Looking for the Best Way to Learn Guitar by Yourself Quickly?

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Here’s The Google Maps Twin Brother for Guitar Learning

 

Dear near-future guitarist,

If you’re a self-learner (like my friend Joe Cooder) and looking for the best and fastest way to teach yourself guitar, this will be the most insightful post you’ll read today.

Here is why:

Last May, I Invited Joe and his wife Lisa for a warm afternoon barbecue to celebrate Joe’s 44th birthday.

A few minutes after I started to get the fire going, Joe was in my backyard carrying something I’d never seen him with before.

 

It was a brand new alligator leather guitar case.

 

Last steak bites, Joe opens this case, takes out his new natural blonde acoustic guitar, and starts playing John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads.”

Our ladies joined the singing, and Joe impressively kept the atmosphere going for about an hour.

Later on, when I asked Joe where he’d learned to play like this,

 

His answer was somewhat unexpected:

 

I wanted fast results, so went on the web looking for a guitar learning system that would do for me what “Google Maps does for drivers.” 

You know, navigate me to my destination in the fastest possible way.

And what was your destination, I asked.

Although I wasn’t sure if I could even learn to play guitar at my age, I just wanted to be able to play some songs I love, not only for myself but also around the family and at get-togethers like this one.

 

And you know what?

 

He continued,

When I finally pushed myself to start three months ago, I was amazed by my newfound guitar-learning system.

I stuck with it for two weeks when I realized playing wasn’t as hard as I thought it would be.

Within the first three super-clear videos, totaling nine minutes, all fogginess around the guitar vanished, and I could start learning to play right there,

 

In my living room.

 

Moreover, unlike the scattered “share-like and subscribe” videos you see everywhere these days,

In this system, the lessons are tied up in sequential order, making it easy for me to focus on my daily improvement without any distractions.

Today, when I get back from work, I simply log into my computer and continue to take a quick lesson from where I left off, and then, for another ten minutes, I play just for fun.

 

The best part of it is that,

 

Lisa’s happy.

She says I’ve made a wise choice to start playing because my new hobby bought us extra quality time with the kids.

 

Here is the system that helped my friend get to his destination…

If learning to play guitar quickly is what you want,

Click here for a free two weeks assessment and see how it could do the same for you.

 

What are the other best ways to learn guitar?

This is a seemingly trivial question, yet a detailed answer is required. First and foremost, it depends on your situation. This is so because what’s best for one person may not be your best solution.

In the rest of this post, we will guide you through learning guitar. We will assess your situation and examine the different ways to learn guitar. Some of the best learning ways we will explore are a private teacher course, an online guitar course, and learning guitar by yourself.      

Let’s get into it and help you demystify the instrument.

 

Online Guitar Course? Private Teacher? or  Learning Guitar on your own?

 

The first step is, of course, to get yourself a guitar.

Once you’ve got one, let’s review some available learning options.

 

The best way to learn guitar Online:

 

The newest and most popular best way to learn guitar source for most people is through an online guitar course.

When we say online, many people think of going to YouTube because that is how most people are exposed to online learning.

Although YouTube can help you learn guitar online, it does not have a systematic approach.

You can easily get something too hard to comprehend or average with no sense of progression.

The best way to learn guitar for beginners online is with professional paid online courses.

They systemize guitar learning much differently from YouTube.

A professional online guitar course has other resources like play-along videos and often opportunities for feedback.

After testing a few online guitar courses, we’ve concluded that GuitarTricks.com is the best one available because of its systemized approach and clarity of lessons. Moreover, they have a free two weeks trial, so you can check if it fits you.

 

 

Disclosure: We are a professional review site that receives compensation from the companies whose products we review or recommend.

Pros of Online Guitar Course

 

 

Here are the various benefits of online guitar courses:

 

No Travelling!

 

An online guitar course’s first and obvious benefit is NO TRAVELING (which saves you time and money). You don’t have to go anywhere.

It is available there in your own home. You only need a computer device and an internet connection. And, of course,

connected to that is a flexible schedule. You can take the lessons at any time of the day.

 

It is Easy to Review

 

With an online guitar course, it is easy to review. You can always go back to a video anytime, pause it, and watch it again.

If you forget how to do something, you can go back to the video and watch it repeatedly.

 

Live Learning Through Social Media

 

If pre-recorded online guitar course isn’t good enough for you, then you can opt for live learning through social media platforms online.

