[Aunkster]

How do you know if its better to seek out instructions from an instructor or try to teach yourself

[lolly]

good question... you could easily teach yourself to play, however the benefits of an instructor, especially when you are first learning, will help you to hopefully not learn any bad habits as you are starting out.... the way you hold the guitar for example, the way you learn to finger your chords... right down to the position you hold your strumming hand to how you pick your strings... if learning music theory is part of your agenda (perhaps you are already versed in this area), an instructor will help you achieve that... I guess the point is ...that it really depends on you and what you want out of the instrument.

[justinthyme]

I'm pro-instructor, at least in the early stages. Far easier to start off with good habits than try to get out of bad ones later. Just my 2c.

[dejankuki]

I agree with both of previous posts, it's better if you have an instructor, even in advanced stadium, but sometimes, someone can learn things better if discovers it himself. It's just my experience. But also it is a hard way. It's up to you to choose method.

[geitenvla]

I'm not sure. I managed so far without an official teacher. Most of the things I know I either figured out by myself or I learned from other players. After 10 years this payed off and I can say that I'm at least a medium/advanced player. I choose fingerpicking to be my style so I guess that helps a little in how people judge me as it sounds way more complicated to a non-player than strumming. But, often more I've got this feeling that I've hit some sort of invissible ceiling; it is really hard for me to make a step to the next level. Whether that is because I don't feel like studying anymore or because I miss some guidance I don't know.

My best guess is: If you can afford it and you can find a nice/kind teacher, you're better of with the teacher as it serves you best in the end.

[coldethyl]

Originally Posted by Aunkster

How do you know if its better to seek out instructions from an instructor or try to teach yourself

You won't truly know until you test it out for yourself.
Try to get yourself a good instructor though, otherwise a bad one may taint your decision.

[scotty_b]

I think a good teacher is valuable, and can show you things you may not realise for yourself, or correct you when you wander off the 'path', whatever your path may be.

[Aunkster]

Let me ask another question then,I hope this dont sound stupid ,but when looking for an instructor ,what type questions do you ask ,I mean it would be nice to find someone who will make the learning style fun,I would hate to have someone who will make you go home and learn classical music (I dont care for that ,no offense) when I know I would be more apt to practice harder learning classic rock or country.

I mean it almost sounds as if you should interview the instructor but I just am unsure of the questions to ask.

[eddiez152]

Although I never had any instructor, I have learned more from playing along with friends live, than by myself. I might add that when joining this site a little over a year ago, Kirk's lessons have been the closest thing to having an instructor teaching me. My playing has improved tremendously from that alone.

[SkyNet]

I'd have a chat with the instructor and make sure that you get along with him/her. Try to have an idea of what you want to learn. Do you want to learn theory or technique or both? Explain the types of music/styles you want to learn.

Other questions I would ask are:


- How long have they been teaching/ playing?
- What types of music do they play?
- Is he/she a working musician?
- Policy for lesson cancellations?
- Get them to briefly explain their teaching methods (ie: music theory vs technique).
- Will they teach you songs that you want to learn?
- Do they use books to guide the lesson? I find books help provide structure but haven't used one in a while.
- Can you contact them during the week if you have a question?

Most importantly the teacher should be someone that you are comfortable with. You may have to take a few lessons to figure that out.

Hope this helps,
SkyNet (not always evil )

[si16]

Try reading this - A request of the guitar teachers here ...

[starsailor]

You could also read this post by PepticDust, don't know if you've checked this one out already but it's an account of PepticDust's experience and is worth reading.

After 2 years of playing...

[twilli227]

How do you know if its better to seek out instructions from an instructor or try to teach yourself

You could also try out Adult Vocational School Classes if you have them in your area. I took a 7 weeks course, 1 hour 15 minutes each and there were 5 adults and it cost $89. That really helped me get started on my journey. They have a second course that I will take in the future. This might help you decide to go one on one with an instructor.