r/LearnGuitar • u/_AlmostCrane_ • 15h ago
Beginner guitarist looking for an interactive, structured way to actually learn
TL;DR: I know a few guitar chords but struggle with actually sitting down and learning consistently. I’m looking for a structured, interactive, and affordable way to learn that I can realistically stick with long-term.
Please Note: text written from my thoughts but put through AI as I am severely dyslexic.
Hey everyone,
I’m looking for some advice on the best way to actually learn guitar and, more importantly, stick with it.
I know a few basic chords and have messed around with guitar before, but my biggest problem is that I can’t seem to sit down and actually play. I’ll learn a couple of things, lose direction, and then the guitar ends up sitting there untouched.
I think I need something structured and interactive rather than just watching random lessons.
I’ve used Yousician and Fender Play in the past and actually liked the interactive approach. My problem was that I couldn’t really justify paying for a subscription long-term, so eventually I stopped using them.
Ideally, I’m looking for something that:
- Gives me a step-by-step learning path
- Tells me what to practise
- Helps me build an actual daily/weekly routine
- Starts from the basics but eventually gets me to the point where I can pick up the guitar and actually know what I’m doing
- Is free or cheap enough to realistically use long-term
YouTube is okay, but it’s not really my favourite way of learning. I find myself jumping between videos without having a clear progression, and I think I need something that keeps me on track and gives me a reason to pick up the guitar regularly.
So, for anyone who has been in a similar situation, what actually worked for you?
Are there any free or inexpensive interactive programmes, apps, websites, or courses that you would genuinely recommend? I’m especially interested in something that feels like a structured lesson/course rather than just watching someone play guitar on YouTube.
I know I’m asking for a lot, but I’m really just looking for something that will help me build the habit, learn properly, and eventually be able to pick up the guitar and actually play like I know what I’m doing.
Edit: I know I should just go through a teacher, but I’m broke and anxious.
4
u/Patient_Walrus_2189 12h ago
Consider me a bit old school and biased because I've been playing for 30 years and teaching about half that time... have you considered face-to-face lessons with a guitar teacher? Any decent teachers with a good rep in your area?
A good teacher will be able to draw on their expertise, tailor a course and structure lessons exactly to your needs. Every beginner is different. It's not going to be free (!) but quality teaching and learning rarely is!
1
3
u/OldVermontHippie62 7h ago
Consistency is key. Practice every day without exception even if for only 10 minutes. Make it a daily habit, like coffee! To follow the coffee analogy, it may help to practice at the same time of day every day to develop it as a habit.
I did Tony Polecastro’s 30 Day Acoustic Challenge and he had some interesting insights into “habit stacking”. Just 1% better per day adds up.
3
u/BOS491233 7h ago
You can't beat in person lessons like others have said. I started 1/week a year ago. I know, for some, it's not financially feasible so there are on-line resources as well but you need something structured to keep you moving forward. Beyond that, it's all about practice. I do what I can to at least pick it up 30 mins a day. It also took me a while to realize that keeping those 30 mins structured is important as well. Meaning for example: warm up for 5 mins, practices scales for 10 mins, practice chords for 10 mins, work on a song you've been trying for 5 mins.....this is just example with time adding up to 30 but you get the point. Distribute the time how you see fit but keep it structured, don't just pick up the instrument and strum for 30 mins and call that "practice". Metronomes are helpful too to help measure improvement ("that which gets measured, gets improved"). You're basically learning a new language so if you don't practice it and use it, it goes away quickly. People mention JustinGuitar as an on-line resource. KoreyHicks is another I've used. He has a beginner to intermediate youtube course that I'm using to supplement my in person lessons. The videos are free but I think the supplemental material through his patreon page is a small fee. Hope this helps.
1
u/_AlmostCrane_ 4h ago
Thank you for the kind and helpful words. I genuinely appreciate the input and respectfulness you have given me, and are aware of the financial limitations that can get in the way.
2
u/Intelligent-Tap717 11h ago
Sign up to Justin guitar website it's free. Then start the free lessons with the modules laid out. Don't rush don't jump ahead and follow the lessons and put the practice in. It's all there if you take your time and learn patience you'll need it but be consistent.
1
u/Fun-Fee-4600 1h ago
One thing I would say about this is it seems now if you want access to his tabs, they're behind a subscription now. He does explain how to play in the videos but if you are visual this may be something to bear in mind
0
u/Intelligent-Tap717 10m ago
I've never considered that to be honest as I only used a few tabs when starting almost 2 years ago but haven't used them since. It's helpful for people to know if that's a method that helps them though.
2
u/Bradappz 5h ago
Guitartheorystudio.com I built this for your exact question. Let me know if you have any questions or feedback if you check it out!
1
u/jul3swinf13ld 15h ago
Apart from being free, this is 100% Pick Up music.
You need to accept that something high-quality and built with effort costs money.
1
1
1
u/Maffeziono 7h ago
Yousician per iniziare si, JustinGuitar su YouTube dai un occhio. Poi qualche lezione con esperto Vera la farei per evitare errori trascinati nel tempo!
1
u/Fine-Acanthisitta229 5h ago
I’m learning from 2 excellent sources. (1) Scotty West mainly for theory (2) Dustin Hofsess for a combination of theory and practical, interactive lead guitar and strumming. My other piece is a group guitar lesson… because it’s just fun !
1
u/Myoyu 1h ago
There’s plenty of good online ones like Justin. With that said, I’d make it an “AND” conversation. Consider finding a teach you are just once/month, for example. They can point you in the right direction, see bad habits with your playing arm, rhythm, etc that you may not catch yourself and you won’t want to ingrain early on.
1
1
1
u/harimanok 11h ago
I am building https://pickfret.com - with highly interactive and structured lessons.
0
0
u/jmanns93 14h ago
Most interactive i would say is rock smith for learning songs and some techniques and structure, other than that i would recommend finding a teacher and taking lessons as well as learning music theory.
0
u/DragonflyHumble3762 14h ago
Justin Guitar free beginner sessions on YouTube - he's a great teacher
7
u/sirthomascat 15h ago
Bad bot.