Learning To Play Guitar

By Ben Kruz


The only thing constant about the music industry is that change happens. Lead singers change, band members change, instruments change, managers change, labels change, and management changes. In such an environment, a musician may find his or her growth as an artist is compromised. You might not be where you would like to be as far as your abilities. The good news is that you can take charge of your development. Learning to shred like guitar superstars is easier than ever before.

Years ago, before the internet was as sophisticated as it is now, independent study was a concept framed around correspondence courses. Perhaps some advertisement in the back of a magazine promised to teach you some skill, and send you some kind of certificate upon completion. Some colleges and universities followed suit. The independent study curriculum has since become wider, and offers both classroom and independent study. Musicians can also take advantage of advances in online education.

For those in the market for guitar education, finding an instructor is only one of many considerations. In finding a teacher, you have to consider whether they have what you need. While a band may be formed every day, a self-proclaimed guitar instructor also steps forward. A caveat to students is that not everyone is a capable and competent teacher. Buyers must beware. You want to get the best of what you need from the overstocked guitar teacher market.

All teachers are not created equal. Some teachers are not good at translating the methods of teaching to others. They might be players but they might not be good at demonstrating or helping a student pick up skills. Some may be teachers by default of being unable to make a living as a musician. There is the adage about those who can, doing, and those who cannot, teaching.

Other issues about in person instruction include those concerning time. Lessons typically are based on half hour and hourly rates. You may find longer sessions, or more frequent sessions are needed. Students who are serious about their careers might find their ambitions are undermined by the costs. Study based on hourly rates can hamper your career goals. Should you need to gain additional practice in certain areas, you might become further discouraged. Remedial training to target weak areas, when the clock is ticking, may become prohibitive as well as drive students to abandon mastering guitar elements.

An online training teaching approach allows students to study at their own pace, review material, and target trouble spots until lessons are mastered. A student can avoid postponing or detouring progress until a follow-on lesson on another day with a personal instructor. A student can avoid paying money for remedial instruction from a personal instructor. A student can avoid the domino effect of remedial needs not being resolved over the duration of your guitar instruction.

Practice, practice and more practice, is what teachers advise. No matter which occupation or career someone chooses, practice will improve your skills. This means that inclement weather can be a showstopper when you study outside your home. A student can avoid bad weather, cancellations and schedule changes when you study at home. In fact, you can set your own training schedule so studying is as convenient as possible and conducive to retention, and goals.

Online training can replace or supplement your guitar training goals. Training can be targeted with modules for particular goals. Students can learn from guitar masters. With self-paced education, nothing and no one will stand in your way. You can move closer to closing the gap between guitar superstars and your guitar abilities.




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