Is it better to take guitar lessons or learn from a program?

Question

also does it make a difference if you start off with an acoustic or electric guitar?

Answer 1

take lessons from someone. then you have someone to help you if you get stuck or cant understand something. as far as guitars go, i would say start off with a classical guitar. they are harder to play. why start off on a harder guitar? because then when you buy an electric or acoustic, they will seem much easier to play. basically, get good on something more difficult and things will be easier later.

Answer 2

I've been taking lessons for 3 1/2 years, and nothing comes close to having an actual person who knows their instrument and music inside and out helping you out. You'll learn faster and progress more than with an online program.

Yes, there are good books, DVDs, and programs out there, but eventually you will get stuck and you don't want to be in that position, so it's better to start off learning guitar on the right track: lessons.

But if you absolutely CAN'T afford it, then you have no choice but to resort to the internet (cyberfret.com), a book (Teach Yourself Visually Guitar), or a program.

As for which guitar to start off on, there is no big difference. it's just both guitars look and feel different; the strings of an electric are easier to hold down, and it's cooler than an acoustic. But I started off with an acoustic (classical, actually), then moved on up to electric. Choose whichever guitar you want.

Answer 3

Let's start with the second question; which guitar to play. The answer to that depends on what type of musical genres you're into. If you're into mostly hard rock, metal, pop, blues or jazz you may want to start with electric guitar. If you're more into (for instance) country, reggae, pop, acoustic/soft rock or classic rock, acoustic might be your thing. It also depends on what your performing preferences are. Do you like to stand while you play? (Electric) Or do you like to sit? (acoustic). Do you like to play with a pick (Electric) or your fingers? (Acoustic). It doesn't really matter which type of guitar you play with as long as it fits your preferences. And I'm sure that if you plan to take lessons, your teacher will let you know what to do.

As for lessons or programs, again: individual preference. Both can be equally rewarding, but you may want to look at things like how much money you have, your learning style, your age and how well you can adapt to new learning. Programs are cheap, less formal and can be learned out of a book. Lessons require you to schedule and are more expensive, but may be better for you in the long run.

Hope that helps :)