You are good to go as long as you have a reasonable internet connection and a webcam (any good quality computer will have an inbuilt webcam).

Some online learning programs use various platforms to ensure that the online course works well.

Online programs use Zoom, Skype, WhatsApp, and even Messenger.

If you want to take your lesson on the fly and connect via WhatsApp or Messenger, that is great.

If you want a super HD version to record for future use, you can take the course via Skype or Zoom.

In a live online guitar course, you can directly ask the online guitar instructor questions and even request that he or she repeat something you didn’t understand a few minutes ago.

Live online guitar courses usually have several tutors. So, you will be paired with the best possible guitar tutor.

 

Lots of Information

 

Online courses are packed with lots of information. Online courses cover all the essentials for playing electric or acoustic.

Online courses cover everything from the basics to all the advanced stuff. You will get information on guitar anatomy, strumming patterns, basic chord progressions,

the best way to play different types of notes, details on the G major scale, and G major scale exercises, among other things.

 

Free Trial Before You Pay

 

Most online courses offer a free trial period of up to fourteen days. You can use this period to assess the online course and decide whether or not it is good enough for you.

But remember to read the terms and conditions of the free trial.

As recommended before, we think the best online guitar course for beginners is Guitartricks.com

You can start your free trial here.

 

Free YouTube Online Guitar Courses

 

Apart from the well-organized online guitar courses you can get from professional websites, you’ve got free YouTube guitar learning videos.

Many video tutorials on the YouTube platform are created by enthusiastic guitarists who like to share what they have learned with others.

Numerous introductory videos can help you learn the basics of playing guitar.

Some instructors share long videos that are ten-plus minutes to ensure you get detailed information.

Most videos are of decent quality and have good playback features that allow you to capture a specific timestamp while reviewing a video.

Most free videos come equipped with subtitles, which help you capture every word from the instructor’s mouth.

 

 

Cons of Online Guitar Course:

 

 

Even though online courses are packed with lots of information, there are still a few drawbacks associated with this guitar learning method.

 

No Feedback Online

 

Apart from the live online classes you can take via Zoom, Skype, WhatsApp, or Messenger, other online courses have no feedback.

You can watch a pre-recorded video, but nobody is going to reach out through the video and guide you on how to put your finger correctly.

You will most likely have to figure out when you make a mistake and go back to the video to correct yourself.

 

Lots of Distractions and Lack of Accountability

 

It is convenient to attend an online course or lesson anytime in the comfort of your home.

But the downside is that there might be a lot of distractions in your home, especially if you live with other people.

This can make it hard for you to focus on a lesson. With most online courses, there is less accountability.

You don’t have to tell anyone whether or not you missed practice today. This may greatly affect how you learn and how long you take to learn.

 

 

What about a Private Teacher?

 

 

Is a private teacher the best way to learn guitar for beginners? If you want to learn guitar faster and properly, then a private teacher is the ideal option.

 

Pros of a Private Teacher?

 

It is an interesting topic because the role of a guitar teacher has changed within the last two to three decades.

But it is still one of the best ways. For those who crave interaction and a little bit of pressure to learn, face-to-face learning is just the ticket.

 

Give Feedback

 

A private teacher can give you feedback because he or she can react to your needs in real-time.

A teacher does not only know how to play guitar but has in-depth knowledge and years of experience.

The teacher is watching you play guitar and can see up close all the common mistakes you make.

A teacher can observe you closely and see that you are doing something different from how he or she could have done it.

But it is still okay because you are moving in the right direction.

This feature makes face-to-face guitar lessons one of the most customizable ways to learn guitar.

This ability to customize, however, comes with a steeper price tag. In one-on-one lessons, a teacher can see what works for you and give better recommendations that fit your learning and playing style.

 

Easy to Get Inspired

 

 

One-on-one lessons can effectively inspire you to play like your teacher. Your Teacher can help you learn something you didn’t think you could do on the guitar.

A private instructor will always surprise you with his or her experiences, achievements, and challenges. An instructor will likely use himself or herself as an example to inspire.

You may start learning guitar as a hobby but end up embracing the whole thing as a career because of the Teacher’s involvement.

Your Teacher might inspire you to try new ideas at home. An instructor with lots of experience can easily bring out a hidden ability in you for playing guitar.

 

Pressure to Achieve

 

Unlike other methods of learning guitar, a private teacher can pressure you to give your best in the learning process.

