How would one self-teach to play guitar?

Question

I'm 16 and want to play acoustic guitar them move up to electric. On this site people say to "practice" 2 hours a day, but what does this really even mean? I've fiddled with a friends guitar for an hour or two, but i dont really know what to DO when i have it. basically, what do you do or follow to learn how to play guitar on your own?

Answer 1

i suggest first studying the chords and chord progression go to http://www.chordfind.com when you already know the chords practice shifting chords quickly and if you are able to do this you'll be able to play a few songs or two. go to http://www.ultimate-guitar.com for tabs.  when you've mastered the chords you could try to experiment with harder songs involving picking and other stuff. try going to http://www.justinguitar.com if you wanna know more about guitars. and lastly practice it doesnt necessarily have to be 2 hours a day but try practicing as long as you can cause the more you practice the faster you'll improve. so good luck and enjoy playing the guitar!

Answer 2

Take some lessons.. If your playing acoustic guitar or any guitar for that matter.... learn a song or two and practice until perfect.. When done, learn another song.. If you can afford lessons, try some or look up a local junior college that might offer classes.  I've studied off and on for almost 40 years.. Very impressive line up of instructors and gigs I've had.. Two of my former students have done extremely well.. One has two Oscars for music related work and the other has two Grammy nominations for his guitar work. Proud teacher I am. but practice for me was never a chore.. I enjoyed it.. Now.. I practice when I can and play when ever..