Frequently Asked Questions about playing the guitar (FAQs)

As a beginner guitar player, you probably have a bunch of questions about getting started. Here are some words of encouragement for anyone looking to start playing guitar.

How long does it take to learn to play the guitar?

The time it takes to learn to play the guitar varies greatly from person to person. In addition to how often you play, the type of practice and your personality will influence how fast you pick up new skills and techniques. It also helps to have prior musical experience from playing another instrument, such as the piano.

No matter what, consistent practice will get you far as you pick up new chords, playing techniques, and songs along the way. With consistent practice, you can pass the beginner stage in a matter of months and reach intermediate level in one to three years. Mastery of your guitar, however, will take years of dedicated practice – but think of it as a good thing, as there’ll always be more to learn!

How often should I practice?

As a beginner, try to dedicate 15-30 minutes of practice on most days. If you feel like it and you’re enjoying the process, do even more! However, don’t be too hard on yourself if you miss a day here and there. In the end, consistency is key when learning how to play guitar. Although you might not always see progress from day to day, you’ll get better slowly over time without even noticing. To get the most out of your practice sessions, remove unnecessary distractions and focus on your playing – while having fun, of course!

Do I have to learn music theory to play the guitar?

While playing guitar is possible even without a thorough knowledge of music theory, knowing some things will help you progress and better appreciate the craft. Some knowledge of music theory will also help you learn and understand new songs more quickly. Still, don’t let music theory stop you from playing if you only want to have fun and learn your favorite songs!

How can I learn guitar at home?

Learning to play the guitar from zero can feel daunting if you don’t know where to start. That’s why it’s always better to have a helping hand to encourage and guide you on your journey. Playing guitar can be easy, even at home and without a teacher who walks you through every step of the learning process. Online guitar lessons and interactive music-learning apps make it easy to start at home, even if you don’t have a real-life guitar instructor teaching you how to play. Join a guitar player’s community.

Can I learn to play the guitar by myself?

Being a self-taught guitarist is not unheard of – the story has it that some iconic guitar players, such as Jimi Hendrix and Eric Clapton, taught themselves how to play guitar! Learning guitar by yourself is easier than ever, thanks to the wonders of the internet and music-learning technology. With apps and other resources at your fingertips, even on your smartphone, you can learn at home and become a proficient player!