Should I take lessons?

[Gore Obsessed]

I got my guitar yesterday, and today I am debating whether to pay the $20 an hour for lessons or not. My parents dont want to pay for it, so i will have to myself. Should I? And if I should, is 1 hour a week good?

[m0ngaa]

shiet $20 an hour, i pay $21 for half (although 21 aussie). Yeh if u can get a a job or whatever to fund it, but get lessons!
yeh i get half an hour a week, and thats a good, a little short perhaps.
1 hour a weel = good.

[Jody LeCompte]

Its better to take some lessons now and try to teach yourself later. Most of the teachers I've talked to have said they're best students are the ones that worked with from absolute ground zero.

[Genxcide2424]

As a guitar teacher I want to say yes. As a self taught guitarist I want to say no.

Some people need a teacher to learn and keep them motivated, other people don't. I'd reccomend taking atleast afew lessons to just get the basics, like proper technique, and be able to get a quick answer for all the questions you might have. After afew weeks you'll probably have a pretty clear idea whether or not it's something you'll need or want to do.

[Gore Obsessed]

yeah, I was thinking maybe taking 1 lesson once a week for a month or to, just for the basic's. I also have quite a few friends that can teach me who are brilliant at guitar, but they are self taught. It's hard to pay for them, I am 14, I cant get a job and I only get $20 every 2 weeks.

[Scoot]

I love taking lessons. It gives you an idea of how you're playing. It also gives you the opportunity to be around those of greater experience than you.

[peaveyrules]

Yes, taking lessons will help GREATLY. However, make sure you take lessons from a person you are completely comfortable with, and can relate to easily. I had it easy, the floor guy working at the guitar store I bought my first actual guitar from was pretty young kid, into pretty much the same stuff I was. He was really nice, and a badass player. I took lessons from him for a while, and they were really relaxing and nice. I learned alot from him before I had to cancel lessons due to the fact I live 70 miles away. My other friend took lessons from a different music store. Their guitar teachers were volunteer nuns. I'll let you take it from there...

[Gore Obsessed]

"This is how we sing about jeeeesus!"

Ok guys, I am pretty sure I am going to take lessons, but I will probably start in february.
Thanks for the help guys :)

[austin99]

Lessons are good, and $20 for a half hour is not bad, I was self taught for many years, however my friend that I played with had lessons, so I he taught me a lot. I am self taught on keyboards and never really wanted lessons.

I finally took guitar lessons and really got a lot out of the lessons, studied Jazz Guitar and really enjoyed the lessons, however thats probably not what your wanting to learn at this time.

[Guitardo]

an hour a week is good
I take thirty minutes a week and it helps
Split the time into 2 pieces new songs and working on basics

[battousai]

i used to go to lessons for half hour once a week for 25$ a week. it helps because it shows you how to start off and you progress. but dont go to those guys that are just in it for the money, make shure the teacher wants to teach you.

[jake plays guitar]

dude lessons are really important. and 20 bucks an hour isnt that bad. i pay 25 for half an hour. although i do have a really really good teacher

[Channy]

Hey! New here, but interested in this topic because I teach guitar lessons. (I own a studio in Muskegon, MI). Just wanted to say, guitar lessons are important, and so is individual self-development. $20 per hour isn't bad at all, and sometimes it is worth paying more for a quality teacher. You will find that sometimes stores or individual teachers try to bait students by offering really low prices--steer clear! Just like everything else, you get what you pay for. I charge $15 per half, $25 per hour. Also, before you choose a teacher, consider these notable qualities:

1. Does the teacher possess skills in different styles and genres--specifically, those that you are interested in?

2. Does the teacher value your individual music tastes? Never choose a teacher that claims your music "sucks" or isn't worth exploring. Many oldschool teachers will discredit punk, hardcore, metal, rock, etc. simply because they don't know anything about it! These teachers are outdated and need to get with the times.

3. Does the teacher balance your lessons with "fun stuff", like learning choice songs, but also guitar theory and basics? You don't want to walk away from lessons after two years with just a list of songs you can play. You need to learn skills that will allow you to not only learn songs on your own, but empower you as an overall guitarist.

4. Does the teacher offer specific praise? Are they patient? Do they encourage you to explore, experiment? Do they keep track of your progress by marking accomplishment? What extra resources will they provide (student website, newsletter, reccommended reading, books) for you?


I hope this hasn't been too long of a post! I just wanted to shed some light on what new students should really look for in a teacher!
P.S. If you are in the Muskegon, Grand Rapids MI area and looking, please check out my website at: www.TheRedNote.cjb.net.

Happy Shredding!

[4yearpro?]

can't you just take guitar class in school? they can teach you, the only negative thing is that you are not individually taught
but an hour a week for lessons seem good enough

[~The Wise One~]

Hey! New here, but interested in this topic because I teach guitar lessons. (I own a studio in Muskegon, MI). Just wanted to say, guitar lessons are important, and so is individual self-development. $20 per hour isn't bad at all, and sometimes it is worth paying more for a quality teacher. You will find that sometimes stores or individual teachers try to bait students by offering really low prices--steer clear! Just like everything else, you get what you pay for. I charge $15 per half, $25 per hour. Also, before you choose a teacher, consider these notable qualities:

1. Does the teacher possess skills in different styles and genres--specifically, those that you are interested in?

2. Does the teacher value your individual music tastes? Never choose a teacher that claims your music "sucks" or isn't worth exploring. Many oldschool teachers will discredit punk, hardcore, metal, rock, etc. simply because they don't know anything about it! These teachers are outdated and need to get with the times.

