Beginning Guitar Lessons - 3 Questions to Ask Yourself Before You Start
Many of the people who are currently beginning guitar lessons will give up within a few months.
If you're also just starting to play guitar, but want to avoid becoming one of these statistics, you should ask yourself these questions before beginning lessons: 1.
Why do you want to play the guitar? Firstly, you should be very clear about your motivation for wanting to play the guitar.
Do you have a genuine passion for the instrument? Or are you learning because you think the guitar is cool, or you like the idea of being able to impress others with your playing skills, or you think you'll be able to join a band and make tons of money? Most peoples motivations for learning the guitar are pretty mixed, and there's nothing wrong with enjoying the external rewards that it can bring.
But these things are not likely to keep you going when difficulties arise (which they will), unless you also have a deep-seated love for how the guitar sounds, and for the process of actually playing it.
If this sense of having the guitar as a 'calling' isn't there, chances are that you'll drop out eventually.
2.
Have you chosen the right type of guitar lessons? Secondly, think about which type of guitar lessons will be most suitable for your circumstances.
Many people choose to have lessons with a private tutor, and this is probably the best way to learn if you can find a suitable teacher, and you can afford it.
On the downside, private lessons can be expensive, can involve a lot of inconvenience, and it can be hard to find a teacher who you really click with.
Many people also teach themselves to play the guitar at home, either using a tutor book or DVD, or online guitar lessons.
If you go this route you'll have to be extremely self-motivated, and you'll also have to be very vigilant to ensure that you don't develop bad habits.
On the plus side, you'll save a lot of money, and will be able to progress entirely at your own pace.
So, make sure you choose the type of lessons that are most suitable for your budget, lifestyle and personality.
3.
Are you clear about how your guitar practice is going to fit into your life? Lastly, there's no point in having guitar lessons of any kind if you're not going to practice daily.
So before you commit to a lesson plan, you should also make a commitment to set aside some time each day for regular practice.
This can be challenging if you lead a busy life (and who doesn't?), but without regular practice you won't make much progress, and without progress you probably won't be motivated to continue with your lessons.
Consider these questions before you commit to starting guitar lessons and you'll be more likely to stick with it, because you'll be clear about why you want to play the guitar, and the part it's going to play in your life.
If you're also just starting to play guitar, but want to avoid becoming one of these statistics, you should ask yourself these questions before beginning lessons: 1.
Why do you want to play the guitar? Firstly, you should be very clear about your motivation for wanting to play the guitar.
Do you have a genuine passion for the instrument? Or are you learning because you think the guitar is cool, or you like the idea of being able to impress others with your playing skills, or you think you'll be able to join a band and make tons of money? Most peoples motivations for learning the guitar are pretty mixed, and there's nothing wrong with enjoying the external rewards that it can bring.
But these things are not likely to keep you going when difficulties arise (which they will), unless you also have a deep-seated love for how the guitar sounds, and for the process of actually playing it.
If this sense of having the guitar as a 'calling' isn't there, chances are that you'll drop out eventually.
2.
Have you chosen the right type of guitar lessons? Secondly, think about which type of guitar lessons will be most suitable for your circumstances.
Many people choose to have lessons with a private tutor, and this is probably the best way to learn if you can find a suitable teacher, and you can afford it.
On the downside, private lessons can be expensive, can involve a lot of inconvenience, and it can be hard to find a teacher who you really click with.
Many people also teach themselves to play the guitar at home, either using a tutor book or DVD, or online guitar lessons.
If you go this route you'll have to be extremely self-motivated, and you'll also have to be very vigilant to ensure that you don't develop bad habits.
On the plus side, you'll save a lot of money, and will be able to progress entirely at your own pace.
So, make sure you choose the type of lessons that are most suitable for your budget, lifestyle and personality.
3.
Are you clear about how your guitar practice is going to fit into your life? Lastly, there's no point in having guitar lessons of any kind if you're not going to practice daily.
So before you commit to a lesson plan, you should also make a commitment to set aside some time each day for regular practice.
This can be challenging if you lead a busy life (and who doesn't?), but without regular practice you won't make much progress, and without progress you probably won't be motivated to continue with your lessons.
Consider these questions before you commit to starting guitar lessons and you'll be more likely to stick with it, because you'll be clear about why you want to play the guitar, and the part it's going to play in your life.
