The Advantages of Taking Acoustic Guitar Lessons
by: @scaleschords
Many young people dream of learning to play the guitar but delay it off because they have not decided on the style they want to learn. There are so many great guitar players, so much wonderful music. How do you go about choosing a particular genre to study seriously? One way is to take acoustic guitar lessons so that you can learn what guitar playing feels like for you, as an individual. That way, you will not be wasting your time looking for a convenient opportunity to make a final decision on your preferred genre before you start playing.
Lessons in playing acoustic guitar would provide an introduction to the basics of guitar playing without disrupting your life. If you have a hectic schedule, the portability and quietness of the instrument mean you can practice almost anywhere, without disturbing roommates or family.
Acoustic guitar lessons which include basic chords and use of the plectrum will give you an insight into what it is like to be a guitar player, before you spend money on amps, effects and specialized lessons. A course of acoustic guitar lessons will give you the groundwork necessary for becoming a guitarist. Once you have bought your first acoustic guitar, you can start learning basic chords, and experiencing the delight of producing music of your own.
A guitar with nylon strings is preferable for beginners, as steel strings can be hard on the fingertips. The sound of the nylon string guitar is less obtrusive and mellower than that of the steel string acoustic. This helps if you need to practice within earshot of other members of your household. Nylon strings also lend themselves more easily to fingerstyle guitar playing such as classical, flamenco, acoustic blues and folk music.
If you are looking for inexpensive guitar lessons, some teachers train large groups of students. Each member of a guitar class will be learning at their own speed, which means those who are slower at learning will probably not get enough attention from the teacher to enable them to catch up. If a group guitar class is the only option open to you, it would be best to find one that is limited to a maximum of six students.
If you have found free acoustic guitar lessons on the internet that suit you, stick with them, but an occasional lesson with a local guitar teacher will give your technique and musical knowledge a boost. Even though the video guitar lessons you find on the internet are of high quality and feature the best guitar teachers in the world, the online student is still in danger of picking up and retaining bad playing habits. For example, without knowing it, the newbie can begin their guitar playing career holding the guitar in a way that places too much strain on the shoulders, neck and back. This can lead to sloppy guitar technique and chronic back pain.
Planning your own guitar practice schedule on top of coping with sore fingers and the issues associated with getting a musical sound out of the guitar, may not be a good idea. A teacher could advise you on a practice schedule that takes your particular circumstances into account. If you want to organize your practice yourself, a search for "guitar practice schedule" on the internet will give you some material to get you started.
When you go out to buy an acoustic guitar, bear in mind that you will not need to get an expensive instrument to learn on. A cheap guitar is not necessarily a bad guitar, and if you choose well, your first acoustic could last you for some years. Go to a music store and try out some guitars that fit in with your budget.
If you cannot play yet, look for a guitar with a pleasing sound. If you can get a guitar player to go to the store with you, they can comment on the guitar’s action, machine heads and other physical aspects. As a guide, Seagull S6, Takamine N-10, Taylor 110, Martin DRS-1 are excellent beginner guitars. The Yairi guitars by Alvarez are also highly recommended by acoustic guitarists.
If you have not made the final decision about taking that classical, jazz, country or blues guitar course, some acoustic guitar lessons will give you the chance to assess your chosen genre from a musician’s point of view. The price of a beginner level acoustic guitar plus a few months of lessons will never go to waste because they will give you an artistic outlet that you can enjoy any time of day, wherever you are.
