Do you play the guitar? Would you like to? Do you own a guitar that's seen more dust than TLC? Do you dream of playing that song? No time or money to hire a teacher? Have no friends who play the guitar to teach you? Do you like reading blogs? Are you tired of reading these endless questions? If you answered YES to any of the prior questions than this post is for YOU.
This post is about finding free guitar gurus (guitar teachers) on the Internet. Firstly, I claim not to be a guitar guru. I do however claim to know a lot about where to find guitar gurus. I have owned a guitar that has seen love, dust and several Seinfeld episodes for around four years now. But enough about me, lets dive into the meat of this post shall we.
Connecting With Music
It is said that everybody needs a creative outlet. For some it can be painting, singing or making animals out of balloons, but for me it is the guitar.It was after being thrown out of the Balloon Animal Academy that I picked up the guitar for the first time. If you are looking for a (or another) creative outlet than the guitar is a superb choice.
If you have never played an instrument period (grade 3 and 4 recorder class doesn't count) then connecting with music can be a wonderful new experience. Playing the guitar is a connection with the rhythm of music and also the rhythm of life. It can be a form of meditation, anger management,or sweet serenade to the ears of others.
Where The Guitar Gurus Reside
Guitar gurus come in all shapes and sizes. Some big, some hairy, some lonely, with twangy accents or funny mustaches. They are from all over. Your neighbour could be one and you don't know it! The following are some of the best websites that I have used over the years. They are free to use and their lessons range from beginner to advanced. The lessons I use are all in video format. I love that I can pause, rewind and fast forward if I don't quite catch something. It's like having a teacher right in front of you (kind of).
Site one. My favourite site and teacher can be found at http://justinguitar.com/. He is this extremely charming fellow from Tasmania.I admittedly have a major man crush on him. His lessons are fun, inspiring and straight forward. He covers many different genres and styles of guitar playing. The beginner guitar program I would especially recommend.
Site two. Another site of song tutorials can be found at http://freeandeasyguitar.com/.This site has a comprehensive listing of tutorials to learn to play just about any song. The fellow giving the lessons is called Aaron. His forte is no matter how tired he is, how many dogs are barking in the background or how many people are giving him calls on his cellphone while taping his lessons - he still delivers on a consistent basis.
Site three. This teacher's vids are found on YouTube, although he may have his own private website as well. The link to his YouTube site can be found here: Lazy Fret. He is a jolly British man with a nice soft teaching style. His lessons are particularly good for beginner students.
Schedule For Playing
Most guitar gurus (see above) would recommend playing on a daily basis. I generally try to play everyday for at least 30 minutes. At this rate to get the basics down and to feel comfortable with the guitar it may take 2 weeks or so. Or it could be faster, depending on your focus and natural ability.
Benefits Of Playing The Guitar
- 1. Playing your favourite songs.
- 3. Getting calluses on your hands that you can brag about.
- 4. Having a new wooden BFF.
- 5. Connecting with music.
- 6. Relaxing.
- 7. Expressing yourself.
- 8. Picking up chicks.
Other Questions
This post was intended mostly for beginners or those who have never picked up a guitar before. It was also intended to show you that you can learn anything on the net for free.
The magical equation is:
Free materials + passion + practice = :)
Other questions may be:
- What kind of guitar should I buy?
- What style of music should I start out on?
- If I played the recorder in grade 3 will playing the guitar be easier?
To finish here is a quote from Johnny Depp:
As always any questions, comments or suggestions please leave below! Please note my Facebook has been cranky lately and is refusing to open windows - so if you wish to comment please comment below! =)“Puberty was very vague. I literally locked myself in a room and played guitar”
Ou.yang.
PS: For those of you curious what my guitar looks like:
