by Ian Loft

Created on: May 24, 2010

Playing any instrument requires a discerning ‘ear’ for music, without which hearing subtle changes and replicating them on an instrument would be more guessing than Structured.  As a self-taught guitar player with more than 30 years experience playing for money and pleasure I can say with some authority it is possible to learn guitar without lessons.   To do so requires above all else a desire to learn with sufficient conviction to overcome the challenges.  Guitar is a versatile and dynamic instrument that offers a lifetime learning experience – it is a fact that to this very day I am learning new methods, techniques and breaking new ground.

Tuning has become a simple exercise thanks to the availability of cheap electronic guitar tuners.  There are countless on-line sites from which to learn the open string notes, and once your instrument is tuned correctly you are ready to start.  In time you will soon learn how to tune and adjust without worrying about electronic tuners.  A six-string acoustic guitar comprises six strings of different pitches from which one small change as little as one semi-tone, or one guitar fret, fundamentally changes the sound.   This is where the adventure really begins.

Often there is no right way, or wrong way to form chords on a guitar.  I will often demonstrate chords a specific way but sometimes find learners adopt an alternative fingering that works for them.  This is where self-learning can work to your advantage.  With a little research you will soon find for example the chord of A-major can be formed in two ways on the second fret.  What works for you?  This is the only important issue in the early days because over time it will make little difference because your fret hand fingers will gradually develop an independence that will enable a rapid re-ordering of finger placement.

Try not to get too bogged down in one website because there are plenty of resources ranging from simple software programs that generate chord shapes through to sophisticated music software that provides you with an entire virtual band where you become the star player!  This is one of my favourite practice methods when I am not working with other musicians.

As a self-taught guitar player you need to be observant.  Watch others and learn – this is without any doubt one of the most important ways to learn and develop.  One of my personal inspirations

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