Ever Dreamed Of Learning Guitar? Get Started With A Free Chord Chart. Enter Email For Chord Chart

Guitar Tricks Blog

Free Guitar Lessons - Do They Work?

Playing the guitar has an undeniable allure. There's no better time than now to start your guitar lesson journey. The good news is, you don't need a hefty budget to get started. In the digital age, there is a whole world of free guitar lessons to explore. Let’s discover how they can help you unlock your musical potential.

 

Learning to play the guitar can be an incredibly rewarding experience, but it's no secret that it can also be expensive. Private instructors or music schools might discourage aspiring musicians. That's where free guitar lessons come to the rescue. They provide an accessible pathway for anyone learning to play guitar, regardless of their financial situation.

While free lessons can be a fantastic resource, it's crucial to recognize the significance of proper guidance. Learning the guitar is not just about knowing where to put your fingers on the fretboard. It's about developing good habits, understanding musical theory, and mastering various techniques. Free guitar lessons can provide these elements, but it's essential to choose your sources wisely. Some online guitar lesson programs can provide free lessons, as well as a membership subscription which will take your playing to the next level.

The most obvious advantage of free guitar lessons is their cost-effectiveness. Learning to play the guitar doesn't require a hefty investment. With the abundance of free resources available, you can get started without emptying your wallet.

The internet has democratized music education. Free guitar lessons come in various formats and styles, catering to different preferences. Whether you're a visual learner who prefers video tutorials or a reader who loves written instructions, there's a wealth of free material waiting for you.

Where to Find Free Guitar Lessons

 

 

YouTube Tutorials

YouTube is a treasure trove of free guitar lessons like these. Many experienced guitarists and professional instructors offer video tutorials on a wide range of topics, from beginner basics to advanced techniques.

Online Guitar Communities

Online guitar communities and guitar forums are excellent places to connect with fellow learners and access free resources. You can seek advice, get feedback on your progress, and find free guitar tabs and guitar chord charts.

Educational Websites

Several websites are dedicated to providing free guitar lessons with structured curricula.  Guitar Tricks is a prime example of a renown online guitar lesson website. Since 1998, Guitar Tricks has taught over 4 million students how to play guitar. These lessons include step-by-step instructions, practice exercises, and even quizzes to test your knowledge.

Mobile Apps

If you prefer learning on the go, there are mobile apps that offer free guitar lessons. These apps often come with interactive features, making it easier to practice and learn at your own pace. Guitar Tricks is leading the charge in the mobile guitar lesson app space.

Local Music Stores

Local music stores sometimes offer free introductory guitar lessons as a way to promote their services. It's worth checking with stores in your area to see if they have any upcoming events or lessons.

In this journey of learning the guitar for free, the key is to choose the right resources that align with your goals and learning style. Be sure to evaluate your progress, stay motivated, and, most importantly, enjoy the music you create.

Setting Goals With Free Guitar Lessons

 

 

When learning to play guitar, it's essential to define your goals. What kind of guitarist do you want to become? Are you aiming to play your favorite songs, perform on stage, or compose your music? Understanding your objectives will help you select lessons that cater to your specific needs.

Understanding Your Learning Style

People have different learning styles, and it's important to choose free guitar lessons that match how you learn best. If you're a visual learner, video tutorials on platforms like YouTube might be your preferred choice for guitar lessons. If you learn better through reading and theory, educational websites and written lessons can be your go-to resource.

Consider your schedule and daily routine as well. If you have limited time to practice, look for bite-sized lessons that fit into your busy life. On the other hand, if you can dedicate more time, you might opt for more in-depth lessons.

The great thing about online guitar lesson programs like Guitar Tricks is that it provides all options to allow anyone to learn how to play guitar. With its in-depth step-by-step videos, visual learners will be pleased. Additionally, Guitar Tricks provides notation and tablature for each lesson for those who would prefer to follow along that way. And all of the lessons can be saved and returned to at a later time, so you can truly go at your own pace.

Structured Curriculum

For a well-rounded learning experience, it's advisable to seek free guitar lessons that offer a structured curriculum. A structured curriculum ensures that you're building your skills progressively, from beginner to advanced levels. A structured curriculum also helps you avoid the chaos of jumping from one topic to another without a clear learning plan. Look for lessons that cover essential guitar fundamentals like chords, scales, and techniques in a logical order. Guitar Tricks offers this kind of structure through its Core Learning System.

Feedback and Interaction

Getting feedback on your playing and having the opportunity to interact with other learners or instructors can be immensely beneficial. While free guitar lessons may not always offer one-on-one feedback, you can find guitar lesson platforms that have active forums and communities where you can share your progress, ask questions, and receive valuable tips.

Exploring Different Guitar Styles

 

 

Acoustic vs. Electric Guitar

The guitar world is incredibly diverse, and one of the first choices you'll need to make is between acoustic and electric guitar. Acoustic guitars are known for their warm, mellow tones and are often preferred by singer-songwriters, while electric guitars offer a wide range of sounds and are commonly associated with rock and blues.

Free guitar lessons are available for both types, so consider your musical preferences when selecting your style. Keep in mind that many guitarists eventually learn to play both acoustic and electric guitars, so you're not limited to just one.

Rock, Blues, Jazz, and More

Once you've decided on your guitar type, you can further refine your learning by exploring different musical styles. Free guitar lessons are available for a wide range of genres, from rock and blues to jazz, classical, and country. Your choice of style can greatly influence the lessons you select, as different styles come with their unique techniques and playing approaches.

Free guitar lessons can be invaluable in helping you explore and master different guitar styles. In rock and blues, you'll find lessons on power chords, bending, and slide techniques. Jazz lessons might focus on chord voicings and improvisation, while classical guitar lessons cover fingerstyle techniques and reading sheet music.

Remember that versatility plays a role in you becoming a well-rounded guitarist. You can always start with one style and expand your horizons as you progress.

Free Guitar Lesson Techniques

 

Basic Chords and Fingerpicking

Every guitarist starts with the basics, and that means learning fundamental chords and fingerpicking techniques. Free guitar lessons often include step-by-step tutorials for common chords like C, G, and D. You can also find lessons on essential strumming patterns that are the building blocks of countless songs.

Fingerpicking is another technique you'll want to explore, especially if you're interested in acoustic styles. Lessons on fingerstyle playing can help you create beautiful, intricate melodies and accompaniments.

Strumming Patterns

Strumming is at the heart of playing the guitar, and free lessons can teach you a variety of strumming patterns. Whether you're playing folk, pop, or rock, understanding different strumming techniques is essential. You'll find lessons that break down strumming patterns into easy-to-follow instructions, helping you develop a rhythmic groove.

Lead Guitar Techniques

For those interested in taking center stage with lead guitar playing, free lessons can guide you through essential lead guitar techniques. This includes bending, sliding, and hammer-on and pull-off techniques that create expressive and dynamic solos. Learning lead guitar techniques can open up a world of possibilities for improvisation and creating your own music.

Music Theory Essentials

Understanding music theory is the key to becoming a versatile and knowledgeable guitarist. While it may sound intimidating, free guitar lessons often include introductory music theory lessons that break down concepts like scales, keys, and chord progressions. These lessons provide you with a deeper understanding of the music you're playing and empower you to create your compositions.

Practice Tips for Success

 

 

Consistency is Key

Consistency is the cornerstone of successful guitar playing. Make it a habit to practice regularly, even if it's just for a short duration. Daily practice, no matter how brief, will yield better results than sporadic, intense sessions. Set aside a specific time each day to work on your guitar skills.

Effective Practice Routines

Practice routines are essential for targeted improvement. Your free guitar lessons may cover various techniques and songs. Organize your practice time by focusing on specific areas like chord changes, scales, or a new song. Break your practice session into segments, ensuring you cover a variety of skills in each session.

Troubleshooting Common Challenges

Learning the guitar comes with its fair share of challenges. Whether it's mastering a tricky chord transition, understanding a complex strumming pattern, or tackling fingerstyle techniques, you'll encounter roadblocks. When you face a challenge, don't shy away from it. Free guitar lessons often include tips and tricks to overcome common obstacles, so make use of these resources.

Overcoming Plateaus

Every guitarist hits a plateau at some point in their journey. It's that frustrating phase where it feels like you're not making progress. Remember that plateaus are a natural part of the learning process. During these times, be patient and keep practicing. Eventually, you'll break through and experience a surge of improvement.

