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FAQ
Do I need to have my own guitar?
Yes. Practicing at home regularly is essential for achieving success with playing guitar. We are fortunate these days to have many affordable quality options available for guitar instruction. If you're not quite ready to purchase, you can rent a guitar from Rock'n'Roll Rentals. Whether you are seeking in-person guitar lessons or prefer online guitar lessons, I am always happy to provide recommendations to help narrow down your search, whether you're interested in an electric, acoustic, or classical guitar.
What type of guitar should I start with?
I recommend that each student choose the guitar type that interests them most for their guitar instruction. Electric guitars are a bit easier to play and of course, require an amp. Acoustic guitars may be a bit tougher on the fingers, but that challenge is quickly overcome with enough practice, whether through in-person guitar lessons or online guitar lessons. Classical guitars have nylon strings and a wider neck, and these are typically used for finger-style playing (i.e., classical, flamenco).
What style/size of pick should I use?
A standard shaped pick will suffice for your guitar instruction. Starting with a light to medium gauge (0.5 - 0.75 mm) is ideal for beginners, whether you're taking in-person guitar lessons or online guitar lessons. Avoid gimmicky picks, such as those with advertisements, and feel free to experiment with different shapes, thicknesses, and materials.
Do I need fingernails to play finger-style guitar?
In guitar instruction, especially for classical guitar, it’s common to use fingernails and learn how to shape them to produce the best tone and loud sound. However, this is not absolutely necessary, as playing with the flesh of your fingers is completely acceptable. For acoustic or electric finger-style playing, which differs from classical techniques, it is often better to avoid using fingernails since the steel strings can damage them, unless you opt for acrylic or other types of fake nails or attachments. Whether you choose in-person guitar lessons or online guitar lessons, understanding these nuances can enhance your playing experience.
What guitar brand should I get?
This is not too important. If you enjoy playing the guitar and it sounds great, then you are good to go. There are many options available, especially if you're looking for quality instruments to complement your guitar instruction. Some trusted names include Fender, Gibson, Taylor, Seagull, Ibanez, Gretsch, Breedlove, and Yamaha. While considering in-person guitar lessons or online guitar lessons, it's best to avoid random brands you might find on Amazon, as the quality of construction definitely matters.
How often should I practice?
To start out with your guitar instruction, have fun and don't overdo it. Once you have enough material, I recommend a minimum of 3 separate 30-minute practice sessions per week as a guideline, and adjust accordingly. Your practice will naturally increase as your enjoyment of playing grows. If you are just starting out, be careful and don't burn yourself out by practicing too much. What is important is how effectively you practice and acknowledging every improvement. Learning guitar will present challenges, but mindful practice and guidance, whether through in-person guitar lessons or online guitar lessons, will get you where you want to be.
Another very helpful tip is that you can absolutely get something out of a 5-minute practice session. Students can often feel like they need to practice for hours each time, which can prevent them from picking up the guitar. Keep it lighthearted, fun, and focused!
What if I didn't have time to practice before my lesson?
Yes. Practicing at home regularly is essential for achieving success with playing guitar. We are fortunate these days to have many affordable quality options available for guitar instruction. If you're not quite ready to purchase, you can rent a guitar from Rock'n'Roll Rentals. Whether you are seeking in-person guitar lessons or prefer online guitar lessons, I am always happy to provide recommendations to help narrow down your search, whether you're interested in an electric, acoustic, or classical guitar.
What is a great method for practicing?
I recommend that each student choose the guitar type that interests them most for their guitar instruction. Electric guitars are a bit easier to play and of course, require an amp. Acoustic guitars may be a bit tougher on the fingers, but that challenge is quickly overcome with enough practice, whether through in-person guitar lessons or online guitar lessons. Classical guitars have nylon strings and a wider neck, and these are typically used for finger-style playing (i.e., classical, flamenco).
What does it mean to "hit a wall"?
A standard shaped pick will suffice for your guitar instruction. Starting with a light to medium gauge (0.5 - 0.75 mm) is ideal for beginners, whether you're taking in-person guitar lessons or online guitar lessons. Avoid gimmicky picks, such as those with advertisements, and feel free to experiment with different shapes, thicknesses, and materials.
If you could only give one tip to your students, what would it be?
In guitar instruction, especially for classical guitar, it’s common to use fingernails and learn how to shape them to produce the best tone and loud sound. However, this is not absolutely necessary, as playing with the flesh of your fingers is completely acceptable. For acoustic or electric finger-style playing, which differs from classical techniques, it is often better to avoid using fingernails since the steel strings can damage them, unless you opt for acrylic or other types of fake nails or attachments. Whether you choose in-person guitar lessons or online guitar lessons, understanding these nuances can enhance your playing experience.
What genre of music is the best to learn?
This is not too important. If you enjoy playing the guitar and it sounds great, then you are good to go. There are many options available, especially if you're looking for quality instruments to complement your guitar instruction. Some trusted names include Fender, Gibson, Taylor, Seagull, Ibanez, Gretsch, Breedlove, and Yamaha. While considering in-person guitar lessons or online guitar lessons, it's best to avoid random brands you might find on Amazon, as the quality of construction definitely matters.
Is it important to learn to read music?
To start out with your guitar instruction, have fun and don't overdo it. Once you have enough material, I recommend a minimum of 3 separate 30-minute practice sessions per week as a guideline, and adjust accordingly. Your practice will naturally increase as your enjoyment of playing grows. If you are just starting out, be careful and don't burn yourself out by practicing too much. What is important is how effectively you practice and acknowledging every improvement. Learning guitar will present challenges, but mindful practice and guidance, whether through in-person guitar lessons or online guitar lessons, will get you where you want to be.
Another very helpful tip is that you can absolutely get something out of a 5-minute practice session. Students can often feel like they need to practice for hours each time, which can prevent them from picking up the guitar. Keep it lighthearted, fun, and focused!
Do you offer online lessons?
Yes. Practicing at home regularly is essential for achieving success with playing guitar. We are fortunate these days to have many affordable quality options available for guitar instruction. If you're not quite ready to purchase, you can rent a guitar from Rock'n'Roll Rentals. Whether you are seeking in-person guitar lessons or prefer online guitar lessons, I am always happy to provide recommendations to help narrow down your search, whether you're interested in an electric, acoustic, or classical guitar.
Is learning guitar easy?
I recommend that each student choose the guitar type that interests them most for their guitar instruction. Electric guitars are a bit easier to play and of course, require an amp. Acoustic guitars may be a bit tougher on the fingers, but that challenge is quickly overcome with enough practice, whether through in-person guitar lessons or online guitar lessons. Classical guitars have nylon strings and a wider neck, and these are typically used for finger-style playing (i.e., classical, flamenco).
What is guitar tablature (TAB)?
A standard shaped pick will suffice for your guitar instruction. Starting with a light to medium gauge (0.5 - 0.75 mm) is ideal for beginners, whether you're taking in-person guitar lessons or online guitar lessons. Avoid gimmicky picks, such as those with advertisements, and feel free to experiment with different shapes, thicknesses, and materials.
Who is your favorite band and what is your dream guitar?
In guitar instruction, especially for classical guitar, it’s common to use fingernails and learn how to shape them to produce the best tone and loud sound. However, this is not absolutely necessary, as playing with the flesh of your fingers is completely acceptable. For acoustic or electric finger-style playing, which differs from classical techniques, it is often better to avoid using fingernails since the steel strings can damage them, unless you opt for acrylic or other types of fake nails or attachments. Whether you choose in-person guitar lessons or online guitar lessons, understanding these nuances can enhance your playing experience.