How Long Would It Take a Person to Pick Up the Electric Guitar?
In terms of practicality, if an electric guitar were to suddenly appear on a chair, it would likely take just a second or two for someone to pick it up and strum two or three notes. However, if you're serious about learning how to play the electric guitar, the process of mastering it can vary widely depending on several factors such as your dedication to practice and the approach you choose.
Take Lessons or Self-Learn?
Take the Lessons. How long does it really take to learn? It depends largely on how much time you're willing to commit to practicing. Consistent and regular practice sessions are key to making significant progress. But to ensure a smoother journey and to avoid developing bad habits that could hinder your progress later, I highly recommend taking lessons.
Why Take Lessons?
1. Avoid Developing Bad Habits: Self-taught musicians often develop bad habits that can later impede their progress. A good teacher can spot these and correct them before they become ingrained. These habits might start off small but could become a huge problem as you progress in your skills.
2. Faster Progress and Better Learning: Most people learn more quickly and effectively when they invest in lessons. The commitment of having a scheduled lesson and paying for it can motivate you to practice regularly and make sure you attend. On the other hand, if you're self-taught, you might skip practice sessions or forget to practice, leading to slower progress or no progress at all.
The Value of Regular Interaction with a Teacher
The opportunity to regularly interact with someone who is better than you at a skill you aspire to master is a significant advantage. This regular interaction can provide a structured learning experience and accountability that self-teaching often lacks. Even if you’re just starting out, interacting with a teacher can provide a solid foundation and address any misconceptions you might have.
Learning Speed and Plateaus
After initial lessons, you might be able to play enough to start enjoying yourself. However, the learning process will likely require a combination of persistence and muscle memory. Some people find that private music lessons provide a great deal of new information in the early stages, but as time passes, the amount of new information conveyed in each session tends to decline or become repetitive.
Staying Motivated
Once you're making good progress with lessons, it's important to stick with them. But if you find yourself hitting a plateau, it might be worth exploring other approaches or even different instructors. There are occasional workshops with important guitarists that can provide new insights and skills you can apply to your learning.
Famous Guitar Teachers in the Industry
Side notes: Notable musicians like Jerry Garcia and Jimi Hendrix are known to have taught guitar lessons. Peter Frampton famously taught Billy Crudup well enough that the actor could perform all of his songs in the movie Almost Famous!
Navigating the journey to becoming a skilled electric guitarist requires dedication and the right approach. Whether you choose to take lessons or self-teach, the most important factors are practice and persistence. With the right guidance, you can achieve your musical goals and enjoy the rewarding experience of playing the electric guitar.