Staying Motivated

Maintaining motivation is crucial, especially when facing challenges or plateaus. To stay motivated, set clear goals for your guitar playing. Whether it's learning a specific song or mastering a challenging technique, having goals to work toward can rekindle your enthusiasm.

Another effective motivator is tracking your progress. Reflect on how far you've come since you started. It's easy to overlook your achievements, but celebrating your milestones, no matter how small, can keep you motivated.

Celebrate Small Wins

Guitar playing is a journey of small victories. Celebrate each success, whether it's playing a chord sequence flawlessly or learning a new song. Acknowledging your progress boosts your confidence and encourages you to keep pushing your limits.

Additional Resources For Free Guitar Lessons

 

While free guitar lessons are a fantastic way to kickstart your journey to becoming a guitarist, there are additional resources and paid options that can further enhance your learning experience. Let's explore some of these avenues:

Paid Lessons and Online Courses

If you're ready to take your guitar playing to the next level, consider investing in online guitar lessons. In these paid virtual lesson programs, professional instructors often offer comprehensive courses that cover a wide range of topics from beginner fundamentals to advanced techniques. Paid lessons provide structure, personalized feedback, and a clear path to improvement.

Online courses offer flexibility, allowing you to learn at your own pace. Many platforms provide interactive features, such as video tutorials, practice exercises, and quizzes, to help you solidify your skills. They can be especially beneficial if you're looking for in-depth knowledge on specific genres or advanced techniques.

Guitar Books

Books have long been a valuable resource for guitarists of all levels. You can find a wide variety of guitar books, ranging from comprehensive method books for beginners to genre-specific guides and advanced technique manuals. Guitar books provide a wealth of information, including sheet music, chord diagrams, and theory explanations.

Local Music Instructors

If you prefer a more personalized learning experience, consider taking lessons from a local music instructor. In-person lessons offer real-time feedback, tailored guidance, and the opportunity to ask questions face-to-face. Local instructors can adapt their teaching style to match your learning pace and style, ensuring a more customized learning experience.

Your guitar-playing journey is a path filled with possibilities, and free guitar lessons are just the beginning. The availability of additional resources and paid options allows you to customize your learning experience and achieve your musical goals.

Now that you're equipped with knowledge about both free and paid resources, there's no better time to start your guitar-playing journey. Whether you choose free lessons, invest in paid options, or combine both, the key is to embrace your passion for the guitar and commit to consistent practice. Your musical potential is limitless, and the joy of creating your own music awaits. So, pick up your guitar, tune those strings, and start your journey today!

FAQ

1. How can I learn guitar completely free? Learning guitar completely free can be achieved through various online resources. You can start with free guitar lessons on mobile apps like Guitar Tricks. Many experienced guitarists share their knowledge for free, covering everything from basic chords to advanced techniques.

2. Are there any guitar apps that are completely free? Yes, there are several guitar apps that are completely free and valuable for learners. Apps like Guitar Tricks offer free versions with lessons, chord libraries, and tuning tools. These apps are great for beginners looking to practice and learn on the go.

3. How can I learn guitar for free at home for beginners? Learning guitar for free at home as a beginner is easily achievable. Utilize online platforms like Guitar Tricks for free structured lessons so you know you’ll get quality teaching

4. Can guitar be self taught? Guitar can be self-taught, and many successful guitarists have started this way. Free online resources, instructional books, and video tutorials make it possible to learn independently. 

5. What is the best way for an older person to learn guitar? The best way for an older person to learn guitar is to start with their interests in mind. Choose a style of music that resonates with you and find free online lessons on that style. Practicing regularly will help you progress regardless of age.

6. What is the first thing a beginner guitarist should learn? The first thing a beginner guitarist should learn is the basic open chords. These chords, like C, G, D, E, and A, are the foundation of many songs. Mastering them allows beginners to strum along with their favorite tunes and build a solid foundation for more advanced techniques.

7. Is 70 too old to learn guitar? No, 70 is not too old to learn guitar. In fact, it's never too late to start a musical journey. Many people pick up the guitar later in life and find great joy in playing and learning. The key is to practice regularly and stay committed to your goals.

8. How old is too late to learn guitar? There is no age that is too late to learn guitar. You can start learning at any age, and the journey can be equally rewarding. The most important factor is your passion and commitment to practicing and improving your skills.

More Content by Category