FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Here are the answers to some of the more popular questions I get asked. Simply
click on a question or scroll down through the answers. If you have other questions,
you can use the contact page, and I will get back to you as soon as possible.
How long does it take to learn the guitar?
It varies a bit for everyone, but you are
really the one who decides how much you're going to learn, and how fast.
Many students are playing songs after just a few lessons. It really depends
on how you apply yourself and what your goals are. Your goals may be met
in 6 months, or 2 years. It can take years to truly master the guitar, if
that's your aspiration!
What's easier - acoustic or electric guitar?
It's a personal choice. Electric guitars typically have lighter-gauge strings
that require less strength in the fretting hand. Acoustic guitars have
a nice full sound, without needing amplification. Usually younger
students will do better to learn on an electric - then move to an acoustic.
So an electric is easier, from a hand strength standpoint, but you can find
some acoustics that play rather well these days.
How long should I practice?
The most important factor is that you practice as many days a week as possible.
Whether is 10, 20, 30 minutes or more. It's much better to practice 5 days
a week for 20 minutes each time than 1 day during the week for 2 hours. The
more your practice, the quicker you get better!
What are the benefits of playing guitar?
If you're looking for a way to provide your child or yourself with a
source of life-long joy, satisfaction, and accomplishment, learning a musical
instrument is an great step. The benefits are numerous: self-expression, relaxation,
enjoyment, and constructive use of leisure time.
For children (and adults alike), self-confidence. Every child needs some area
of personal accomplishment. It's part of the growing-up process, with each
accomplishment contributing positively to the development of a stronger personality.
Music provides almost daily opportunity for individual accomplishment - and
with each success your child gains confidence.
Self-discipline, patience, and the ability to memorize and concentrate are
all enhanced by the study of music. These skills will serve you or a child
well on whatever path is chosen in life.
Is there a minimum age to take lessons?
I find most effective starting age for guitar is around the 10-12 year old range,
though I've had students as young as 7 and 8 that did fine.
How much should I spend on a guitar?
Wow, how times have changed! Back when I started teaching, there was some real
junk guitars out there on the lower end of the price scale. These days, you
can get a good playing guitar for around $150 - $250, sometimes less. You
can get a really nice guitar for around $300 - $500. And of course you can
spend thousands of dollars on a guitar - which I would recommend getting a
few lessons in first, before taking the plunge!
Can I learn my favorite song(s)?
Of course! The first few lessons will be spent on learning the basics and
learning some songs that I have put together using the skills you are
learning. Once the foundation has been set, we can go into songs that you
want to learn. What fun would it be to only learn songs I liked!
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