While I certainly do not disagree with the opinions and salient points expressed herein, I will respectfully disagree and say that in-person, face-to-face lessons (Zoom, Skype, local shop, etc) are incredibly valuable and should not be so easily dismissed. [br][br]
Learning guitar in solitude is unidirectional -- you are the sole judge, unlikely to scrutinize ineffective technique, and unaware if you've properly nailed it before moving on. Trying to do so with an untrained ear does not provide the necessary feedback required, or assurances that you've gleaned all essential elements of a skill.
Speaking from experience as a self-taught student, it is far too easy to develop poor habits much harder to unlearn, than to learn properly from the onset. How many of us have learned countless song fragments, and incorporated them into our practice routines, only to later realize with a better developed ear that you have played it wrong for years, emphasizing the wrong notes, or not properly phrasing? I am guilty of all of the above. [br][br]
Instead I argue for a bi-directional approach, with an objective instructor as the judge, and dare I posit,.. a "requirement" (commensurate with your goals on the instrument of course) I personally regret not having a trained instructor to guide me through the formative years. [br][br]
Yes, certain elements are less subjective and open to interpretation. Things like learning the fretboard, chords (open, barre, major, minor, 7th), scales, modes, music theory and other conceptual aspects must be understood, before being applied, but,..
Playing guitar is incredibly nuanced, it's not like carpentry, riding a bike, or another skill where a finite handful of sub skills are required for mastery -- it seemingly requires a million little things that culminate to form a players style. Subtle variations in vibrato, for example, whether vertical or horizontal, soft or aggressive, immediate or delayed, etc, are seldom realized by a student judging his own progress. [br][br]
I'm incredibly grateful to have benefited tremendously, in my humble opinion, from live group lessons here on GT, with the same instructors who teach us via video. I learned more proper technique from Dave Celentano in one year than the previous ten struggling and slogging on my own.
in fact, just last night Mike Olekshy hosted a free live lesson and astutely commented on progress plateaus that all players achieve. it's not a steady climb linearly up the mountain. It's a cycle of continual gradual progress, followed by recognition of hurdles and problem areas that must be overcome before ascending to the next plateau, rinse and repeat.
I Honor thy Sherpa, but put my trust and confidence in those already at the summit to guide me on my personal journey. Your mileage may vary.