How long would it take the average person to learn the basics of playing guitar?

Question:Well just the basics, I'd say about a year.....that is reading music, changing chords without hesitation, learning about keys, and a little theory. This seems to be the average with my students.....some are a little quicker....and some a little slower....it depends on your musical ability and talent....I have a new student now that I've had about a month, never touched guitar before, (he just got one for Christmas). and already he can play and read all the notes in the first position.....low and high, can do about five scales, knows about ten chords and can change without any trouble, a few songs, chords and notes, (finger style) and the thing that amazes me is that he's left handed and plays right handed. Some people have perfect pitch....and others have very good memories, so it depends on a number of factors. If your thinking about playing having a teacher is the best way to learn. I hope that you do decide to play it's a great hobby....your never bored, and it's something that will give you pleasure for years, I've played for about thirty five years and have enjoyed every minute of it. Well good luck to you, bye !!!!!!!! If you can't afford a teacher online has a number of sites that are very good.....if you decide to play, ask again and I'll send you a number of sites for you to check out !!!!!!!!

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: Well just the basics, I'd say about a year.....that is reading music, changing chords without hesitation, learning about keys, and a little theory. This seems to be the average with my students.....some are a little quicker....and some a little slower....it depends on your musical ability and talent....I have a new student now that I've had about a month, never touched guitar before, (he just got one for Christmas). and already he can play and read all the notes in the first position.....low and high, can do about five scales, knows about ten chords and can change without any trouble, a few songs, chords and notes, (finger style) and the thing that amazes me is that he's left handed and plays right handed. Some people have perfect pitch....and others have very good memories, so it depends on a number of factors. If your thinking about playing having a teacher is the best way to learn. I hope that you do decide to play it's a great hobby....your never bored, and it's something that will give you pleasure for years, I've played for about thirty five years and have enjoyed every minute of it. Well good luck to you, bye !!!!!!!! If you can't afford a teacher online has a number of sites that are very good.....if you decide to play, ask again and I'll send you a number of sites for you to check out !!!!!!!!

It depends if you have an aptitude for music. My Dad taught himself accoustic in less than a month, but some people are stuck playing "Mary Had a Little Lamb" forever...

So, on average (for chords and junk), about a month to play basics well.

When I started out playing the guitar, it took me around a week and a half to learn the basics. It's a really cool thing, to be able to strum the chords right, soon enough, you'll find yourself making your own songs.

My only advice is to practice. practice. practice!
It really depends on your determination and heart. If you really love music, and would definitely love to make music yourself, then this'll be easy for you.

Hope that helps.

depends how much u practice but i say for all the basics 3 months

but u have to practice a lot

I don't know what you mean by basics. You could learn all you want, but that doesn't mean that you're going to play anything. If you condition your fingers properly, that means not getting any blisters, you might be able to start playing basic notes, and maybe learning chords without a lot of pain in about a month. Prior to that, your fingers are going to be too soft, and the notes will sound flat.