I have been working with an instructor and taking lessons here as well. My instructor is adamant that I must do the chords without looking at either hand. Do the experts agree with this? It seems almost impossible for me to do at this early stage of instruction (6 months in). I feel like this will come with repetition over time but I find it very hard to land on the strings perfectly each time. Thanks.
I disagree. Regardless of skill level it's fine to look at your hands. That's what your eyes are for: to help you see what you are doing. :)
It can be helpful to gradually work toward not having to look at your hands while playing. Especially if you are going to work toward being an entertainer. It also helps if you are playing from sheet music of working with other musicians in order to make eye contact. But this is something that happens gradually & naturally in most cases as playing becomes more second nature. You can make a conscious effort toward it, but it's not necessary to learning to play.
If you watch professionals you'll often see them take a quick glance at the fretboard or picking hand before a position change. Once they see where they're going next, then they don't have to look because it's an automated, second nature process.
Hope that helps!
Christopher Schlegel
Guitar Tricks Instructor
Christopher Schlegel Lesson Directory