4 Factors That Impact How Fast You Progress With Your Guitar Lessons
When the average person begins guitar lessons, they often have one question in mind — how long before I can play like a pro? Unfortunately, the answer to this question is, it varies. All people are different, and all lessons are different, so the rate at which people progress through their lessons will also be diverse. Yet, some factors can either speed up or delay the process.
1. Lesson Length
The first factor that impacts how quickly you progress with your lessons is the length of your lessons. Guitar lesson sessions vary in length, but on average, each meeting lasts between 30 and 60 minutes. On average, the longer your lesson session, the more progress you can make. The main reason for this is that your instructor has more time to not only give you instruction but also allow you to play and provide helpful critique. With a shorter session, there is less time for this back and forth interaction.
2. Commitment
One of the greatest factors that impact your progression is your commitment. The more committed you are, the better your progression. Ideally, you should plan to spend a considerable amount of time familiarizing yourself with the strings and playing outside of your lessons. Whether it's a few moments after work or during your spare time on the weekend, you should invest more of your time if you want to reach pro status.
3. Guitar Style
The type of guitar you choose to practice with will also influence your playing ability. As a general rule, you should not purchase a flamenco or classical guitar as a beginner. The wider neck design of these guitars often makes it harder for you to learn how to place your fingers to hold chord shapes. If you can't easily form these shapes, you cannot play the instrument. A guitar that is easier to grip is ideal for beginners, as you can always upgrade as you learn to play better.
4. Musical Influence
Lastly, your musical influence is also important. The more you immerse yourself in music, the better. Take an aspiring basketball player, for instance. If they aren't practicing their craft, they are watching other people play to pick up pointers. You should adopt the same mindset. Whether it's listening to a jam session at a lounge or watching on television, the more you see other people play guitar and listen to the sounds, the more you can put into perspective the concepts you learn in your lessons.
It's always best to speak directly with your instructor to discuss your goals and progress. For more information about guitar lessons, contact a company like Guitar Works, Ltd.