Newbie question

[mitch177]

Hi,

I'm new to guitar (just bought my very first one a week ago) and just signed up for 30 min. weekly private lessons which starts next week. I've been perusing this site just so I can get a head start with chords and a few basics. I realize that I have to put in practice time to get comfy with the chords.

I guess my question is this: I'm itching to play songs (esp. contemporary ones) and hoping it will not be months before I'd be able to start doing so. I'd still want to learn theory and all, but at the same time, I want to be able to start playing and enjoying the guitar right away. Is this unrealistic? What is typically the learning curve for someone like me? I'm sure it's based on many factors, but just wanted to hear your experiences, and if any of you had a teacher when you first started, what should I expect from him/her? Will he/she teach me mostly theory at first?

Thanks in advance!

Michelle

[Benoit]

Hello Michelle,

the learning curve, from my experience, vary a lot from one person to another.

If I take myself as an example, I jumped right away in learning parts of songs that I liked. I was able to play many different riffs early on but didn't put anytime on theory at all. That was a very big mistake since I later found out people who had a better grasp of theory were learning new stuff faster than I did.

A good teacher will balance both theory and practical application. Spending time on both will make the theory a lot more fun to learn and you won't get frustrated about not playing. I suggest you tell your teacher right away that your wish is to learn how to play song early on. Bring some example songs you really like and those you'd like to play. I can't tell you how he or she is going to react but I'd like to think your choices will be reflected your different sessions.

I hope you'll enjoy your lessons and I'm sure you'll find tons of lessons on guitartricks.com to complement your teacher's classes.

[looneytunes]

If you have a good instructor, they will mix theory with playing. When I started I had no theory and I really regret it. I have had some theory along the way, but I don't have a good grasp of it. I sort of took the attitude that if it sounds good, it must be right.

This is not the attitude to take. If you want to be a true musician and master your instrument, you must have theory. You might as well get it in the beginning. This is easier than trying to pick it up later. Believe me, I know!

I know some will agrue the fact that so and so is a guitar genius and he never had any theory. That maybe true, but honestly, how many of us are guitar geniuses? I know a guy that plays piano by hear. He has never had a lesson of playing or theory. He can listen to anything a couple of times and play it completely in a matter of minutes. If you lay any sheet music in front of him, he is lost! He does know one note from another. He has no idea what notes go with what. He has to hear a song before he can play it. He cannot write any music. Can you play by hear?

I'm sure your instructor with begin teaching you chords and some simply songs, but don't let him skimp on theory. It's important!

[mitch177]

Thank you Benoit and looneytunes! I will definitely follow your advice and not skimp on theory (didn't realize how beneficial it wll be for me in the long run)....

Thanks again,

Michelle

[hunter60]

Hi Michlle, I am with the others. I too ignored theory up front so now I am playing catch up. Your instructor will most likely mix theory with practical stuff. I think you'll be surprised how quickly you'll be playing some contemporary songs. Good luck and stick around GT. Lots of great people here who will gladly answer anything you might ask. :)

[TexAxe]

I'm totally self-taught, but listened to alot of my favorite music and read everything I could get my hands on for the first 5 yrs of playing guitar. I took me 2 years just to play decently. I've been playing now for over 10 yrs and, at one time, wished that I had taken some instruction from someone in the beginning stages. I learned and practiced, but it was a long road without an instructor or any constructive feedback. But, the internet has been really insightful. Hell, if you look in enough places, the web will actually show you alot about music theory for guitar.

I suspect with a teacher and consistent practice that you'll be playing decently in 6 mths to a yr or sooner depending on your dedication and your guitar teacher.

I always tell anyone interested in learning guitar that it's like learning another language - spelling, grammar, local phrases - it's difficult, time consuming, and takes lots of practice, patience, and a willingness to try and learn on a consistent basis. You've got to be serious and dedicated, otherwise, your playing won't develop. Good luck!