Frequently Asked
Questions
Here is a short list of the frequently asked questions a parent or
student may
ask when considering purchasing lessons.
Information for parents
Helping a child to learn guitar is a three way relationship between
the child, teacher and parent. As a parent you will need to be there
for support at times and also to encourage regular practice. Your
child is setting out on a rewarding, some times difficult and long
journey and your help and support especially in the early stages is
important
Q. Why Should I use a guitar teacher I can teach myself?
A. Yes!!! you can teach yourself but here are a few
reasons for learning with a teacher.
-
There are some very good self teach books, web sites and
videos available BUT teaching yourself is lonely and you often
do not have someone to turn to for help or advice with a
difficult piece of music..
-
A teacher will support you and motivate you when you feel
you are not getting anywhere.
Q. I can download TAB free off the
internet and learn songs that way?
A.
True you can but often TAB from the net is not 100% accurate
and as it does not have any notation associated with it so you will
find it harder to get the timing right unless you know the tune very
well.
Q. Why should I learn notation and
theory its boring, my friend who plays in a band doesn't read music?
A.
OK to some degree that may be true. But if you are
really serious about learning to play guitar then it is best to
learn correctly. You can then pick up a piece of music and within a
short period of time you will be able to play it accurately even if
you have not heard the song. In addition if you want to make a
serious career as a session guitarist being able to read music is a
must.
Q: How much should be spent practicing?
A:
Usually 15-20 minutes a day in the first
few weeks is sufficient but this will increase as your ability
increases and you start to learn songs..
Q: How long will it take to teach me to play?
A: By the end of the first week you should be able
to name the six strings, find and play notes on the first two
strings, play the finger exercises on these strings at a comfortable
pace. Plus the C and G7 chords slowly. The second lesson starts to
teach simple songs each lesson from there on teaches more knowledge
and skills. The length of time it will take a pupil to learn to
play guitar will vary depending on age and ability and any previous
guitar playing experience but on average for a pupil starting out
with no experience it can be 12 months. However in that time the
pupil will have learned many songs and will be able to take songs
from many music books and be able to play them well.
Q: Where can I buy a guitar and accessories?
A: There are many sites on the internet where
you can purchase guitars and equipment, however I would recommend
that for your first guitar purchase you visit either
R and B Music
or Bruce Millers, in Aberdeen. I have no affiliation with either
Shop.
Q: How do I choose the right
guitar?
A: It is
important to buy a guitar that feels right for you and is a good fit
both in size and feel. If you do not have the ability to play when
you go shopping ask one of the sales staff at the shop and they
should be able to demonstrate how the guitar sounds. Try the guitar
for size and try placing your fingers on the strings and seeing how
easy it is to fret (push the string down) on a well set up guitar it
shouldn't be to difficult to fret strings although as a beginner you
will find a it harder to start with but try fretting all the
strings. If you find it difficult to fret the strings you should ask
the shop to set up the guitar for you. In fact it is a good idea to
ask the shop to set up the guitar before you actually take it away
with you, if they want the sale they should do this service free for
the first time.
Q: What kind of guitar should I buy electric or
acoustic?
A: It doesn't really matter which you buy
although there are a few things to consider. A well set up electric
guitar will be easier to fret and play than an acoustic guitar but
will need an amplifier and a lead to connect the guitar to the
amplifier. Likewise a well set up acoustic guitar should not be that
different to play than an electric guitar. The advantage with an
acoustic guitar is that you do not need an amplifier as the guitar
body is made in such a way as to amplify the sounds the guitar
produces and many acoustic guitars can produce more than enough
sound for a beginner. For the budding rock guitarist an acoustic is
as good to start on as an electric and doesn't involve the
additional expense of the amplifier and other accessories.
Q: What accessories will I need
A: Apart from an amplifier and lead if buying
an electric guitar for both types of guitar I recommend that you get
a good hard case or good gig bag(soft
bag) to protect your investment, often guitars are sold with one or
other. You will need a strap even if
initially you are going to be playing sat down, for two reasons one
the strap helps to ensure that you don't drop the guitar while
playing and it helps to ensure the guitar is in the right position
for you after you have adjusted the strap to suit. I would suggest a
wide strap as these do not dig into the flesh of the shoulder as
much as a narrow strap. I also advise that you buy
strap locks which go over the strap
buttons once the strap is on the guitar this is an additional safety
precaution to ensure that the strap cannot accidentally slip off the
button. I have seen many a guitarist drop a guitar and cause serious
damage because they were not using strap locks, again the shop staff
should be able to help with choice. You will also need a selection
of picks/plectrums, to start with
I would suggest a size from .50mm to .90mm to start with once you
are more proficient you can try harder picks but be guided by the
shop staff if needed. I use between .90mm and 1mm depending on the
style of music I am playing. You will need a
tuner, I recommend an electronic tuner
where possible as they are more accurate. The last thing you will
need although not immediately is a Metronome
to help with timing. This may sound like an
extensive list but often you can buy a guitar starter kit which has
most of these accessories included. As to cost it will depend very
much on your budget but buy the best guitar you can afford.