Some people may find the pressure a bother, but it is the opposite.

A teacher who pushes you to the limit wants you to work harder and pass every huddle without thinking about giving up.

 

Cons of a Private Teacher

 

Traditionally, teachers are known to be the best in instilling knowledge and helping people realize their dreams in different parts of life.

But when it comes to guitar learning, there are a few things that may change your mind about face-to-face lessons.

 

Finding the Right Teacher May Take Time

 

One thing is certain. You will not run short of private teachers to choose from in your neighborhood.

But is he or she the right Teacher for you? A good teacher isn’t just the one that gives instructions to follow and puts you under excessive pressure.

You need to find a teacher with who you can develop a relationship. Finding such a person may take a while for some people.

 

Some Private Teachers Can Be Overly Expensive

 

As long as you find the right Teacher, you should expect him or her to be deeply invested in your guitar learning.

But this investment comes at a cost that may be too steep for some people.

 

How to Pick a Private Teacher

 

The following are the most important things to look for in a private guitar teacher.

 

Cost of the Private Lessons

 

This is one of the most important considerations when looking for a private teacher.

You must know exactly what the one-on-one course will cost you. Instructors with steadfast reputations will cost more.

You have to inquire whether or not you will incur additional costs in the future.

 

What Styles of Music Does He or She Teach

 

It is highly likely to come across private teachers who claim they can teach all music styles.

Don’t be easily impressed by such an instructor.

What you should be concerned about is whether or not the teacher you are approaching can teach you the style of music you want to learn.

If you want to learn blues rock, you should look for an instructor who teaches blues-rock, blues, and rock music styles.

The same goes for all the other music styles.

 

Inquire About His or Her Level of Experience

 

You have to ask the instructor about his or her guitar teaching experience. How many years has he or she been teaching people to learn guitar?

The instructor should have at least one year of experience. He or she must have a fairly long list of students to whom he or she has successfully taught the course.

A list of at least thirty students is reliable. Don’t go for inexperienced teachers who want to use you as an experiment.

 

Which Approach Does the Teacher Use?

 

You have to assess the competency of the Teacher. Just inquire about his or her approach.

A good teacher will not attempt to tell you how he or she will teach you guitar if he or she doesn’t know anything about you.

Instead, he or she will present the private course. Then you can decide whether or not the lessons are good for you. Watch out for the Teacher’s language.

Does he or she asks more about you or tell you more about his or her teaching methods?

 

What’s the Personality and Temperate of the Teacher?

 

Personality and temperate are consistently identified among the characteristics of a private guitar teacher.

These two qualities reflect the years of experience as a guitar student and a Teacher.

Some specific features that define a teacher’s personality and temperate include patience, empathy, and flexibility.

Important among the qualities of a good private guitar teacher is patience.

Patience is needed when you don’t get things right the first time. A highly experienced teacher will be patient.

The instructor should have the ability to empathize with you. That is, being able to see things from your perspective as a student.

Some private teachers only teach music and not the person. A good teacher has to be highly flexible. He or she should be able to speak more than one language.

 

Learn Guitar By Yourself

 

Is teaching yourself the best way to learn guitar for beginners? It depends on several things. What does it mean to learn on your own?

It means you’ve no help from a private teacher or an online instructor. This is probably because you want to save money and be more flexible with your learning schedule.

Pros of Learning By Yourself

Here are the various benefits of learning guitar by yourself:

 

You Don’t Have to Pay Anything

 

When you teach yourself guitar, you don’t have to pay anything. This makes this method the best way to learn guitar for people with tight budgets.

You don’t have to worry about paying for private (face-to-face) or online lessons. You don’t have to worry about transport costs.

 

It’s Convenient for People with a Busy Schedule

 

If you happen to be a person with a busy schedule, then teaching yourself is the best way.

You will not have to worry about leaving work early or getting to the private lessons late. You don’t have to practice every day.

Instead, you can set a few days aside for lessons. You can even take guitar lessons at night when it’s peaceful and quiet.

 

You Can Learn Different Styles of Music

 

Learning by yourself allows you to teach yourself different music styles.

You can teach yourself blues, fingerstyle guitar, jazz, folk music, bluegrass, blues rock, singing, rock, funk, punk rock,

hard rock, flamenco, heavy metal, acoustic music, or even country music. You are limited to what a private teacher can teach.

