by Edward Raymond

Created on: February 12, 2007   Last Updated: January 19, 2010

While there is no such thing as a fast way to learn anything, there are ways to do so cheaply and with little difficulty. In the case of the guitar, I have taken the path to musical freedom within miserly constraints.

First, I had to identify what was the most reasonable type of guitar to begin with in order to find out if this hobby would be for me or not. I did research on the varieties available and visited local music stores in order to learn more. I looked at the pros and cons between both acoustic and electric. Finally, I settled on an acoustic with medium gage strings. My reasoning for this was that acoustics do not require regular feeds into the monthly electric bill and do not need an extra purchase (amplifiers and speakers), in order to be heard. Medium gage was more of a personal preference because I wanted durable strings that would challenge me and build finger strength. The guitar kit was $117 out the door with guitar, strings, electronic tuner, and nylon carrying case.

Second, came the tough choice. Finding an example to work from and stick with. Lessons were not an option for me because of transportation issues as well as an irregular work schedule. Which left me with books and DVD's. I chose both and ordered a VH-1 hits book from Amazon.com for $15 and purchased a "Esteban's Complete Guitar Guide For Beginners" DVD set for $25 from Barnes and Noble. The DVDs have been instrumental in illustrating correct fingering at the frets (line divisions along the neck of the guitar) and demonstrating the sound I should be emulating as I progress through the lessons. The VH-1 book is great for playing around and seeing if I can come close to sounding out songs that I am more personally familiar with.

Finally, whether taught by DVD or personal tutor, everyone must pay their dues by building callous and learning to transition between chords. Practice can not be avoided. It helps to be consistent with time of day and amount of time spent, but starting with fifteen minutes and building up but never committing to less than fifteen minutes a day will yield results. Faster results can be measured in months, but the practice put forward would likely be increased to half days at least five days a week. These practice sessions will be more enjoyable if you find a group to learn together. The feed back and camaraderie will be worth the time in finding such a group and the fun had will put off the feeling of work on days that you may not feel like practicing.

Make sure to find the right gauge for you by asking to make use of demos and trying demos with each of the four available string types. The string types are nylon, light gauge, medium gauge, and heavy gauge. The higher gauge strings project a clearer sound but are harder on inexperienced fingers while lighter gauges allow one to build finger callous and become familiar with fingering positions before moving up to the challenges and rewards of the heavier gauge strings.

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