Learn Guitar your way with a TakeLessons expert

Learning how to write a song is easier than you think! Greeley, CO teacher Andy W. outlines the steps here...  Don’t you wish you could write songs that tell your own story - whether it’s about love, hardships, or finding humor in life? There’s no reason that you can’t do that today! To help get you started, here are four easy steps to write a song: 1. Play chords or a riff. 2. Sing or hum over the harmony. 3. Repeat steps 1-2 to form a chorus and then a bridge. 4. Place t

Thinking about buying a new instrument? It's a big decision, as an instrument is truly an investment -- especially if you're spending several hundred dollars (or more, for higher-end brands and models) on it. Before making your purchase, you'll want to do some research. But where do you start? With so many brands out there, how do you know which ones are worth the money? What do you really need to ensure years of playing and practicing? We came across a great article over on Donna Sc

  A capo is a handy tool to have in your arsenal as a musician. Learning how to use a capo can open up new chord possibilities and help you play songs in different keys.  In this blog post, we will teach you how to use a capo and give some tips on how to make the most of this musical accessory.  So let's get started! How Do You Use a Capo for Beginners? Here are a few quick tips for how to use a capo on the guitar: Check your tuning Put the capo behind the fret Try

How much will it really cost you to become a great guitar player? Here, North Wales, PA teacher Nathan D. shares what you need to know...   So you're in the market for your first guitar? Congratulations! Learning to play an instrument is much like learning to drive. It's a road that is not typically paved with gold, or even pennies (just ask your average street busker). Time and money will become ever-growing obstacles. I personally skipped lunch for an entire school year to save up

Need some holiday gift ideas? Check out the best gifts for guitar players in this guest post by Los Angeles, CA guitar teacher Nils B...   It's the time of the year when most retailers offer some pretty decent discounts on a variety of gear. Assuming the basics (picks, tuner, strap, gig bag/case, cable, and amp) are already accounted for, these are some good suggestions, either to pick up for yourself or as a holiday gift. Most of these can be found in the $10-$50 range. Apps & Software

The battle between the banjo vs guitar is a tough one, especially when you’re new to music and trying to decide which instrument is right for you. In order to make the right choice, consider the following factors, and check out the poll below to see what other readers think is the best instrument to play! Banjo vs Guitar: Key Things to Consider Musical Style & Preferences It’s important to think about what style of music you want to learn. Keep in mind that all music instructio

Guitarists, are you ready to hit the stage at a local open mic? Polish your performance with these tips from guitar teacher Samuel B.... Performing (like songwriting) is a craft at which any dedicated musician can excel. It requires no prerequisites – only the desire to share your talent and creations. My high school music teacher once said Thomas Edison misappropriated the original purpose of music by inventing machinery to record it – that nothing can replace your experience of seein

When most new guitar players develop their skill, they learn how to hold the instrument, which hand performs what function, and each open string’s note name. Once they understand the basic concept of notes and scales, most guitar students will move on to the next level in guitar playing: chords. A chord is a combination of multiple notes that creates a pleasing sound. Major chords tend to have a brighter, happier feel, while minor chords are recognizable as sounding sadder and more melan

Learn how to play acoustic guitar like John Mayer in these video lessons from guitar teacher Jonathan B.... John Mayer has been called one of the new “Guitar Gods.” Claiming Stevie Ray Vaughn as one of his biggest childhood heroes, the blues and jazz influence on his pop style has given him more than just a niche in the radio market. It's also made him able to influence millions of guitarists with his playing style and techniques. He continues to release a steady stream of new mus

Want to learn how to read guitar tabs? You’ve come to the right place! In this guide, we will show you how to read tabs, so you can start playing your favorite riffs today.  The traditional method of learning guitar involves scales, reading music, and other music theory skills. It’s a time-honored process that takes practice and intense study. However, if you’re looking for a quick and easy way to dive right into playing the guitar, you may want to turn to tablature. Tablature, or