Guitar Online Tutorials Vs In-Person Guitar Classes

By  //  January 29, 2022

The guitar is one of the most popular instruments on the planet, so it’s not surprising that there are so many people wanting to learn. Before technology became readily available, folks would have to sign up for in-person guitar classes, but thanks to the world wide web, it seems like more people than ever before are learning how to play this wonderful instrument online. 

If you would like to begin your guitar journey, you might be wondering which path to take. Should you find a guitar teacher in your local area, or should you sign up for an online course? In this article, we will take a closer look at the difference between learning online and in-person classes. 

The Cost

Signing up for in-person guitar classes can cost you a pretty penny. Reputable teachers who have been in the industry for several years are known to charge their pupils a lot of money, especially for private lessons. You can expect to pay approximately $25 dollars for a 30 minute lesson in America. 

If you are on a tight budget, why not look for group guitar lessons instead. Classes with multiple students are often cheaper than private classes. 

However, online guitar lessons won’t break the bank, which is one of the reasons why this modern method of learning is growing in popularity. Most guitar courses cost around $200 for an annual subscription.

During the pandemic, unemployment has skyrocketed. If you are struggling financially but you would like to learn the guitar without spending a single penny, why not watch some of the free guitar tutorials uploaded to streaming services like YouTube. A lot of popular YouTubers publish guitar tutorials to streaming platforms on a regular basis

Covid-19

During the pandemic, a lot of people learning to play the guitar enroll in online classes to help reduce the spread of the Coronavirus. Even guitar instructors who have been teaching for decades are providing their services online. Experts have advised us to stay indoors, and only to go out for essential purposes. Even after the pandemic, you can expect a lot of instructors to continue providing online tutorials. 

Experts advise us to avoid private lessons and group classes if possible. Learning from home won’t put you or others at risk. 

Motivation

A good guitar teacher can help motivate their pupils to take their skills to the next level. 

The early stages of learning the guitar can prove tricky. Some of the challenges newbies face are:

 Tuning the guitar: Tuning the instrument by yourself without an experienced guitar player present won’t be easy. An instructor will be able to take you through the different tuning techniques, even if you don’t have an electrical tuner. 

■ Pain: Expect the tips of your fingers to hurt, especially at the start. 

■ Strumming: Although strumming an acoustic guitar might look easy, it’s not. 

■ Positioning of your fingers: To be able to play chords right, where you position your fingers is key.

If you are self-driven, you might be able to stay focused throughout the early stages. However, most people find it too difficult and give up learning. A top instructor can often act as a great motivator and help guide you through the process and prepare you for what to expect. 

Flexibility

If you lead a busy life, finding time to learn the guitar won’t be easy, especially if the instructor organizes classes in the middle of your hectic schedule. Learning online gives you the opportunity to decide when you would like to take the classes. Because there are so many instructors located all around the globe offering their services online, you should have no problem taking classes when it suits you. 

Most online guitar tutorials are pre-recorded, so you can take each class whenever you please. You can watch them while you are commuting to work, or late at night before going to bed. Also, you can watch them over and over again until you are confident in what you are being taught. 

Choices

Because so many guitar instructors are providing online classes and courses, you will have plenty of options. If there are only a handful of guitar instructors in your area offering in-person classes, you might find it difficult to find one that you like. 

You are bound to come across a teacher online that you like. Many of them offer potential pupils a free trial or a free demonstration which you should consider taking on before paying for the full subscription so you can get an insight into what to expect from the course. 

Personal Request

You can learn a wide range of different types of music with a guitar such as jazz, classical, rock, pop, the list goes on. If you have already managed the basics, you might want to learn how to play songs that you like. If you have signed up for an online pre-recorded course, you won’t be able to ask for help with specific songs. However, in private classes, you will be able to ask a teacher for Bohemian Rhapsody chords or how to play a guitar solo.

Both in-person instructors and online teachers should have no problem helping you learn songs or techniques you want to learn. If you invest in a subscription with pre-recorded videos and audio files, check to see the type of music taught in the course before enrolling. 

You will be able to find specific guitar courses online. For example, if you want to learn how to play blues music on your guitar, you should be able to find a course that specializes in blues riffs and techniques. On top of this, you will also find courses available no matter what level you are at. Even the top guitarists take on new classes to learn different techniques. 

Internet Connection

If you have an unreliable internet connection, you and your online instructor might struggle to communicate. Don’t expect the teacher to give you a refund on your course, and don’t expect them to give you extra classes either. Make sure that you have the right equipment before you begin the class including: 

■ Strong internet connection: you might be forced to change your internet provider if your current connections seem sluggish

■ Quality speakers and a working microphone: If you are using built-in speakers, you might need to upgrade them so that you can hear the instructor properly. 

■ Software: Make sure that you are running reliable software on your device so that it doesn’t affect your class. 

Unfortunately, a lot can go wrong while learning the guitar online which can cause a lot of stress. When learning with an instructor in-person, you won’t have to worry about your internet connection or other tech issues. 

Conclusion

Whether you are learning the guitar online or in-person, try to remain patient. Although it is a fantastic instrument to be able to play, the early stages can prove challenging. Consider trying both options to find which course suits you. 

If you are looking for a reputable guitar teacher online, you should be able to find reviews posted online or on social media platforms by previous students. Consider researching the different instructors before signing up for their courses.