Can A Computer Teach You To Play Music?
The Real Skinny About Guitar Software.
Well can a bunch of code teach me to play the guitar like a pro?
Short Answer? Yes!
And it can do a great job of it too, It definitely has it’s advantages but is by no means the perfect system to learn guitar. Why? Read on to find out..
So what can you expect from these dvd and online guitar software lessons?
At the very least you’ll have an ebook to go through that has pictures.. but if that's all the course has, it’s best that you avoid them…
Why?
Online lessons are often more dynamic and successful in keeping you focused than a glorified theory book. This is because the best guitar courses make the most of the multimedia capabilities of modern computers.
- Look out for the following features in your guitar courses;
- Step-by-step guitar lessons. (With Video clips that include multiple angles)
- Sound files and guitar jam tracks. (This allows you to play along)
- Online guitar site forums. (it’s important that you can connect with others going through the same process as you)
- Chord lessons and chord charts. (Once again with video clips)
- Guitar tuner software
- E-metronome (often built in to the program)
- Guitar tab lessons.
- Song lyrics with chords.
- Sheet music
A good course doesn’t have to have all these elements, but the more they have, the more fun, varied and faster you’ll learn. This is because the more ways the senses are engaged the more powerful the lessons become.
If you are a beginner, look for online guitar lessons directed toward the new guitar player. These lessons should include the basics, such as; how to hold a guitar, choose a guitar, basic chord instruction, learning frets and an introduction to how to read guitar tablature.
Of course, the beginning guitar player will need charts for learning the various chords, so, at the very least, look for these visual aids. With practice, it won't be long before you'll be ready for intermediate guitar lessons.
I’ve got a free 5 part e-course that cover all these basics just put in your name and email address into the box on the right and you can get started learning the basics right away!
The intermediate guitar player can also benefit from quality online guitar lessons that have resources which illustrate the many varied chords. Plus intermediate guitar players will be interested in further plucking techniques and more guitar tablature.
So when choosing a course I recommend that you bear in mind lastability. Does the course you choose have other modules that specialise in more advance techniques or styles that you can continue with like Jamorama, or are they designed to take you from beginner all the way up to pro like Guitar Superstars or Jamplay.
Click Here to See Our Reviews of the Above Guitar Courses!
So does having all these features make teach yourself guitar software the be all and end all?
No.
As tempted as you might be to learn guitar fast online, you have to consider the drawbacks as well. If you are serious about playing the guitar, nothing compares to a good teacher, one whom can tailor his/her method to your learning style.
Online lessons may not focus on your particular learning needs, where as a private teacher will give you personal attention and respond to your specific needs.
Online lessons, will not applaud you when you're progressing and get you motivated, all though it must be said that getting in contact with other learners in guitar forums can be pretty motivating. A private teacher will also provide you with positive feedback and knows how to increase your motivation when necessary.
Also, if you are making mistakes you may not notice and end up playing badly. A private teacher will spot your mistakes fast and correct them in time before they turn into long-term habits.
With online lessons, no one will be there to correct them. So if you stick with the online lessons as a sole means of learning the guitar make sure you pay attention when your virtual teacher says things like “make sure you” or “pay particular attention to”. These are normally the things that create the good habits.
So private lessons are still the way to go then?
It depends on you.
Private lessons are expensive. For the price of a few private lessons you can normally get a complete guitar software course.
Private lessons just cannot compete with the flexibility of online guitar lessons, If you have a job, a family and various errands to run every day, travelling back and forth to guitar classes might not be for you. Being able to learn guitar fast by practicing whenever you find some free time without having to leave the house is a definite plus.
I believe the ideal situation is doing a combination of both – that way you can practice and learn at your own pace, and then get the occasional (fortnightly or monthly) lesson to get that one on one instruction that guitar software cannot give you.
That being said there is no one correct way to learn guitar, many of the greatest guitarists taught themselves most of what they know about guitar playing.
It's never been easier to learn to play guitar online. Of course it takes practice, but thanks to guitar software and the internet, you can play along with jam tracks, learn unusual chords, find chords and lyrics for songs you want to learn, and even compose and record your own songs!
You can join an online guitar players forum to get one-on-one help, support and to ask questions, and because of the high demand of learning guitar online, if you choose to invest in an online guitar course, the prices have never been lower than they are today.
So have a look around do some research and find the way that’s right for you!
Need some help choosing?
Check out our pick of the best choices available to you here!
Don't forget to sign up for the free beginners E-course at the top of the page!
