by Louise Anderson

Created on: January 10, 2007   Last Updated: May 02, 2007

I'm not sure that the fastest or easiest ways of learning the guitar are necessarily the cheapest. However i will endeavor to describe the method of learning the guitar that will best fulfill all of those requirements.

The thing that will make you learn fastest is simply practice. The more you practice the guitar the quicker you will improve. It depends on what your ultimate goal is how quickly you will actually get there. It is possible to learn some simple rudiments and begin playing with others , or accompanying yourself singing pretty immediately. So if you want to learn quickly then practice practice practice.

The easiest way is to have a context to what you are learning. Don't just learn 2 chords, learn those 2 chords in the context of a song you know. I learned 3 chords and was able to accompany young children singing a multitude of nursery rhymes. Bands like Status Quo are also notorious for only having 2 or 3 chords in their songs. Try writing your own songs using the chords you are learning too. Experiment with Chords I IV V, or II V I in a variety of orders and keys. These are tried and tested chord progressions that will crop up in most music you hear. Having a purpose to what you are doing though, such as writing your own song, makes the repetition of practice so much easier.

The thing that will make this the cheapest is by getting all your information free from the Internet. You need to find out some basic theory, such as how to form chords, and what notes or scales work over different chords. You'll also need to find out typical finger patterns and strumming patterns to use. The hardest thing by doing it cheaply is not having a teacher and so not having someone to show you if you are doing it wrong, not having someone to correct those little errors you are making and point you in the right direction. If you really can't afford a teacher do at least try and buy a book, as these will have diagrams, and advice, and will explain some of the complexities. Most also have an accompanying CD.

The only other tip I have for those wanting to learn the guitar fast, easily and cheaply is to listen to as much music as you can, and watch as many experts as you can. Try and identify the phrasing of different players, to develop your musical ear, and watch what finger patterns and positions are being used on your favourite solos - DVDs are great for freeze framing.

Good luck and keep it musical

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