Learning to play guitar is one of the most rewarding musical endeavors you can undertake. You will need to put in time and effort, but it's worth it.
Once you've made the decision to learn guitar, you will need to get guitar lessons that provide a needed foundation of skills that you'll need as you progress on your instrument.
How can you learn guitar by yourself?
In the past, the only way to learn how to play guitar was through personal instruction with a live teacher. This was often expensive and inconvenient.
You also had guitar learning books, but that was never a great option. How could you learn music by reading about it? You need to hear what you are supposed to be playing, not see it written down.
However, thanks to online guitar lessons, teaching yourself guitar has become much easier and more affordable, as Tom Fontana, a guitar teacher from TheGuitarLesson.com told us. "Online lessons are affordable, convenient, and customizable to your own needs. You can learn at your own pace and access the lessons 24/7 from the comfort of your own home."
I believe this latter method is the best choice for teaching yourself how to play the acoustic or electric guitar.
Why teach yourself guitar online instead of taking lessons from a live instructor?
There are several reasons why online guitar lessons might work better for you than a private teacher.
- As mentioned before, online guitar lessons can save you a ton of money. A yearly membership on a reputable guitar lesson site will be around $150, while going to a private teacher 1x per week will cost around $2,800 at(at $50 per lesson).
- Not only that, but the convenience of being able to learn on your own time is priceless. You won't have the added pressure of practicing at a certain time and day.
- You'll have complete flexibility to take each lesson at a pace that is right for you.
- You can revise a topic as many times as you need to, while you only have access to a live teacher 1x per week.
- If there is a particular style or artist you wish to learn, lessons can be customized towards your preference.
What guitar teachers are better at
However, there are some things guitar teachers are better at than online guitar lessons.
One of the most important is that a guitar teacher can critique your technique and help you correct any mistakes you may be making. They can also offer suggestions on how to improve your playing style. With online guitar lessons, you are essentially on your own, which can make learning more difficult.
Another reason that guitar teachers are better than online guitar lessons is that they can teach you about the history of the instrument and about the different styles of music that can be played on it. They can also help you develop a musical ear, which is something online guitar lessons typically do not include.
Is this worth the extra price? It's your call.
Clever tips on teaching yourself guitar
Here are 10 insanely useful tips for teaching yourself how to play guitar from home with online lessons.
1. Choose a structured guitar course and stick with it
If you're serious about learning how to play guitar, it's best to choose a structured guitar course and stick with it.
There are many different courses available online, so be sure to find one that fits your skill level and interests.
2. Do not bounce around between courses and lessons
It's important to stay focused when learning how to play guitar. Bouncing between courses and lessons will only make the learning process more difficult and confusing.
Choose one course or lesson and stick with it until you have mastered the content.
3. Keep your practice sessions regular with a Practice Schedule
One of the best ways to make sure you stick with your guitar lessons is to create a practice schedule and stick to it. Dedicate certain days and times each week for practicing, and try to stick to that schedule as closely as possible.
This will help you develop good habits and make progress on your guitar playing.
4. Aim for at least 1 hour of practice per day
Aim for at least 45-60 minutes of practice per day, and try to increase that amount gradually over time. This will help you make the most progress and improve your skills as a guitar player.
Practice, practice, practice. Just like any other skill, playing the guitar takes practice to perfect.
5. Use a Metronome
A metronome is a great tool for helping you develop a consistent rhythm when practicing.
It can be especially helpful when working on new songs or exercises.
Set the metronome to a slow tempo at first and gradually increase the speed as you get better.
6. Take breaks
It's also important to take breaks during your practice sessions. Too much practice can actually be counterproductive, so make sure to take a few minutes every half hour or so to stretch and relax your hands and muscles.
This will help you maintain focus and energy during your practice sessions.
7. Set realistic goals
When you're starting out, it's important to set realistic goals for yourself. Don't try to learn too many new things at once or you'll get overwhelmed and discouraged.
Start with one or two new songs or exercises each week and gradually increase the number as you get better.
8. Do not get discouraged, even the best players were in your shoes
It's important not to get discouraged if you don't learn everything the first time around. Repetition is key, and with practice, you will gradually improve.
Be sure to take advantage of the practice exercises included in your guitar course, and don't forget to have fun!
9. Reward yourself for progress made
When you make progress on your guitar playing, be sure to reward yourself accordingly.
This will help keep you motivated and encouraged to continue learning. Whether it's buying a new album, taking a break to watch your favorite movie, or simply treating yourself to a nice dinner, find something that will help you feel good about your progress.
10. Play the things you learn to your friends and family
One of the best ways to improve your guitar playing is to play the things you learn to your friends and family. Not only will this help you practice and get better, but it will also help you build confidence as a guitar player. Be sure to ask for feedback and constructive criticism so you can continue making progress.
11. Be patient
Good things come to those who wait. Learning to play the guitar can take time, but it's well worth it in the end!
Here are some more tips in video format.
How to find the right online guitar course for you
Choose the right online guitar lesson course. There are many courses available, so do your research and find the one that fits your skill level and learning style.
When choosing an online guitar course, you should consider the following:
- Skill level: Choose a course that is appropriate for your skill level. If you are a beginner, choose a course that is designed for beginners.
- Learning style: Some people prefer to learn in a more structured environment, while others prefer to learn at their own pace. Choose a course that fits your learning style.
- Price: Prices for online guitar courses vary, so be sure to compare prices before making a purchase.
- Duration of the course: make sure to choose a course that is long enough to teach you everything you need to know.
- Support: Many courses offer support from instructors via email, phone, or even video. Be sure to choose a course that offers this type of support.
There are several sites that offer great lessons at an affordable price, for example, Jamplay, Guitartricks, Truefire, etc.
Whichever course you decide on, make sure you stick with it and follow the course lessons in order. This is important, as you'll be building on your skills step by step.
If you're looking to teach yourself how to play guitar, online lessons are the way to go. Not only are they more affordable than in-person lessons, but you can learn at your own pace and customize your learning experience to fit your needs. Be sure to choose a course that is appropriate for your skill level and learning style, and be patient - good things come to those who wait!