| Do you want to learn to play the guitar, but are | | | | posture to adopt when playing. You'll also hear |
| unsure which is the best way to go about it? If | | | | exactly how the music or technique in question |
| so, then read on, and we'll take a look at the main | | | | should sound. However, it's up to you to be |
| ways in which people learn to play guitar, and | | | | vigilant and ensure that you're performing the |
| some of the pros and cons of each. | | | | techniques correctly, as bad habits that you pick |
| 1. Private Lessons With A Teacher | | | | up early on can be difficult to correct later. |
| Traditionally, people who want to learn to play | | | | Video guitar lessons have the advantage that you |
| musical instruments have taken lessons with a | | | | can play them over and over again as often as |
| private teacher. When it comes to the guitar, this | | | | you need until you've mastered each step - |
| is still the norm for those who want to play more | | | | something that a teacher might not be able to do |
| technically challenging styles such as classical and | | | | for you. You can also learn at your own pace |
| flamenco guitar. However, people who want to | | | | from the comfort of your own home, and a |
| play rock and pop styles will often teach | | | | guitar tuition video course can often be purchased |
| themselves rather than taking lessons. | | | | for the cost of a single private lesson. |
| Nevertheless, I think that if you can find a good | | | | Guitar video lessons are available on DVD, as well |
| teacher, this is probably the best way to learn for | | | | as online from many guitar teaching websites. |
| many people. This is because a teacher will be | | | | 3. Guitar Tutor Books |
| able to show you exactly what you should be | | | | Guitar tuition books were the traditional option for |
| doing, and to correct any bad habits as they arise. | | | | those who decided to teach themselves to play |
| A teacher also provides motivation and | | | | guitar. Like videos, a guitar tutor book will enable |
| encouragement when you hit a rough patch. | | | | you to learn at your own pace, and many also |
| However, not everyone can find a good teacher | | | | contain CDs, so you know how the music should |
| in their area, and private lessons can also be | | | | sound. |
| prohibitively expensive for many. People who are | | | | However, the disadvantage of learning this way is |
| learning the guitar as adults may also find that | | | | that photographs and diagrams can't always |
| travelling times and costs can be an issue. | | | | adequately convey what you should be doing with |
| So why private lessons may be the ideal way to | | | | your hands, so guitar video lessons have an |
| learn to play the guitar, they're not always | | | | advantage in this respect. |
| feasible. Fortunately, it's perfectly possible to | | | | So which of these options is the best way to |
| become a skilled guitarist by teaching yourself, | | | | learn to play guitar? The answer is it really |
| although you need to be aware of the pitfalls that | | | | depends on your individual circumstances, and |
| this route presents. | | | | different people do best with different methods. |
| 2. Guitar Video Lessons | | | | If you know a guitar teacher, it's probably worth |
| If private lessons aren't an option for you, guitar | | | | having a few lessons, at least to begin with. But if |
| video lessons are probably the next best choice. | | | | not, I think guitar video lessons are the best |
| Well-produced guitar video training will show you | | | | option, and even if you do decide to have private |
| close up shots of both the left and right hands, so | | | | lessons, a video course can supplement these |
| you know exactly how you should be positioning | | | | very well. |
| your arms, hands and fingers, as well as the best | | | | |