In today's digital age, learning a new skill has never been easier, and electric or acoustic guitar playing is no exception. Whether you're using interactive music software as a complement or taking lessons as a standalone, anyone can learn how to play the guitar at home.
Whether you're a beginner or an advanced player, online guitar courses and tutorials offer a convenient, flexible, and cost-effective way to learn and improve your skills. Soon enough, you'll be shredding through your favorite solos, riffs, and fingerstyle
In this article, we'll explore the advantages of online guitar lessons, how to choose the right platform, and how to make the most of your learning experience. So, if you've always wanted to learn the guitar but couldn't find the time or resources, join us and discover how online guitar lessons can make your musical dreams a reality.
What Are the Advantages of Online Guitar Lessons?
Online guitar lessons offer several advantages over traditional in-person lessons. First of all, instead of being forced to follow a specific curriculum or particular times of the day, they provide convenience and flexibility as you can learn the fundamentals at your own pace and schedule beginner guitar lessons when it suits you.
Also, online guitar lessons are generally more affordable compared to lessons with a guitar teacher because you usually pay a low monthly subscription fee instead of paying a professor their hourly rate every week.
Lastly, guitar tutorials are accessible to anyone with an internet connection, allowing you to learn from the comfort and privacy of your own home! Whether you want to learn music theory or how to play your favorite Johnny Cash song, there's no need to drive across town to your guitar teacher at inconvenient times with your instrument.
How Should You Prepare for Your First Online Guitar Lesson?
Before your first guitar lesson, there are a few things you'll need to prepare to get the most out of your session. To start, you'll need to have your guitar --- either acoustic or electric through an amp --- and make sure it's in good condition and properly tuned.
Next, you should have a guitar pick, a tuner, and a guitar strap (if playing standing up) ready. Make sure that you have a comfortable place to sit or stand while playing, and that there's enough lighting to see the fretboard. Don't forget that it's a good idea to have a notebook and pen handy to take notes during the lesson.
How Can You Pick Out the Right Guitar?
Picking out the right guitar is essential for your musical journey. There are several factors to consider when choosing a guitar, such as your skill level, playing style, and musical preferences. Consider the type of guitar that suits your playing style and preferences.
Some electric guitars are more geared towards heavy metal, and some are designed to suit jazz or classic rock, but don't worry --- you can play any genre on any guitar, especially with the right amp.
You'll also want to check the size and weight of the guitar to ensure it's comfortable for you to hold and play; nothing's worse than a guitar that's too heavy for your shoulder. If you can, try out different guitars in a store or borrow from a friend to find one that feels right.
What Are Some Tips for Maximizing Your Online Learning Experience?
Staying consistent with online beginner guitar lessons can be challenging, especially if you have a busy schedule or find it hard to stay motivated. However, there are several things you can do to stay on track.
Set Up a Schedule
Establishing a regular practice schedule can help you stay consistent and make progress in your guitar playing. It can also improve your time management skills, build discipline, and enhance your motivation to achieve your goals as you start learning. Consistent practice is key to mastering any skill, and the guitar is no exception.
Make Small, Achievable Steps
Breaking down your goals into smaller, achievable steps is a crucial strategy for staying motivated and making progress in your guitar playing, as well as most things in life.
For example, instead of setting a vague goal like "become a great guitarist," you can break it down into specific, achievable steps. Examples include learning to play three new guitar chords or a chord progression every week, mastering a new song every week, or practicing fingerpicking for 30 minutes every day.
These smaller goals are easier to manage and help you see progress along the way, which can boost your confidence and motivation. Celebrating your achievements can help you stay motivated and make it easier to tackle the next level in your guitar-playing journey.
Stay Motivated With Various Methods
Using various tools and resources can help you stay engaged and motivated in your guitar practice. Progress trackers, for example, can help you see your progress over time, providing a sense of accomplishment and motivation to keep covering the fundamentals.
Online forums can also be a great resource for connecting with other guitar players and discussing the songs you're practicing. These forums can be a source of inspiration and motivation, helping you stay engaged in your guitar-playing journey.
Build a Musical Community
Learning to play the guitar can be a fulfilling and rewarding experience, but it can also be challenging at times. That's why it's so helpful to find a community of fellow guitar learners to connect with and support each other, particularly with social media groups and online forums that can be great places to find like-minded individuals who share your passion for guitar playing.
Through these online communities, you can ask questions, share songwriter tips and techniques, and receive feedback from other guitar players. You can also share your progress, challenges, and successes and receive support and encouragement from others who are on a similar journey. Being part of a group can help you stay motivated and accountable in your practice schedule!
Be Patient With Yourself
Learning to play the guitar is a journey that requires patience and persistence. It is important to remember that progress is gradual, and it takes time to develop the guitar skills necessary to become a proficient guitar player. Therefore, it is important to be patient with yourself and to enjoy the learning process.
Instead of focusing solely on the end goal, try to find joy in the small achievements along the way, such as learning a new chord or mastering a tricky section in your favorite popular song. Celebrate your progress and take pride in your accomplishments, no matter how small they may seem --- this can help you avoid burnout, especially when you're just starting to learn the instrument.
What Are the Benefits of Learning Guitar?
Whether you learn blues guitar, rock guitar, or general skills, learning to play the guitar can benefit individuals of all ages. Playing the guitar can enhance creativity and boost mental acuity, helping to develop problem-solving and time-management skills.
Playing the guitar and working on your strumming patterns can improve hand-eye coordination, finger dexterity, and fine motor skills, which translates to the rest of your life. Playing the guitar can provide a sense of achievement and fulfillment --- as you learn to play your favorite songs and develop your guitar skills, you can directly watch yourself grow and gain a new skill.
In Conclusion
Online guitar lessons have become a game-changer for guitar learners, offering convenience, flexibility, and affordability. With the right platform, tools, and resources, you can learn and improve your guitar-playing skills from the comfort of your own home.
Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, online guitar tutorials provide a personalized learning experience that can be tailored to your specific goals and needs. From interactive tools to progress tracking and online communities, there are many ways to enhance your learning and stay motivated. By taking advantage of these benefits, you can make the most of your online guitar lessons and achieve your musical dreams.
Rocksmith+ provides a more interactive alternative to online guitar lessons, as well as a song library with more than 6,000 songs, so you can work to master playing the guitar --- on your own time.
Sources:
The Power of Setting Short Term Goals | Deakin
Research Shows That Working Together Boosts Motivation | Science X