There are a lot of different ways that people learn guitar.
Some people will pick up a guitar and within a matter of hours be playing at a level that may take others weeks to reach.
For most though, learning an instrument takes study and practice.
So what are the best methods of learning? Consider these three tips.
1) Use a metronome when possible.
One of the most absolutely important aspects of learning an instrument is mastering timing.
I've heard countless players who've spent countless hours practicing, but can't keep their timing in check.
Without good timing, your songs won't sound right, and you'll never be able to play with a band.
Using a metronome as much as possible when you practice is the best way to ensure you'll develop accurate timing.
2) Consider combining an online course with your in-person lessons or self-teaching.
Whether you teach yourself using videos and tabs online, or take one-on-one lessons with a teacher, one way you can seriously increase the speed with which you master the instrument is to invest in a good online based course.
There are a few good ones out there, and what they'll do is give you a set of structured, high quality lessons that will allow you to have professional instruction at your command.
Rather than having to wait for your lesson with your teacher, you can get taught by an accomplished pro anytime you want, and at your own pace.
3) Start slow when learning new techniques.
Whether you're learning a challenging new technique or a challenging new song, one of the biggest mistakes many guitarists make is trying to play challenging pieces at full speed right from the start.
This is the surest way to acquire bad habits in your playing.
Check your ego and set the metronome to half speed, or even quarter speed, and play the song at the slower tempo until you've mastered it.
When you then try it at full speed, you'll have all the technique and small nuances of the song down-pat, and you'll nail it.