Hey everyone! I’ve been playing guitar for a year now and have been learning mostly from YouTube (big thanks to GuitarZero2Hero and Justin). I’ve made it through the first 20 lessons of Absolutely Understand Guitar and have been playing songs by bands like Blink-182, Green Day, Oasis, and Foo Fighters. In January, I’ll start 30-minute weekly lessons at a music school. I’m excited but also a little nervous about starting formal lessons.
Here’s what’s important to me:
I don’t want my teacher to just dismiss what I’ve learned so far, but to build on it.
My focus is mainly Rock and Pop guitar (power chords, riffs, solos, and some fingerpicking).
I’d like structured lessons but also the freedom to focus on learning songs I like.
What makes a great guitar teacher, in your experience? How can I best communicate my goals during the first lesson?
Any advice or tips would be really appreciated. Thanks!
A good teacher will usually start by getting to know their student, so they can discuss:
their musical background;
their technique and ability;
what songs they want to learn;
how they prefer to learn.
This helps the teacher figure out if they are a good match for the student. For example, if someone wants to learn Rock or Metal, they might not get the most out of a Classical or Jazz teacher. You want the lessons to flow smoothly for both the teacher and student, so the student feels motivated and confident with each class.
It’s also a good idea to have a learning plan so the student can track their progress. The teacher should pick songs that match the student’s interests, and any techniques taught should tie into the songs. Also, what about feedback? Can students send videos between lessons? Does the teacher offer transcriptions or teach songs using purchased materials? Do they provide backing tracks for practice?
I’m a full-time private guitar instructor, so here’s my take. I always encourage my students to be open about what they want. It sounds like you’re in a great place already, having learned on your own. You’ll probably have a few habits that might need fine-tuning, but I’d never disregard what you’ve done. I love when students come in with a bit of knowledge because they ask good questions, which helps learning move faster. Lessons should be flexible since a student’s motivation and interests can change. As long as we don’t stray too much off course, I’m open to switching things up. I plan my lessons months ahead, but I also leave room to adjust if needed.
I’ve been teaching guitar for over 10 years, and one thing I find helpful is giving students a clear path forward while also allowing them to explore. It’s important to keep the lessons fun and aligned with what excites the student. That way, they stay engaged and see their progress.
