How hard is it to teach yourself to play the acoustic guitar?

Question

I'm considering asking for an acoustic guitar for my birthday or Christmas, but I don't want to have my parents buy it and then waste their money on me not learning how to play.

Oh and any tips?

Answer 1

There's nothing in the Internet so id suggest you buying a acoustic guitar book in your local music store or buying a DVD in your local music store or go to Wal Mart and get a magazine called Guitar World with the DVD inside that say's how to play acoustic guitar.

Answer 2

A guitar is probably the best hobby you can have. You can do anything from becoming famous to just playing around with it while watching TV. Teaching yourself is impossible considering that you don't know anything when you first get it, so here's what you need to know:

How to form basic chords such as A, B, C, D, E, F, G, Am, Em

String names (Low E, A, D, G, B, high E)

How to read tabs will really help if you want to play actual songs by yourself.

You can find tutorials on all of those on Youtube or your parents might even know. Also, one more thing about acoustic, if you're going to get one, get one that has a plug-in for an amp. Ask for a tuner as well. As a beginner you won't have the same ears as you will have in a year or two, so a tuner will help you out a lot.

Answer 3

Its not that hard, I've done it. Start by learning easy tabs to songs u like. As u start to get better learn chords and work on your transitional picking. Work your way up to barre chords they will seem all but impossible in the beginning. U have to build up calluses though. U can only play for a little bit a day the first couple of weeks, and it will hurt your fingers but you'll get past it.

Answer 4

It is very simple, but you have to have the patience to learn. I have almost finished learning how to play the electric guitar, and yeah, I got frustrated. But once I practiced a lot, I got better. And you will be so happy once you learned. But remember it takes time, so don't give up too quickly. I would suggest you learn all of the notes and how to read music first. Then you should buy a guitar book that comes with a CD. They are not too expensive. They range from ten to twenty dollars and are worth it. Don't go get lessons unless you know the person well, because it is really awkward and they charge A LOT of money per lesson. And many of them give really negative comments, which breaks your spirits. So, get a book or a movie. It is really easy that way and more fun! You can also teach yourself by looking up the notes online. You can buy a book/movie at Hastings or Barnes And Noble. They have them at book/CD stores. Good luck, don't give up, and happy playing! =]

P.S. If you think you are not gonna play, ask your parents for a guitar that isn't too expensive. =)

Answer 5

Don't teach yourself. From the get go start with private one-on-one lessons: it'll save you A LOT of uneeded frustration and you'll progress faster and learn a lot more with a teacher than if you where to teach yourself.

Unless you just want to play simple songs then lessons aren't needed.

One tip is to never compare yourself to other guitarists. Focus on what you need to work on to get to where you want to be. You can, however, find these other guitarists as inspiration. John Mayer's my inspiration and reason I picked up guitar in the first place.

Answer 6

it is not that hard, but you need to be committed to practicing. When i was first learning, i went to youtube and watched great guitarists play. That helped me stick to it.

Answer 7

Not too hard- as long as your're committed to practice. Just learn basic chourds, how to read tabs, and learn songs. All this can be done through the Internet!