Is it better to get guitar lessons or to self teach?

Self-taught guitar vs lessons… It’s a question we get asked all the time! Is it worth getting a guitar teacher?

We’re a bit biased here, but get a teacher! There’s nothing wrong with self teaching if it’s your only option or you just want to dabble a bit. But if you’re wanting to make real progress, there’s nothing like one-on-one lessons with a proper teacher. We often have students start lessons with us after years of self-teaching, and they all say the same thing: “I’ve made more progress learning with you in 6 months than in 3 years of trying by myself!”.

Nothing beats playing along with your teacher to get your rhythm just right.

Structured learning is important

When learning, you need a step by step plan to improve. What’s your next guitar goal? What technique should you master next? What exercises and songs are the best ones to learn that technique? Which book should I use next? A guitar teacher takes all that guess work out of the equation. We know exactly what technical work will establish the right foundation, and the perfect songs- not too easy, not too hard- to help you master that technique and conquer your next guitar goal. And unlike an online course, a guitar teacher can adapt and change to your evolving needs and abilities.

Guitar teachers know the pain points and will prevent you getting stuck

An experienced guitar teacher knows the pitfalls and how to avoid them. We know what hurdles you’ll have to clear, and can guide you through them. We have lots of little tips and tricks you’d never even think of to help you get past the difficulties of learning guitar. Often self taught students simply get stuck on these pain points, or worse, give up trying.

a trained eye watching over your guitar technique development is super important!

Preventing bad habits from forming is much easier than correcting them later! Guitar teachers can watch your fretting hand, your picking hand, your playing posture (super important!), and much more, plus give you feedback before you have time to develop bad technique habits. The longer you practice with bad technique, the longer it’s going to take to break that habit. It’s a frustrating experience that can be easily avoided!

Guitar beginners need someone to watch them play regularly and give feedback. It’s as simple as that!

“We often have students start lessons with us after years of self teaching, and they all say the same thing: “I’ve made more progress learning with you in 6 months than in 3 years of trying by myself!”.”

your guitar teacher is also your Accountability buddy

Nothing keeps a student practicing properly like knowing there’s a lesson coming up in a week. Part of a guitar teacher’s job is to encourage consistency and make sure you’re practicing well. Having lessons once a week is a commitment to learning your instrument properly, it forces you to keep a practice schedule. Your teacher will be there to cheer you on, encourage good habits, check what you’ve practiced during the week, and to help you move through problems when you get stuck. Guitar teachers keep you moving forward; keep you growing as a guitarist. We help you choose your next goals on the instrument and constantly check in on your progress towards those goals. Nothing can beat that!

"I really can’t afford guitar lessons, what should i do”

We understand that completely - cost of living is definitely an issue for a lot of people at the moment. But, a good guitar teacher will have options to help you out. Perhaps a single lesson every now and then to check in on your progress and technique? Or even a monthly or fortnightly booking instead of a weekly booking. If you’ve found a teacher that suits, talk to them! A good teacher will find a way to help!

If you really want to learn the guitar properly- get a teacher.

You will learn quicker, you’ll learn easier, your timing and technique will become better, you’ll practice more, and won’t develop bad habits. You will still have to put in the hard work, but you’ll have a professional guiding you along the way. And, you might even learn some techniques and songs you’d never have thought of exploring all by yourself!