Acoustic Guitar | Electric Guitar | Bass Guitar
I’m tired of trying to learn guitar on my own.
Guitar lessons engrain proper technique and build confidence. Proper angle and placement of your hands will help prevent carpal tunnel. It is very admirable that some people can learn guitar on their own. However, don’t torture yourself with cryptic guitar tabs and chords from the internet. Don’t flounder; get help from CMS. Finding a guitar teacher who enjoys your music and playing style can make all the difference. Knowledge of musical scales helps to better understand guitar chords. A guitar instructor provides the basic foundation. Learn how to tune a guitar. Be confident, become a decent guitarist, and perhaps even be a great performer!
Learn classical guitar, rock, jazz, blues, whatever your style. Complete the music lesson inquiry, and CMS will answer any questions you may have about any type of guitar lessons for kids or adults of all ages. Most importantly, if you eventually decide to choose CMS, you will be matched with the right teacher for your private guitar lessons, whether beginner, intermediate, or advanced.
What is a good age to start guitar lessons?
Guitar lessons for kids are easier if they are at least age 7. It takes a lot of strength in the wrists and fingers to be able to push down the strings. Some children can become frustrated if they are too young. If your child is younger and is persistent in wanting to play the guitar, you should ease them into it by introducing the piano first. This really is the best instrument to start on, and it will help your child when he does transfer to the guitar.
“An extraordinary little girl playing guitar!” Kang Eunju of Hamhung City, North Korea.
As a beginner, should I learn acoustic or electric guitar?
The acoustic and electric guitar have many similarities. Generally, it is easier to play electric guitars instead of acoustic guitars. The strings are lighter, and easier to press down. The sore fingers which many novices experience when learning on an acoustic guitar are usually not nearly as much of an issue when learning to play electric guitar. To start learning acoustic guitar, it is probably best to choose an acoustic guitar with light gauge strings, or even nylon strings, and optimally a guitar with low action so that less pressure is required to make the strings touch the fretboard. An acoustic guitar with nylon strings is well suited for classical guitar lessons, or perhaps folk music. Your teacher might be able to set you straight with a beginner-friendly guitar setup; if not, then find a friendly local guitar shop.
Electric guitars have a different role in music than acoustic guitars. Whereas acoustic guitars are often used to strum chords to many songs, electrics are used to play “guitar leads” as well as chords. They each have advantages and disadvantages to the beginner. It is easier to learn to fingerpick acoustic guitar. Barre chords and power chords are easier on an electric guitar. Most people learn how to strum the acoustic, but rarely take the time to explore the many styles and sounds that it is capable of. Because of the nature of the electric guitar, many beginners learn power chords and then little else. And when the acoustic player gets his first electric, he tends to play it like an acoustic. And vice versa. So which is better? The one you desire to play would be the better one for you!
Note to parents! When selecting a guitar for your child, try to realistically assess what they’d like best, as opposed to what you’d like them to play. Their progress will be noticeably better when playing a guitar they like.
Remember! Keeping your guitar out of the case, in plain view at all times, is tremendously important – you’ll find yourself practicing MUCH more. If you decide on an electric guitar, you might even consider leaving the cord in the guitar, plugged into the amplifier. That way, you can simply pick up the guitar, flick the amp on, and begin playing.
I was thinking about group lessons. Do you recommend this?
Many parents think about group for two reasons: cost and atmosphere. The fact is, whether you are in San Diego or Orange County, group lessons can be very frustrating for students. They do not get one-on-one interaction, and tend to get bored because the class is too slow, or discouraged because the class is too fast. With private lessons, students are able to learn music they want to learn and are not embarrassed if they don’t understand something. A private teacher can find the trouble areas and work on it with the student, whereas a group teacher is assisting several students and can’t always troubleshoot.
Do I need to know how to play acoustic or electric guitar, before learning bass guitar?
No. Pick up a bass guitar and dive into your favorite basslines! Playing in the rhythm section of a band is different than playing lead melodies on acoustic or electric guitar. Some bands do not even have lead guitar; instead, it is just drum and bass guitar, with vocals, hi-hats, harmonica or whatever left to fill the higher frequencies.
Impressive clips of some famous guitarists
- Latin guitar master Carlos Santana: “Oye como Va”, “Black Magic Woman”.
- Exquisite classical guitar by John Williams: “La Ultima Canción”.
- Guitar legend Jimi Hendrix: “Hear My Train a Comin”, “Villanova Junction”, “Castles Made of Sand”, “Angel”, “Wild Thing”.
- King of Surf Guitar – Dick Dale: “Ghost Riders in the Sky”, “Misirlou”, “Nitro”, “Spanish Kiss”.
- Tommy Emmanuel on acoustic guitar: “Angelina”, “Guitar Boogie”,“Beatles Medley”.
Read about them: Carlos Santana, Dick Dale, Jimi Hendrix, John Williams, Tommy Emmanuel.
Sungha Jung cover songs on acoustic guitar
- “Rolling in the Deep”
- “Mission Impossible”
- “Kotaro Oshio – Fight!”
- “Time After Time”
- “Superstition” •Another version
- “Isn’t She Lovely”
- “Dust In The Wind”
Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain: “The Good, The Bad, The Ugly.”
“Smells Like Teen Spirit” UOGB,
