighter, and easier to press down. The sore fingers that many novices experience when learning on an acoustic guitar, generally are not nearly as much of an issue when learning on electric guitar.
Electric guitars have a different role in music than acoustic guitars. Whereas acoustic guitars are often used to strum chords to many songs, electrics are used to play "guitar leads" as well as chords. They each have advantages and disadvantages to the beginner. It is easier to learn to fingerpick on an acoustic. Barre chords and power chords are easier to learn on an electric. Most people learn how to strum the acoustic, but rarely take the time to explore the many styles and sounds that it is capable of. Because of the nature of the electric guitar, many beginners learn power chords and then little else. And when the acoustic player gets his first electric, he tends to play it like an acoustic. And vice versa. So which is better? The one you desire to play would be the better one for you!
Note to parents! When selecting a guitar for your child, try to realistically assess what they'd like best, as opposed to what you'd like them to play. Their progress will be noticeably better when playing a guitar they like.
Remember! Keeping your guitar out of the case, in plain view at all times, is tremendously important - you'll find yourself playing MUCH more. If you decide on an electric guitar, you might even consider leaving the cord in the guitar, plugged into the amplifier. That way, you can simply pick up the guitar, flick the amp on, and begin playing.
I was thinking about group lessons. Do you recommend this? Many parents think about group for two reasons: cost and atmosphere. The fact is, whether you are in San Diego or Orange County, group lessons can be very frustrating for students. They do not get the one on one interaction and tend to get bored because the class is too slow, or discouraged because the class is going to fast. With private lessons students are able to learn music they want to learn and are not embarrassed if they don't understand something. A private teacher can find the trouble areas and work on it with the student, whereas a group teacher is assisting several students and can't always troubleshoot.
