Well, there are two ways to learn. Self-learning and through guitar lessons.
Self-learning:
Well, you could teach yourself guitar if you have the determination.
For me, i planned to learn guitar from a friend. However, I could not understand what he teach over the time.
He just taught me how to place my fingers on the fretboard and teach me strumming pattern. I got fed-up a while later because he did not teach me anything about chords actually.
So, I got myself a chord book, learning different chords, learning how to read chord shapes. After this, I taught myself some simple songs and try to imitate the strumming pattern accurately according to how the song played.
As I progress further, some songs are played differently. Especially when you need to mute strings (when you learn to play power chords). Also, learning tabs to play required riffs or solos.
It took me about 2 years+ to play well. During this years, as I determine to be a "very good" player, I try to learn as much as possible about music and about the guitar instrument itself. Now, I've learned many techniques and about the guitar instrument (how to maintain well, change strings, basically technical stuff...)
However, learning is never ending. If you wish to go a step further to be a professional player, you've got to learn about music theory. (I've got to say, music theory aids people to play well and also to understand what's music is all about.)
(Actually it's ok if u dont wanna to learn music theory, as learning chords and tabs and some "guitaring" techniques really makes one be able to play basic guitar.)
To me, i tried to teach myself using materials from books and internet but it was very difficult because I don't have any musical background. I couldn't understand some musical terms.
So if you want to self-learn, there is sort of a "limit" actually. If u gonna learn with your friends, you might have to be careful because they might have some bad habits which u could be influenced by them.
Thru guitar lessons:
Well it's good if you could get an
experienced teacher to teach you because you would learn proper music techniques from them. They will guide you step by step. Besides, u will get a chance to sit for music exams (eg. ABRSM) and you will get qualification (eg. Grade 1,2,3,4,5,6 etc) if you pass well.
There are 2 ways to take guitar lessons. They are via a music school or private lessons. Well, I would recommend music school because it is much cheaper than private lessons. However, make sure you know what are they gonna offer you in the course.
For private lessons, it is much more expensive but you will be taught 1-to-1. However, there are some things you have to be wary of.
Some teachers are might play well, but not teach well. Hence, affecting your learning curve. Others might be an amateur (without qualifications) and a "cheat" (eg. ask you for money in advance and they don't turn up. There is a recent case happened here.)
If you wanna take up private lessons, do check on their qualifications.
Overall, I would say if I were you, I would rather take music lessons because they will teach you proper techniques. Too bad, i ain't got any $$$
.
If you gonna play for hobby, then you go self-learning.
(I don't know whether some points you would agree with me or not. This is just my opinion. If needed, just take it with a pinch of salt. Do look up at older threads too.)
