Senior Instructor at Halifax Guitar Lessons
There so many options available to you out there when you are trying to learn how to play the guitar.
There are the standard offerings like books and DVD’s which have been around a long time.
There are now also a very big variety of online training methods as well as many apps you can download on your phone.
The online offerings are growing at a staggering number actually and it seems everyone is jumping on the bandwagon.
You would think this would lead to a huge jump in the success rate of people learning how to play the guitar.
However, my data suggests the opposite is in fact happening and I get more people who come to me frustrated that these online methods just did not seem to work for them.
Here are 3 reasons why you should invest in guitar lessons with a local teacher and why they are the best way to learn how to play the guitar.
1. You Get Instant Feedback
Instant feedback from someone that is watching you is the key to learning to play the right way and to make consistent progress.
If you are doing something the wrong way, you can find out immediately and then correct the problem before it becomes a habit.
If you are doing something properly you can get feedback about that too so you can gain confidence and know you are on the right track.
You just can’t get this online. Does not happen. With any format you can find out there.
Even Skype lessons where the teacher sees you on a camera are not nearly as effective as being in the same room with a guitar teacher because they can’t see everything from the best angles.
We’ll talk about this later but finding the right teacher is key to this.
2. You Have To Make A Regular Commitment
Instant feedback is great and will help you progress faster every lesson.
However, the real magic to learning to play the guitar successfully is making a regular commitment and working on this skill every week with a guitar teacher.
Most people I talk to tell me their biggest problem is to consistently play and practice their guitar and they smartly realize taking lessons is a great way to do this.
That’s because you don’t just get the commitment, you also get the feedback as well as the new skills development and future direction.
Even if you never practiced at home, consistently taking guitar lessons every week will help you improve. It will be slower than it could be but a year, or two down the road you will be much further than you are today.
3. It’s Tailored To You
When you try to learn how to play the guitar there are many ways to do it.
The most popular ways are online but there are other methods like books, DVDs and apps.
Each of those ways can help you but it depends where you are in your learning journey. If you are just starting out most if not all of those will not help you and instead frustrate you.
That’s because they are made for everyone and technically that means they are not made for anyone in specific.
Taking lessons from a local guitar teacher gives you a better chance to succeed and learn to play because they can adapt it to you which is exactly what you need.
Most guitar teachers don’t actually do this very well this but it is still better than the other methods for many reasons.
The Best Guitar Lessons Happen With The Best Teacher
Not all guitar teachers are the same, and because of that you are going to get differing results depending on who you chose to study with.
Since teaching guitar is not regulated, there are no guidelines or certifications required. So, anyone can do it regardless of how good or bad they are at teaching.
When you look for a teacher make sure to look for proof that they can get results. You do not want to waste your time and money.
A university degree in music or performance experience does not translate to a good teacher either. They are going to be awesome players but have no training on how to teach guitar the best way.
In the end you need to find someone who is trained to teach to get the best value for your time and money.