5 Reasons to Take Guitar Lessons

Why should you take guitar lessons when there are so many other more affordable ways to learn? Let's find out.

1. The teacher can answer your questions. You can't ask a DVD a book or a CD a question. There are many good, helpful resources available, but being able to ask a question of a live teacher is a huge advantage. There's a lot to be said for getting an instant answer explained in terms you understand.

2. A teacher will catch bad habits. Playing in front of your teacher, he or she will immediately be able to see if you're forming a habit that will catch up with you later. Getting feedback right away will help you learn correctly from the beginning.

3. Your teacher can motivate you. I've found that teaching yourself is very difficult because you need motivation. If you have no one to play for or to be accountable to, it's very easy to get in a rut and just play the songs you're comfortable with.

4. An instructor will make sure you progress. Sometimes a new student will attempt a piece that's just not possible yet. Many of my students will hear a song they'd like to play and then be surprised at how hard it is. "But it sounds easy" is something I hear a lot. A good teacher will make sure that you move forward and not become discouraged by trying to play something you're not capable of at the moment.

5. The teacher will help you set goals. Having goals is an important part of learning to play guitar. The most difficult students we have are the ones that have no idea of what they're trying to do. Too often someone will say "I just want to play the guitar." The nice thing about guitar is that it's extremely versatile. You can play any kind of music on it and you can decide how good you want to be. I've had students who were happy playing a half dozen chords and singing around the campfire while others studied for years to reach the level they desired.