3. Does the teacher balance your lessons with "fun stuff", like learning choice songs, but also guitar theory and basics? You don't want to walk away from lessons after two years with just a list of songs you can play. You need to learn skills that will allow you to not only learn songs on your own, but empower you as an overall guitarist.

4. Does the teacher offer specific praise? Are they patient? Do they encourage you to explore, experiment? Do they keep track of your progress by marking accomplishment? What extra resources will they provide (student website, newsletter, reccommended reading, books) for you?


I hope this hasn't been too long of a post! I just wanted to shed some light on what new students should really look for in a teacher!
P.S. If you are in the Muskegon, Grand Rapids MI area and looking, please check out my website at: www.TheRedNote.cjb.net.

Happy Shredding!
Wow...nice first post.

[Samick]

i have friends who say that lessons are olny worth it for so long....

[Mauled By Jesus]

can't you just take guitar class in school? they can teach you, the only negative thing is that you are not individually taught
but an hour a week for lessons seem good enough
I wish my school had a guitar class, that would own.

[Mister_Sparkle]

I wish my school had a guitar class, that would own.
Don't expect to learn much if you've been playing for a while because they're usually aimed at complete beginners. I'm taking one next year for a relaxing class and easy credit :chug:

[4yearpro?]

well in my school: we have beginner guitar, intermediate guitar, jazz guitar, or guitar ensemble(in order of difficulty)
Beginner and intermediate guitar classes are the ones you mostly learn in, the others you just play songs in
and after each term you have to perform songs in a concert

[X_DeathRunsUponUs_X]

Hey! New here, but interested in this topic because I teach guitar lessons. (I own a studio in Muskegon, MI). Just wanted to say, guitar lessons are important, and so is individual self-development. $20 per hour isn't bad at all, and sometimes it is worth paying more for a quality teacher. You will find that sometimes stores or individual teachers try to bait students by offering really low prices--steer clear! Just like everything else, you get what you pay for. I charge $15 per half, $25 per hour. Also, before you choose a teacher, consider these notable qualities:

1. Does the teacher possess skills in different styles and genres--specifically, those that you are interested in?

2. Does the teacher value your individual music tastes? Never choose a teacher that claims your music "sucks" or isn't worth exploring. Many oldschool teachers will discredit punk, hardcore, metal, rock, etc. simply because they don't know anything about it! These teachers are outdated and need to get with the times.

3. Does the teacher balance your lessons with "fun stuff", like learning choice songs, but also guitar theory and basics? You don't want to walk away from lessons after two years with just a list of songs you can play. You need to learn skills that will allow you to not only learn songs on your own, but empower you as an overall guitarist.

4. Does the teacher offer specific praise? Are they patient? Do they encourage you to explore, experiment? Do they keep track of your progress by marking accomplishment? What extra resources will they provide (student website, newsletter, reccommended reading, books) for you?


I hope this hasn't been too long of a post! I just wanted to shed some light on what new students should really look for in a teacher!
P.S. If you are in the Muskegon, Grand Rapids MI area and looking, please check out my website at: www.TheRedNote.cjb.net.

Happy Shredding!

well said. listen to this guy :chug:

[Pom-Bear]

Well in my opinion

Lessons can be good and bad

because The Teacher doesn't kno what ur capable of and the only person who will teach or help improve their skills is themselves...

i had short lessons where a guitar friend just showed me scales on the guitar but i actually found it harder to learn that way compared to me teaching myself

I think u should try lessons but seek into finding a better learning pattern that suits urself the most

[Channy]

Hey Thanks for the kudos on my post above, but just to letcha know.....

I'm a girl!:)

[Gore Obsessed]

Hey Thanks for the kudos on my post above, but just to letcha know.....

I'm a girl!:)

I would rep you for that post, hell, i'd hug you. Thank you.

My mom is going to call up some places after the new year, thank's all for the help.

[Alive]

Hey Thanks for the kudos on my post above, but just to letcha know.....

I'm a girl!:)

Welcome to the forum :)

It's great to have more and more people with experience and whatnot around here, espescially someone who makes a living (or at least makes money) off music.

[rjoerger1291]

I wish my school had a guitar class, that would own.

my school had one and i learned a lot fom it but 75% of the people were guitar retarted. A bunch of people had trouple with "free falling" by tom petty. If you showed them Smoke on the Water they would probably sh!t themselves.

[Channy]

Welcome to the forum :)

It's great to have more and more people with experience and whatnot around here, espescially someone who makes a living (or at least makes money) off music.


Thanks! No problem---but let me tell ya', it's a rough way to make a living!:)
There are really some excellent tips from everyone around here, especially on the technique and theory pages! I like to come and learn more myself, because no matter where you are at, there is ALWAYS more to learn.