You have decided that it is time to get some help learning the guitar. Whether you are just getting started or have been playing for years, this is a big decision. Unlike most people who only dream about playing guitar, you have taken action, which shows how serious you are. Congratulations, you have taken a big step towards improving your playing.
I am sure you know about the many options available to help guitar players learn to play. YouTube videos, online courses, books, and even some apps claim that they are the best way to learn. You can learn something from all these sources. But is it the best thing for you to be learning right now? Are you learning things in the correct order, making learning to play much easier and less frustrating? Are you on the fastest path?
Since you are reading this article, you have probably figured out that looking for an experienced guitar teacher is the best way to learn. Unfortunately, not all guitar teachers are the same. Paying for lessons is not the same as buying a candy bar. You will get the same product whether you buy the candy at the grocery store or the corner gas station. When looking for a guitar teacher, know that the quality varies significantly. So how do you tell if you have found a good teacher? The following tips will help you.
Don’t Select a Teacher Based On Location and Price
Convenient location and price should never be your primary reason for choosing an instructor. There will be quite a few guitar teachers to coose from in most areas. If you are lucky, the closest one will also be your best option, but be willing to travel to receive higher-quality instruction.
For some teachers, price is the only way that they can compete. Inexperienced teachers will often charge less because they are not confident that they have much value to offer students. They learn to teach as they go and often get many things wrong. Cheap guitar lessons usually cost you more in the long run because inexperienced teachers won’t know the proper order to teach you the skills you need. Finding a teacher that can get you faster results will save you time and money in the long run.
Ask The Teacher Where They Got Their Training
Unfortunately, most guitar teachers do not get any training or stay up to date on the methods that get students the best results. This is true for private instructors and people who teach in music stores. You want to select a teacher who invests time and money in learning to be the most effective instructor. They will be up to date and know how to help their students get faster results.
Prospective students will sometimes think that if a person can play guitar well, they will also be a great teacher. Regrettably, the ability to play and teach are entirely different skill sets. There are a lot of great players who are not good teachers. They have not had to think about what they do for so long that it is often hard for them to break it down for someone not at their level. Always look for some who has teacher training.
Be Wary Of All Styles Teachers
Guitar teachers who are well versed in all styles are scarce. You want to find a teacher who is familiar with and has played the style of guitar you want to learn. If you like the blues, find a blues instructor. This way, you will learn the skills you need from someone who uses them all the time.
If you find a trained teacher who plays the style of music you like just around the corner, consider yourself very lucky. Just in case that does not happen, be willing to travel and pay more. You will have a much better experience and will learn a lot faster. It will save you time and money in the long run.
About the author: Brian Fish is a professional guitarist living in Northeast Ohio who has 26 years of experience as an expert guitar instructor at Guitar Lessons Geauga.
