Although it may be tempting to start learning how to play guitar by searching for free guitar lessons on the internet, guitar instruction is not so simple and should be approached with some thought as to what will be right for you. There are several options for you if you are just starting to learn guitar. You can take traditional lessons at a music store or school. You can hire a private teacher who will either come to your home or have you at their facility. You can invest in a downloadable guitar instruction course, of which there are several to choose from. You can buy a home study course in the form of books, CD, and/or DVD. And finally, you can search out free guitar lessons on the internet, and learn whatever is available.

The first thing to think about is your level of experience as you start learning how to play the guitar. If you are an experienced musician who plays other instruments and has a good understanding of music theory, then in all likelihod you don't need a lot of instruction and what you find freely available in the form of guitar chord charts, guitar tabs, and free guitar instruction, may be all that you need to get you started. At some point fairly soon, however, you'll discover that most of the things you can get for free are similar or the same, and there is definitely a limit to how far you can go.

Since most people are not experienced musicians, they are just people who want to learn how to play the guitar for a variety of reasons, let's look at things from that viewpoint. No matter what, you're going to have to commit enough time to practice. You'll need 20-30 minutes every day, or at least most days of the week to practice on what you have learned. As for the guitar instruction itself, traditional lessons take 30 - 45 minutes usually, some are an hour. They happen once per week. At each lesson you'll learn a new technique or song, be given something to practice for the next week, and probably demonstrate your mastery of the material given the previous week.

Downloadable or book/cd/dvd packages you can get should be thought of similarly. Each section will cover a new technique, which you will then practice on until you can do it well. There is some disadvantage to these lessons in the fact that you don't have anyone to show your work to for feedback. However, most guitar lesson packages contain at least audio examples for you to play along with. Assuming you can hear your mistakes you'll be able to know when you are doing it right. Many packages even include video which takes it one step further.

The obvious advantages to these lessons, however, is the fact that you get to do them on your own time, and they are extremely cost effective. There is a downside, however, and that is the motivation factor. Having someone sitting across from you every week to tell you whether you are doing it right is a powerful motivating force. It's easy to relax and not work so hard when you know that the only person paying attention to your progress is you.

Although guitar instruction can come in many different forms, there will be one which is best for you. Take some time and evaluate your own goals and needs, and choose the type of guitar instruction that fits with your budget and schedule. Be honest with yourself about what you need. Learning to play the guitar is a very rewarding and challenging experience. Take your time at the beginning and it will provide a lifetime of enjoyment for your and your family.