If your goal is to become a competent guitarist then the most effective course of action is to find yourself a good guitar tutor. While it’s possible to teach yourself using online resource, tutorials books and DVDs, there is no substitute for one to one time with a patient, competent guitar teacher. So what can you do to find and choose a good guitar teacher?
The first things to consider are your personal goals. Perhaps your aim is to become a great lead guitarist in an indie rock band? Or maybe you just want to learn a few tunes to play to your family? And what about timescale, do you want to be gigging in a rock band within six months or are you happy to take your time and learn at a more leisurely pace?
I recommend that you write down a list of your specific goals, identify a few tunes that you would like to play, guitar solos that you would love to play. All of this valuable information will help you choose the right guitar teacher who can help you attain your goals.
Having details your aims and aspirations its now time to identify some tutor candidates. Group tuition is an option that I recommend you consider. This can often be much less expensive than one to one guitar lessons and you’ll get to meet others who are at a similar stage of learning to yourself.
But if you really want some quality individual tuition you’ll now need to find some prospective tutors in your area. Take a look at your local business telephone directory along with your local newspapers and you might like to pop along to your nearest musical instrument store to see if they have any recommended tutors. Create a list of local tutors along with their contact details.
The next thing I recommend is writing yourself a list of questions to ask these tutors. Here are a few ideas:
1) Can you tell me how long you’ve been teaching guitar and what your teaching background is
2) How much are your lessons and where are they carried out? (Some tutors will be happy to come to your home).
What are your favored guitar playing styles to teach? (Do they use acoustic guitar or electric guitar?)
4) What is the format of your lessons and do you provide any materials?
Its a good idea to get into a conversation and ask as many questions as you need to. You might also like to ask for testimonials from some current and some previous students.
Once you have boiled down your list of tutor candidates you should contact your favorite and ask if they will offer a trial lesson at a reduced rate. Many tutors will be more than happy to offer a reduced price introductory lesson.
Its wrong to assume that someone will make a good guitar teacher just because they play well. While its important that your guitar teacher can play well they also need to know how to teach.
If, after your first lesson, you are not over-flowing with enthusiasm and keenness to keep playing then I suggest that you look for another tutor. Its crucial that your guitar lessons inspire you to play at every possible opportunity.
I hope that these simple suggestions will help you to identify and team up with a great guitar tutor who will work with you to help you attain your guitar playing goals.
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