How to Learn to Play Electric Guitar - 5 Methods For Success
Many people do not know how to learn to play electric guitar.
There are a number of different methods you can use.
Each has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Below I explain 5 common ways people learn to play guitar.
One-on-one lessons.
This is the most traditional way to learn to play electric guitar, and is a highly regarded method.
The advantages of getting guitar lessons from a tutor are that you are able to communicate with the teacher, and the teacher is able to strengthen your weaknesses and help you hone your skills in a personal way.
Some disadvantages of this method include the trouble of finding a reputable and effective guitar tutor, and the high price of weekly lessons.
You should only pay for quality, so make sure you choose a guitar teacher that can play well, teach well, and also suits your personality.
Self-teaching.
A surprising amount of guitarists have taught themselves everything they know.
This type of guitarist probably learns best by watching other people play guitar and copying their movements and techniques.
Perhaps they also teach themselves to read guitar tab, pick up lessons and tips from friends, or watch online guitar videos.
Many guitarists actually become great at their instruments following this route, but it is certainly not for everyone.
Learning with/from friends.
The guitar really is a social instrument.
Similar to self-teaching, some guitarists pick up a lot of their skills from friends that also play guitar.
This can be a great way to learn to play the guitar well, and have a fun time doing it.
One disadvantage is that it may be hard to find a friend that is both at an advanced level of guitar playing, and able to guide you well with your own progress as a guitarist.
Online learning.
Many would-be guitarists with no idea of how to learn to play electric guitar might look for online resources to aid their study.
There are many websites online which offer beginner guitar lessons for electric, acoustic, and even Spanish guitar.
If you choose this avenue, be sure to check that the website or company you are getting guitar lessons from are competent players and teachers.
That said, this type of teaching can be as effective as one-on-one lessons, and may even provide the learner with more options.
It also allows guitarists to learn at their own pace.
Instructional DVDs.
Instructional DVDs have become increasingly popular.
You have probably heard about Esteban's guitar lesson DVDs, although his DVDs focus primarily on classical and flamenco styles, rather than electric guitar.
These generally receive good reviews in the press and from guitar review websites.
Following this path is much like taking one-on-one lessons, but may offer more flexibility for the player.
Of course, students can also combine the above ways of learning to play electric guitar.
This is perhaps the greatest method, as learning from many different sources means more general input and knowledge.
Deciding how to learn to play electric guitar may be difficult.
Take time to consider which option suits you best, and try to make an informed choice.
There are a number of different methods you can use.
Each has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Below I explain 5 common ways people learn to play guitar.
One-on-one lessons.
This is the most traditional way to learn to play electric guitar, and is a highly regarded method.
The advantages of getting guitar lessons from a tutor are that you are able to communicate with the teacher, and the teacher is able to strengthen your weaknesses and help you hone your skills in a personal way.
Some disadvantages of this method include the trouble of finding a reputable and effective guitar tutor, and the high price of weekly lessons.
You should only pay for quality, so make sure you choose a guitar teacher that can play well, teach well, and also suits your personality.
Self-teaching.
A surprising amount of guitarists have taught themselves everything they know.
This type of guitarist probably learns best by watching other people play guitar and copying their movements and techniques.
Perhaps they also teach themselves to read guitar tab, pick up lessons and tips from friends, or watch online guitar videos.
Many guitarists actually become great at their instruments following this route, but it is certainly not for everyone.
Learning with/from friends.
The guitar really is a social instrument.
Similar to self-teaching, some guitarists pick up a lot of their skills from friends that also play guitar.
This can be a great way to learn to play the guitar well, and have a fun time doing it.
One disadvantage is that it may be hard to find a friend that is both at an advanced level of guitar playing, and able to guide you well with your own progress as a guitarist.
Online learning.
Many would-be guitarists with no idea of how to learn to play electric guitar might look for online resources to aid their study.
There are many websites online which offer beginner guitar lessons for electric, acoustic, and even Spanish guitar.
If you choose this avenue, be sure to check that the website or company you are getting guitar lessons from are competent players and teachers.
That said, this type of teaching can be as effective as one-on-one lessons, and may even provide the learner with more options.
It also allows guitarists to learn at their own pace.
Instructional DVDs.
Instructional DVDs have become increasingly popular.
You have probably heard about Esteban's guitar lesson DVDs, although his DVDs focus primarily on classical and flamenco styles, rather than electric guitar.
These generally receive good reviews in the press and from guitar review websites.
Following this path is much like taking one-on-one lessons, but may offer more flexibility for the player.
Of course, students can also combine the above ways of learning to play electric guitar.
This is perhaps the greatest method, as learning from many different sources means more general input and knowledge.
Deciding how to learn to play electric guitar may be difficult.
Take time to consider which option suits you best, and try to make an informed choice.