 

You Can Learn with a Friend

 

Learning guitar by yourself while hanging out with a friend is fun. The companion can be your boyfriend or girlfriend.

You can play what you have learned to a friend and see how he or she responds to your music. A friend can also motivate you to be better.

 

Cons of Learning By Yourself

 

In some cases learning by yourself may not be the best way, and here are the reasons why:

 

Lack of the Appropriate Materials

 

Self-teaching may be inexpensive, but you may fail to get all the materials you need.

A highly experienced private teacher has lots of materials that are included in his or her course.

You can find all kinds of information online, including video tutorials and articles.

Here’s a cool bank of free downloadable resources for beginners I’ve found.

Combine these resources with whatever way you’ll eventually choose to learn and you’re one step closer to hitting the best way to learn guitar.

 

Trial and Error

 

In most cases, teaching yourself depends on learning and playing guitar by ear. This learning method involves trial and error most of the time.

Your ears will not tell you when you make a mistake. But you will be able to hear the mistake afterward.

For instance, you might try to auto-correct a note you missed by slurring into the note.

Some individuals may not even notice that they have made a mistake because they are not self-aware.

Repeating a mistake can easily become a habit, which can seriously affect your growth.

If you lack intentional strategy, you may not be able to correct any mistakes.

 

Ubiquitous Use of Tablature

 

When learning guitar you have to be able to read standard music notation to be able to play anything.

Guitar has a very specific system of notation referred to as tablature. It is quite exact, and descriptive, and it matches the guitar.

But ubiquitous use of tablature can be a problem.

 

Lack of Methodology

 

There is a tendency for self-learning to involve random acquisition or a lack of methodology.

This is usually a consequence of self-learning. When you are in charge of what you will learn, how you will learn it,

and when you are going to learn it, you are likely not to do things in a specific way.

You don’t have a specific method for acquiring the necessary knowledge and technique. You have no way of knowing what you don’t know.

 

 Best way to learn guitar on your own

 

Here are the various things you can do to learn guitar on your own:

 

Buy Yourself a Guitar

 

The type of guitar you buy depends on what style of music you wish to learn to play. The most recommended guitar choice for a beginner is a classic model.

Usually, the nylon strings are more comfortable for the tender fingers of a beginner. The main requisite for a beginner’s guitar is ease of playing.

Buy all the necessary accessories you will need to teach yourself. These can include books, a guitar strap, and guitar picks.

If you choose an electric guitar, you will need to buy an amplifier.

Learn How to Hold Guitar

Hold the guitar with your two hands and bring it close to your body until you feel it is in a comfortable position.

This image shows the proper way to sit with your instrument:

 

Teach yourself how to position your fingers. You may check photos in guitar books and magazines.

You should consider your handiness (are you left-handed or right-handed).

The greater technique can be obtained by pressing down the strings with the tips of your fingers than with the fleshy part.

Teach Yourself How to Read Tablature

You must be able to use the tablature correctly. In a normal guitar notation, you have six horizontal lines representing the guitar’s six strings.

A seven-string model will have seven lines, and a four-string model will only have four lines.

The lowest line is the thickest guitar string, and the thinnest string is the top line.

On these lines, you will see some numbers, which will tell you where to put the finger on the guitar.

But they will not tell you which finger. So, a five on the top line of a tab tells you to play a note at the fifth fret of the thinnest string.

With some guitars, you may find additional information above or below the tab, which might give you some clues. But it is not usually there.

Practice Regularly

Self-learning needs a lot of practice, and you should never let frustration overcome your urge to learn guitar by yourself.

 

Best way to learn guitar conclusion

No matter which way you’ll grasp as the best way to learn guitar for yourself,

you should also be aware that there may be some other challenges you may need to polish a little.

Overcoming challenges such as procrastination of practice or lack of persistence will also determine if you’ll succeed in your learning journey.

You needed this post’s information because you could not decide the best way to learn guitar suited for beginners.

We have learned that there are three main ways of learning guitar, by yourself, with the help of a private teacher, and through an online guitar course.

We have also gone through the pros and cons of each learning method. What may work for you may not work for someone else because of one reason or the other.

Learning by yourself is the most convenient way for people who don’t want to spend money.

A private teacher, on the other hand, helps you harness your skills one-on-one.

But the ultimate best way to learn guitar for beginners is through an online guitar course.

You can start a free 14 days trial Here: