How to Choose a Guitar Instructor

When looking for a guitar instructor, there are several things to consider. Most players understand that neither CDs nor books are useful. These materials are meant to satisfy publisher’s interest rather than that of the learner.

Publishers aim at selling the next book in the series while students aim at knowing how to play guitar. Having identified these, you are left with no choice but to look for persons possessing the guitar playing skills.

Choose a teacher not a guitarist

The common mistakes both students and teachers make is assuming that good guitarists make good teachers. This has been a myth. Well recognized guitarists in the universe make awful teachers, while the best teachers are not the best when it comes to guitar playing. This concept needs to be well understood.

Look for a system

You should look for instructors who perfectly understand the system, not those who want to teach you their way. The instructor should follow the solid system. A good system should be logical, structured, comprehensive, and progressive. The structured system will enable you to be aware of where you stand within the system, and a logical system enables you to know reasons for every scale. On the other hand, a comprehensive system includes all required materials for beginners, and the progressive system has information built upon and connected to other criteria within the system.

Find a teacher who is reliable and responsible

Be on the lookout for those instructors who prefer pay-per-lesson policies. It always an indication that a teacher is ready to miss a lesson since they are informed of how much it will cost.

Always search for teachers who charge on a monthly basis, yearly or even per session. This kind of teachers shows that they are interested in being accountable for your schedule and lessons. If a teacher is going to miss a lesson, make sure that he or she creates a make-up class.

Learn guitar first

For starter guitarists, your teacher should aim at you learning how to play songs on guitar as fast as possible. Standard notation is the best way to communicate musical ideas. If you can recite your circle of the fifth and know the difference between fermata and quarter-rest but cannot play smoke on the water, then you may have a problem as a guitarist. Your teacher should explain to you all you want to learn.

Look for more than just lessons

You should actively go after teachers who offer performance opportunities like; recording sessions, guitar jams with other students, and student recitals.

If you follow the tips above you will dramatically improve your chances of being a great guitar player.