How Long Does It Take to Learn a Guitar (Effective Tips)

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Have you ever wondered how long it takes to learn guitar? Of course, you did; that’s why you are here. For beginners, it is the most popular question. Most people ask this even before they start the learning process. So, let me tell you one thing this is a very subjective question. It depends on how much time you invest in practice.

According to the research, playing guitar confidently takes 3 to 6 months. But if you are determined enough, then you can speed up the process. It took me 4 to 5 months because I used to practice five days a week for at least 20-30 minutes.

How Long Does it Take to Learn a Guitar: Brief Overview

You have to understand to learn anything; it needs patients and practice. 

By keeping these two things in mind, I will give you an overview of this topic and answer all the relative questions.

In this article, I will share the timetable as per the level.

I will also highlight the points regarding where to take the guitar classes.

You will also get to know to bring fluency and how to learn guitar as soon as possible.

I will also share the tips and tricks that helped me learn the guitar.

Stick to this article before you get your hands on your guitar.

Four-Level to Learn Guitar and Time

I understand your situation because I was in your shoes a few months ago.

I understand that it is human nature that what you are getting into and what we expect.

With that in mind have come up with a rough timeline of what to expect.

Although everyone is different in their capabilities, I am sure you will find it useful.

The four stages of learning guitar are 1. Beginner, 2. Advanced beginner, 3. Intermediate, 4. Advanced intermediate.

1. Beginner

Now, this is the very first level where you learn how to hold the guitar and some basic knowledge about chords.

At this stage, it usually takes 1-2 months. At this level, you will learn to tune a guitar.

Usually, somewhere between 3 to 6 months is when a student feels like they can play something.

And they start experimenting. I also did the same. But I would suggest starting with the easy songs.

It is also worth mentioning that at this stage, many students might find it difficult and lose interest.

2. Advanced Beginner

At this stage, it might take 3 to 6 months.

You will get more detailed lessons about the chords’ advanced level techniques.

At this stage, you will also learn the fretting hand technique. 

Many students feel kind of slow down their progress right about now. And finds get frustrated, which is completely common. 

Sometimes they fail to their expectations. But it doesn’t mean that they are not progressing.

Now, this is the time when you have to be patient enough. Don’t just leave it in between.

You might feel in the next stage.

3. Intermediate

This stage is usually between a year or two. Now, if you haven’t already quit, this is the place where you feel quite motivated.

You will feel more comfortable and realize that you just need to buckle down and keep doing the same thing.

If you have been practicing regularly, you will get skills. And now, though, it is likely you don’t really realize how much you have actually progressed.

 By this stage, you probably become pretty good at playing open chords and switching between them smoothly.

 By this time, I started playing beginner to intermediate-level songs.

4. Advanced Intermediate

 This stage is usually between 2 to 5 years. 

 This time you are pretty much good at playing any song of your choice.

 With a little struggle, you will be able to pick up chords.

 This is often where the student will have an escape from constantly wanting to learn new things.

By this time, you will be able to play in front of people or will start jamming.

LEVELTIME
BEGINNER1-2 MONTHS
ADVANCED BEGINNER3-6 MONTHS
INTERMEDIATE 1-2 YEARS
ADVANCED INTERMEDIATE 2-5 YEARS

10,000-Hour Rule

Now when I have already discussed the stages and the probable time period, this is the right time to talk about the popular 10000-hour rule.

Malcolm Gladwell talked about this rule. According to him, if a person practices for 10000 hours, they can achieve mastery in any complex field.

Now, if I roughly calculate for me, it took 390 hours. 

So you might understand that there is no end to the practice. If you want to get your expertise, you need to keep practicing. 

It’s been more than three years now, and I still practice whenever I get free time. 

How to Bring Fluency In Playing Guitar

Here are some ways to bring fluency in playing guitar.

1. Check Your Timing

Timing is one of the most important things to bring fluency.

How Long Does It Take to Learn a Guitar - Check your TIme

For this, you can do one thing record your track and listen back to know how good your timing really is.

2. Smart Practice

Smartpractice means being consistent in your practice and setting smart goals.

