If you’re thinking about guitar lessons, you might already have an idea of what you’d like to do with them. Maybe there are some songs you’d love to play, or perhaps you’ve always wanted to learn but never quite got around to it. You might also have no idea where to start. That’s perfectly fine too.
You Don’t Need a Big Reason to Learn Guitar
I’ve had students come in with very different reasons for wanting to learn guitar. Some simply want to learn a few songs they like. Others have always wanted to play but never had the time to start. Some have much bigger ambitions.
There really isn’t one reason that makes learning guitar worthwhile. You don’t have to be planning to join a band, perform on stage or become an expert guitarist. If you just want to sit down and play some songs you enjoy, that’s reason enough.
What You Want to Learn Can Change Over Time
I regularly come across situations where what a student wants to learn at the beginning isn’t necessarily what they’ll want to learn six months or a year later. Someone might start guitar lessons wanting to learn chords and songs, and later become interested in fingerpicking, lead guitar or styles such as classical guitar.
One of the things I like about teaching guitar is that you don’t necessarily know where a student is going to end up when they first walk through the door. You can start somewhere and see where it takes you. You don’t need to have your whole musical journey planned out before you begin.
What If You’ve Tried Guitar Lessons Before?
It’s quite common for me to teach students who have tried to teach themselves guitar before coming for lessons. Sometimes they’ve picked up quite a bit on their own. Other times they’ve learnt a few chords but then reached a point where they aren’t really sure what to do next. That’s often where having someone show you what to work on next can make a difference. You don’t have to spend hours wondering whether you’re practicing the right thing.
And trying to learn on your own isn’t wasted time either. You may have already picked up some useful skills, even if you feel like you haven’t got very far.
You Can Come Back to Guitar Later in Life
I’ve had adults come back to guitar after many years. They might remember a few chords or songs, but feel like they’ve forgotten everything else. Often, they need to get their fingers used to playing again, but already have some familiarity with the instrument.
So if you played guitar years ago and have been thinking about getting back into it, don’t assume you’ve left it too late.
Think About What You Want From Guitar Lessons
When someone is considering guitar lessons, I usually find it helpful to know what they actually want to get out of playing. It doesn’t have to be a detailed plan. Even saying, “I just want to learn some songs I like” gives you somewhere to start.
I’ve realised over the years that there isn’t one approach that works for everyone. Some students want to know exactly what they’re working on and why. Others are more interested in playing songs and picking things up along the way. Some need to see something demonstrated, while others understand it better once they’ve tried it themselves.
That’s one reason I think it’s useful to talk about what you want from your lessons rather than assuming everyone should learn the same way.
If You’ve Been Thinking About It, Why Not Give It a Try?
If you’re thinking about guitar lessons in Jannali, Do Re Mi Studios teaches students from beginners through to more experienced players. We can help you work out where to start and what to focus on as your playing develops.
You can find out more about our Guitar Lessons in the Sutherland Shire and see whether our lessons are right for you.