Let’s face it: choosing between online guitar lessons vs in person can be a difficult decision, especially when you’re just starting out.
Both formats have their own unique benefits and challenges.
Online lessons are appealing due to the fact that you can stay home and learn at your own pace. Also, depending on your personality (introverted), this might be a more comfortable option for you.
In-person lessons are great if you want that face to face interaction. So, if you are an extrovert, this will be a very natural way to learn.
Having a guitar instructor in front of you will motivate you to try harder and also have someone to be accountable to. This can be seen as a challenge too. Imagine practicing at home and showing up at your next lesson showing off all that you learned. It’s such a great feeling and keeps you inspired!
So, we’ll break it down further to better understand the differences and help set you on the right path.
ABSOLUTELY! You can totally learn guitar online for free. There are so many great blogs and YouTube channels packed with free lessons and tutorials to get you started.
I’ve seen many online guitar courses that offer a free demo to check things out. If you like it, you can purchase the whole course, break it up into individual lessons, or pay monthly and gain access to all future updated material.
These 2 guitarists have many free lessons on their blogs and Youtube channels. Check them out!
Deciding between online and in-person guitar lessons is all about what fits your life and learning style best. Each has distinct advantages but selecting the right type depends largely on your individual goals and learning style.
Here is a side by side comparison in more depth.
Online lessons are a favorite for their convenience and flexibility. You can learn from the comfort of your home, choosing lesson times that fit around YOUR schedule. This flexibility is perfect if you juggle multiple commitments and want your learning to adapt to you, not the other way around.
The wealth of resources online lessons bring cannot be overlooked. You can tap into courses from world-renowned guitarists and explore an endless variety of genres and styles.
Not only are these courses more budget-friendly than private tutors, but many platforms offer affordable group lessons and even membership sites that further cut down costs.
Need to revisit a tricky concept? Just hit replay and review until it’s clear, something in-person lessons can’t always offer. Also, you can learn at your own pace.
As you get more advanced, online lessons can become an exploration into techniques and genres you’re keen to explore. This would appeal especially to visual learners that might thrive in the online environment.
Simply Guitar app — start learning guitar at your own pace.
On the other hand, in-person guitar lessons give valuable personal attention. Teachers can tailor sessions to your specific strengths and weaknesses, providing immediate feedback that can keep bad habits from forming. Those face-to-face interactions also help in building a sense of community with other learners and musicians.
Now, if you’re just starting, you might find that in-person guidance helps in building a strong foundation. Beginners often benefit from the structured feedback and personal touch these sessions provide.
This hands-on approach involves real-time interaction with instructors, benefiting those who thrive on direct feedback and guidance. Plus, it’s a great way to connect with local musicians and potentially find a jamming partner or join a band.
Consider how each format can fit into your lifestyle and remember that your choice today doesn’t lock you in forever. Many of us find success in blending both types, taking advantage of the unique benefits each offers. Explore and experiment to find what truly strikes a chord with you.
Ultimately, your choice may depend on your learning style (we all learn differently) so figure out if you would prefer the guidance of an in-person tutor or the broad, flexible approach of online courses.
Both have the potential to set you on the road to guitar mastery, so evaluating your personal preferences and goals is important.
Both online and in-person lessons aim to equip you with fundamental skills, but lessons covered can vary quite a bit. When it comes to guitar lessons, having a clear understanding of what you’ll be learning ahead of time, can make the learning process a much more friendly experience.
Let’s get some basics out of the way, shall we?
By understanding and focusing on these key areas, you will be better prepared, whether being taught in-person or online. Think of this as a warm-up before the main event. You will be primed and ready to learn, then you can transform from a beginner guitarist to someone who’s fully capable of expressing themselves through music.
In the end, the decision is in your hands, just make sure there’s a guitar in them. Lol
Choose the one you think will benefit you the most or just try both and compare for yourself.
What do you think? Are you having a difficult time in making a decision? Let me know in the comments section below! I’d love to hear your perspective and I always reply!
Check out the String Shock Instagram page
I’ve been playing guitar 40 years now; writing, recording, and rocking in bands. Randy Rhoads, Warren DiMartini, and of course, Jimi Hendrix all lit the fire for me, and I’ve been chasing that passion ever since.