My Favorite Guitar Lessons

There are many different varieties of guitar lessons out there, and it makes you wonder which one is the best type?  The truth is that the answer to that question changes from person to person.  Each person is a different type of learner and has different needs as a student.  This means that you need to take the time to learn who you are as a learner, what type of educational budget you have, and what your individual learning needs are.

Private Guitar Lessons

Private guitar lessons are among the most popular lesson options available to prospective guitar students.  In a private lesson, you can expect to meet with one instructor in private.  Typically, you meet for a dedicated lesson time (ranging from a half hour to an hour) every week.  More often than not, your lesson will occur on the same day at the same time every week.  You can expect to pay about $1 a minute for your lesson time, and you may be financially responsible for any missed lessons.  Private guitar lessons are wonderful for students who need a lot of individualized attention and have very consistent schedules.

Group Guitar Lessons

Group guitar lessons are also becoming increasingly popular with guitar students.  While many people are not as familiar with this format, it is very effective in terms of teaching students how to play.  A group lesson consists of a small group of students and one instructor.  The class works together to learn the basics of guitar playing.  Additionally, each student goes at the same pace so that the class can push through the challenges together.  Generally, the cost of group guitar lessons is less expensive than some of the private lessons out there.  However, you are paying for less one on one attention as well.  Given the fact that your instructor has several students to deal with your questions and progress may not be their top priority.  Additionally, group guitar lessons are very consistent in their scheduling, and if you miss a class, there is no option for a makeup class.  Instead, you will have to work on your own to catch up on what you missed.

DVD Guitar Lessons

One of the most popular methods of learning to play guitar are DVD guitar lesson series like the "Learn to Master Guitar" series.  DVD's like this are wonderful resources because they allow you to take the lessons at your own pace.  If you are struggling with a concept, you do not have to move on until you are ready to.  Additionally, the costs of these are significantly more affordable than group and private lessons.  What you would typically pay in a month of lessons would cover the entire DVD series.  Of course, the scheduling flexibility is another big pro of DVD based guitar lessons.  If you are someone that works really well late at night then you can do your lesson late at night without having to work around an instructor's schedule.

In determining what your favorite guitar lesson would be, you must be true to yourself.  Decide what it is that you need out of your educational experience and then go get it.  If you properly match your needs with your educational resources, you are sure to be playing the guitar in no time.