There are a lot of ways to learn how to play guitar out there.
It can be difficult and frustrating trying to pick the right path.
You don't want to waste precious time or money.
Strictly following YouTube will quickly become disorganized and leave big gaps in your knowledge.
In-person lessons can be very expensive, and if you get the wrong kind of teacher, you might not enjoy the process which can be discouraging.
In this day and age, online guitar lessons are a no-brainer. But not all online guitar courses are made equal.
In this article, we'll take you through what to look for when choosing the right guitar teaching course to fit your goals, ability, time and budget.
Your Musical Goals: Acoustic Serenades or Electric Solos?
First things first, what’s your jam?
Are you looking to serenade under the stars with an acoustic guitar or rock out on an electric axe?
Understanding your musical goals is crucial.
If you're into folk or singer-songwriter vibes, an acoustic-focused course is your best bet.
But, if you're aiming to be the next rock legend, look for courses that emphasize electric guitar techniques.
The best guitar teaching courses will provide both paths.
Both instruments require slightly different technique and lend toward particular styles.
You don't want to pay for a curriculum that glosses over information.
The best guitar teaching courses will go in-depth on each instrument.
Teacher Credentials: The Maestro Matters
Let's talk about the teacher.
A great teacher will make a world of difference.
Look for instructors with credible backgrounds – think formal training, years of experience, or even better, a combination of both.
The online guitar lesson program Guitar Tricks has renown teachers who have played guitar with mega artists like Taylor Swift, P!nk, John Fogerty, Jason Mraz, Black Eyed Peas and more.
The Guitar Tricks instructors also have accreditations from MI's Guitar Institute of Technology, Doctorates in Musical Arts from University of Southern California, and even the Chair of the Guitar Department at Los Angeles College of Music.
So you aren't simply getting amazing players with real-world experience at a professional level, with the Guitar Tricks faculty you are getting world class instructors who know how to break down concepts for guitarists at any skill level.
With Guitar Tricks' guitar teaching course, the instructors can explain concepts clearly and make learning fun!
Learning Style: Videos, Tabs, or One-on-One Sessions?
We all learn differently.
Some of us need to see things in action while others prefer reading tabs or sheet music.
And then there are those who benefit most from one-on-one sessions.
Consider a guitar teaching course that aligns with your learning style.
If you're unsure, look for courses that offer a mix of learning materials like Guitar Tricks.
Included in each of their 11,000+ video lessons are musical notation and tabs!
And if you need a little extra guidance, you can always submit a feedback video, get a custom lesson plan, or book a video 1on1 with one of the instructors.
Whichever way is the best way for you to learn how to play guitar, Guitar Tricks has it!
Price Point: Investment vs. Return
Money matters.
Consider your budget, but also consider the value you’re getting.
Look for a balance between cost and the quality of education you're receiving.
For example, one 30 minute in-person lesson with your local guitar tutor can easily run $50, where an entire month of Guitar Tricks is only $19.99.
And the annual plan is even more affordable!
Also, keep an eye out for free trials – they're a great way to test the waters before diving in.
Flexibility and Accessibility: Guitar Teaching Course on Your Own Terms
Your schedule is jam-packed, I get it.
That's why flexibility is key.
Online courses offer the freedom to learn at your own pace and on your own time.
Only have 30 minutes after the kids go to bed?
Simply log in to a course like Guitar Tricks and pick up where you left off, or start in on a new learning pathway.
Also, think about accessibility – Guitar Tricks is available on desktop, Android, iPhone and iPad.
So you can always learn a new trick no matter the time and no matter the location.
Guitar Teaching Course Curriculum: The Basics to Face-Melting Solos
A well-rounded curriculum is essential.
Whether you're a newbie or have some experience, a good course should cover everything from the basics like tuning and simple chords, to more advanced techniques like fingerpicking or complex solos.
Look for courses that also teach music theory – it might sound daunting, but it's a game-changer for understanding and creating music.
Guitar Tricks has their renown Core Learning System.
If you are a beginner, or would like to brush up on some foundational techniques, the step-by-step curriculum in Guitar Fundamentals Course 1 & 2 will provide you with the skills to advance more quickly.
If you are looking to learn some more advanced techniques in a particular style, the Experienced lessons and Style courses are perfect.
Here you'll learn specific skills pertaining to a particular guitar style like Rock or Blues.
You won't just learn chords and scales, you'll also learn nuance, groove and feel, tone settings and other tips and tricks to make you sound like the real deal.
Additionally, look for variety in a guitar teaching course.
A program that offers a range of genres, styles, techniques and songs can keep things exciting and help you develop a diverse skill set.
From blues to rock, country to acoustic, dipping your fingers into different styles can be incredibly enriching.
Or if you want to jump straight in to learning your favorite songs, you can easily do that with hundreds of hits in the Guitar Tricks song library.
Each song includes a section-by-section breakdown with multi-angle video and notation and tabs.
If there's a guitar solo, this is covered note for note including guitar and amp settings so you'll sound like the real thing.
Guitar Teaching Course: Get Started Today!
Choosing the right guitar teaching course is like picking the perfect guitar – it needs to resonate with you.
Remember, the best course is one that aligns with your goals, learning style, and lifestyle.
Guitar Tricks has a ton to offer any guitarist at any skill level.
So tune up, dive in, and get ready to rock your musical journey.
Happy strumming!
FAQ
Who has the best guitar course?
Guitar Tricks is often hailed as a top contender for the best guitar course, especially online. It's got a huge library of lessons that cater to all skill levels, making it a go-to for many aspiring guitarists.
What is the best guitar learning system?
The best guitar learning system depends on your learning style, but Guitar Tricks is renowned for its comprehensive, structured approach. It's a great mix of theory, practice, and song learning, which appeals to a wide range of learners.
Who is the best guitar teacher on YouTube?
There's no single "best" guitar teacher on YouTube since it's subjective, but there are many highly regarded ones. Look for a teacher whose style resonates with you, whether it's their teaching method, music genre, or personality. Guitar Tricks' YouTube channel is full of amazing guitar lesson videos.
How hard is it to learn guitar without a teacher?
Learning guitar without a teacher can be challenging but not impossible. It requires self-discipline and motivation. Online guitar lessons are the way to go if you want to learn how to play guitar. In guitar lesson programs like Guitar Tricks, they provide additional features like video feedback, custom lesson plans, 1on1 video lessons, live lessons and so much more so you can get personalized feedback.
Why is it so hard to self teach guitar?
Self-teaching guitar can be tough because you're navigating without guidance, making it easy to develop bad habits or get stuck. Structured programs like Guitar Tricks mitigate this by providing a clear learning path as well as options to discuss challenges with other students or even instructors themselves.
