What's the best way to learn guitar (2 questions)?

Question

My son wants to learn guitar (he's 12). I've checked with several teachers in the area and the biggest difference seems to be that some teach by reading music and others teach by ear.

Personally, I learned by reading music so this is the only method I know. However, if anyone has experience with learning to play by ear, I'd love to hear about it. Pro's and Con's are appreciated.

Also on a side note, my son is left handed. Many people have told me that regardless which hand is dominant, if you've never played, it's just as easy to learn right-handed vs left-handed. I certainly don't mind purchasing a left-handed guitar if that's the best way to go, but the selection is very small compared to right-handed guitars.

Thanks in advance for your help.

Answer 1

I'm a left-handed guitarist, and I learned by ear.  When I teach guitar, though, I usually take a "reading music" approach.  Being able to read music gives you a great advantage over other guitarists.  Still, the appeal of the guitar is its immediate accessibility.  Make sure you get a teacher who will enforce the basics but also provide time to have fun and rely on intuition.  There's a time and place for both.

As for your son's left-handedness, he needs to discover for himself what is most comfortable for him.  No one rule applies to all lefties.  For instance, I'm dominantly left-handed with no rhythm in my right hand; left-handed guitar was the right way to go. But my uncle is also left-handed and felt more comfortable with a right-handed guitar.  Visit a guitar shop and let your son experience both; his brain and his body will tell him which one's the right fit.  Having a limited selection of guitars sucks, I know from experience.  But it's better than rebelling against your own biology.

Hope that helps!  Best of luck.

Answer 2

I taught myself.  because I didn't wanna waste money on teacher.8 months With lots of practice. My playing level is way above if went to a teacher.People will tell you to go get  lessons from a teacher because most likely there a teacher. He just go hendrix style just get a right handed guitar and flip it over

Answer 3

If you learn to read music. I suggest that you follow up very quickly playing by ear.

If you play by ear,it is going to be harder to learn to read music.

Too many musicians are limited to one or the other.

If you can do both there is always a place for you.