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Question: What should I do about my guitar lessons!?
I've been taking lessons for a few weeks now!. I went into them knowing many chords and how to play simple songs!. But I just wanted to learn more theory and eventually scales!. So I purchased a book and thought I could teach myself, but I couldn't!. So when I went the first day to my lesson, my mom told him I had the book!. So ever since then, we have been doing stuff out of the book!. But the book is not that great! It doesn't go into detail because it's just a "fast track" book!. It's basically like taking a short cut and not learning everything you should properly!.
So my teacher just jumps around and doesn't have a structured lesson plan for me!. He will say things to me that I don't understand and he assumes I do!! He completely skipped things that he should have started off with!!!
Do you think I should forget the book and have him teach me from scratch!? Or just ditch him!? We don't seem to connect!.
I'm just stressed out after I leave and feel like I'm not learning!. Ahhhhhhh!!!!Www@QuestionHome@Com
Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:
Find another teacher!. You're obviously not getting anywhere with this one, and he sounds like a newbie at teaching!. Hate to say it but finding good music teachers is hard to find!. I had to go through two guitar teachers to get the one I have now!.
One question you should ask your next teacher is this: how many students do you have!? That's what I asked my second teacher and the teacher I have now!. That number can either signal the teacher is really good, or completely lying!. Funny story: My current teacher told me that he got two new students!.!.!.who both quit lessons from my second teacher!. So, really, be wary of the number that you're told!. 33-34 is about right!.
Don't give up searching if you really want to take lessons!!
Oh, and ditch the book!. A good teacher won't go teach by a book!. Unless he or she asks you if you want to learn notes, then he or she will tell you to buy a certain book (that you know will work)!.Www@QuestionHome@Com
If you already know how to teach and WHAT to teach then you don't need him!. Look, there is a lot to learn and he probably wants to get you going so you can play!. Most people want that!. Many guitarists do not know theory!. They do things on the guitar and do it correctly but do not understand what they are doing!.
But beware, if you already know it all, why do you need a teacher!.
Chords and scales are the most important at this crucial early stage because to know them first, you will later start to understand theory!.Www@QuestionHome@Com
I suggest you, either find better books, or a better teacher!.
You might also consider a DVD type teaching program!. This will allow you to go back through any steps that failed to sink in, so that you can go, confidently, on to the next section!.
Once you have built up a good understanding of music theory, then you can move on to an intermediate, or more advanced instructor, who should serve more as a coach than as a teacher!.Www@QuestionHome@Com
I think you should first discuss your concerns with your teacher and give him an opportunity to adapt to your needs!. If he can't do that, then ditch him!.
It also sounds like you may benefit from a more in-depth book!. Start looking!.
Meanwhile, here are a few sites I've found very helpful:
http://www!.numbera!.com/musictheory/
Heavy-duty theory for students:
http://rusmp!.rice!.edu/MathInMusic/Index!.!.!.!.
Modes/Scales:
http://www!.grovelandsoftwarelabs!.com/mod!.!.!.
KabumWww@QuestionHome@Com
You should just find some really in-depth books!. I personally just went into my teacher and said "Give me something to play", but I understand your problem!.Go check Ebay for some great deals (you can find all kids of steals on there) and look for a really large, thick guitar players bible of sorts!. I really have no specific names to suggest, it really all hinges on what styles ou play!. Good luck!Www@QuestionHome@Com
Find another teacher!.Www@QuestionHome@Com
i teached myself for a while learning songs and stuff but now im going to music school!.!.!.just tell your teacher what you wantWww@QuestionHome@Com
I know what you mean about having a fast track book!. I've seen a lot of books out there that are too fast paced or just plain confusing!. Not to mention not fun which guitar playing should be all about!. It sound like the book and your teacher are doing you no good if you are not having fun and making progress!. Do not get discouraged!. You can teach yourself guitar!. Have you ever looked into learning guitar online!? You can learn at your own pace and it is a lot of fun and a lot more detailed!. Have patience and practice!. You will be amazed on how fast you can learn guitar with the right guide!. Good Luck!Www@QuestionHome@Com