 If you are practicing twice or thrice a week, then it’s like going to the gym once in a blue moon, which can be painful and tiresome.

That is why if you can sit for practice at least 15 minutes a day. It will be a good job.

3. Learn Songs

Learning songs Is one of the ways to Bring fluency.

How Long Does It Take to Learn a Guitar - Learn Song

 It is very important to apply all the techniques and codes that you learn while practicing a new song.

4. Don’t Practice Through a Mistake

 It is a very important thing, and at the same time, it is kind of difficult, Do not practice through mistakes.

 If you have done anything wrong and think You will correct it later, this is a big misconception.

 Try to correct it immediately. Don’t Leave it for later.

5. Jamming With Friends

It is a very good way to make this process interesting.

If your jamming with your friends, Then you get the opportunity to work as a team. At the same time, It enhances your time speed.

 Jamming With Friends

And your friends can also correct you or help you.

These tricks will not only help you to bring fluency but also help you learn it quickly.

Which Is The Best Guitar To Start With?

The crucial step to learning a guitar in the beginning is finding the best guitar to learn with. Not everyone is the same, so their choice will also not be the same. It is important for you to find the right guitar to start learning with. Many people who are buying their first guitar usually go for a steel-stringed acoustic guitar. This way, you don’t have to buy an amplifier for an electric guitar.

The best thing you can do to find the right guitar for yourself is to go to the nearest guitar shop and ask for advice from the employees of that shop. They can help you find the best guitar to start with, which will also fit your budget. Electric guitars can also be a good option for you to begin with. You can practice with these guitars with your earphones on.

Tips To Learn Guitar Faster

Whenever you think that it is taking longer to learn guitar than expected or have doubts that you will be able to learn guitar, for those here are some tips to help you learn guitar faster:

  • Use Slow Pace: Sometimes, to learn something quickly, we tend to forget what we’ve learned previously, and the same thing can happen with learning guitar. Sometimes all you need to do is use the slow pace and learn everything on your own time.
  • Tune Your Guitar Properly: Tuning a guitar is also a skill that every guitarist should possess. If you don’t know how to tune your guitar, how will you continue your practice? Luckily for you, there are plenty of apps available that can help you tune your guitar with the help of vibrations they get from the guitar.
  • Go Outside Your Comfort Zone: If you want to become a proper guitarist, then you need to take on challenges like learning hard songs. You will need to step out of your comfort zone to achieve greatness.
  • Record Whenever You Play: To help you review your learnings properly, you need to record yourself whenever you’re practicing. Later on, you can review that recording to find out what mistakes you’re making and create a plan to avoid those mistakes.

Where to Take Guitar Classes?

Depending on your level of interest and urgency, there are numerous portals through which you can learn how to play the guitar. 

Primarily, you can enroll yourself in a music organization, where you shall receive lessons to play the guitar professionally. 

Although this might not be a pocket-friendly option, it is by far the best. I also did the same.

Secondly, you can learn under a private guitarist. There are several guitarists out there who provide tuition besides playing professionally. This method will cost you less than a music school or organization. 

Finally, if you are a shy person and someone who wants to learn at your own pace and time, you can opt for online training. However, in this category, you’ll have plenty of different platforms. 

There is YouTube – where several enthusiastic individuals offer guitar lessons absolutely for free. Popular singer and musician Shawn Mendes managed to learn to play the guitar through YouTube. 

Among other online options, there is SkillShare – where professionals and experts provide pre-recorded lessons. This is similar to YouTube but not free of cost. You can also try MasterClass to learn from the best of the best if your pocket allows it. You can find some of the best musicians teaching guitar and all kinds of instruments. For example, Tom Morello a brilliant guitarist teaches how to play electronic guitar in his masterclass. I have also done a review of his course here.

Conclusion

Now, in the end, it is your call. You have got all your answers.

This is the time when you have to hold up the guitar and start practicing.

Just before you start, one important thing I would like to add from my experience, no matter how boring or tiring it might feel at the beginning, when you reach the position where you are able to play your favorite song, all this hustle will worth it.

Alvin Parker

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