There are a few reasons you, as a non-guitarist, would end up with a guitar in your hands: either someone gave it to you, you found one for cheap, or simply want to learn. However you got here, you are now on the fence as to whether or not you should really take guitar lessons. The choice can be much more challenging than you’d think and well-worth thinking over before deciding either way.
You should take guitar lessons if you want to advance quickly in a new skill, become more musical, and round yourself out as a person. However, it will likely cost you much of your free time, effort, and spare cash.
Below, I’ll go more in-depth on the seventeen pros and cons of taking guitar lessons to help you make a well-informed decision. I’ll discuss some possible methods of learning guitar that don’t vall for the time commitment of a tutor. Whether you choose to take on a new hobby or not, I hope this list helps you out in your decision-making process!
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- Fender Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Guitar Bundle (MY FAVORITE GUITAR)
- Snark SN-8 Super Tight All Instrument Tuner (Easiest Tuner I’ve Used😏)
- 6 String Acoustic Guitar Capo (Best CAPO for quick changes)
- Dunlop Max Grip 1.0mm Nylon Picks (Thick Guitar Pick So You Don’t Lose Grip!)
- Universal Guitar Stand (Cheap & Minimalist Guitar Stand I Recommend)
- Levy’s 2″ Wide Quick Adjust Guitar Strap (Best Guitar Strap For Any Level)
Pros of Taking Guitar Lessons
There are a lot of benefits to taking guitar lessons and developing a new skill. In the following sections, I’ll be providing you with some of the top reasons why guitar lessons are not only helpful, but also fun.
It Is Not Hard To Find a Teacher
The guitar is a very common instrument, so you won’t have much trouble finding a teacher in your area. It is also not an instrument that is easier to learn if you start as a child, such as piano or violin. You will actually be better at picking up rhythms and notes as an adult and will probably be more driven to learn. Many teachers are used to teaching adults, and there are plenty of guitar learning books that do not look like they are made for kindergarteners.
A Teacher Will Keep You Accountable
An undeniable benefit of having a guitar teacher or tutor is that you will be held accountable for learning new elements on time. A teacher will push you in ways that you may not be able to push yourself, and practicing will take on a whole new twist when you actually need to show someone your progress. In-person critique may not be the most fun, but it is terrific if you wish to improve properly.
Pre-Set Lesson Plans
A teacher will also have a set lesson plan, so you do not need to worry about what books fit your skill level or what you should work on next. Your teacher may even be able to lend you the books you need, so you might not even need to order them. Regardless, a teacher will be no stranger to the struggles of a beginning guitarist and will be able to keep you on a steady track to success.
Keep Your Mind and Body Alert
Though people rarely talk about it, playing guitar can be quite the arm workout. The arm that strums and the hand that finds the chords will both have to answer quickly to the demands of your brain, improving the pathways between your head and body. Your hands and arms will likely feel cramped for the first few days, but soon enough, you will be stronger and more able to play for however long you want.
Learning new skills also keeps your mind sharp. The guitar is a great place to start if it has been a while since you took a class of any kind. It engages the mind and body at the same time and allows you to hone your listening and repetition skills. The older you get, the more you are in need of little exercises like this to keep you on your toes.
You Do Not Have To Be ‘Musical’
The guitar is a pretty easy introduction to the world of music if you have not had one already. You don’t have to know how to read music to play guitar, so you will not have to learn that language. And as it turns out, many popular songs can be played with only a few easy chords. The guitar can be pretty easy to pick up, and as long as you can tell when a note in a chord is flat or sharp, you are well on your way to stardom!
You Can Play Any Kind of Music
Another pro of learning the guitar is that it is not an instrument limited to a single genre of music. Unlike an oboe, it can play pop, jazz, classical, rock, country, and folk (to name a few). You are limited only by your imagination and your taste.
As a guitarist, you will not always be stuck playing the accompaniment or the melody of a song – you can do either. You and your friends can play together regardless of the instruments they play, and all have a blast. Most popular songs also have guitar play-along books, so it is not hard to learn to play your favorite music on your guitar (Related: How hard is it to learn guitar compared to piano?).
New Emotional Outlet
A lot of guitarists feel that their music is an excellent emotional outlet for them. Whether you want to write your own songs or embody those of your favorite artist, singing and playing by yourself can release stress and help you feel your emotions in a healthy way.
Music is an excellent way to de-stress in any case, but playing the music yourself gives you the freedom and creativity that we all need to experience. Playing guitar could quickly become one of your favorite pastimes.
You Gain a Cool New Skill
Being able to play the guitar can be useful in plenty of situations. Picnics and camp-outs can be good places to exhibit your abilities, and such performances are sure to boost your social capital. Church choirs are nearly always in need of guitarists, and it can always help to mention your abilities to friends and employers (Related: how to play guitar with long nails).