Have you ever pictured yourself entertaining friends with a musical instrument you've dreamed of playing? This is probably a thought many of us have had at one time or another. Of course you have to decide what instrument we're talking about. You can certainly rule out many right from the start. You wouldn't be considered amusing, by announcing to the throng that you're going to entertain by performing a tuba solo. Nor would breaking out in a trumpet solo at an intimate dinner party be a good idea. The piano is a great instrument, but a little cumbersome to transport delicately, though a keyboard is a possiblity.

No, we would probably all agree, this is one of the reasons for the immense popularity of the guitar. It is an instrument you can easily carry with you anywhere. It lends itself to creating a relaxing and comfortable environment (punk, and ear splitting loud speakers, notwithstanding). It is adaptable to solo rendititions of just about any style of music. It conveys a certain charm and romanticism through the guitarists physical presence. Think Elvis, John Denver, Niel Diamond, Toby Keith, Jimmy Hendricks, Chuck Berry, Segovia, Charo, Leona Boyd, etc. In short, if you want to be the coolest dude in the crowd, instrumentwise, get yourself a guitar.

Much of the teaching is so advanced you can be playing simple chord songs in a matter of days. Knowing only chords C, D and G will enable you to play a surprising number of songs in a relatively short period. Of course since your right and left hands involve different functions, you'll at first feel like a monkey playing with a football. The upshoot is, the first time you hear yourself squeezing out something on guitar that , even resembles a melody, you'll be hooked.

There are, as in any skill, basics to be learned guitar. If you are going to take lessons from a book or program, pay close attention to the forwarded illustrations. These illustrations will outline the proper method for holding the instrument. Do not proceed further, without mastering these important lessons. The same goes for the left hand fingering (the right if you're left handed). Notice how the fingers are extended high on the neck of the instrument similar to how one holds the fingers on a piano keyboard. As peviously noted, the right hand serves a different function but is every bit as intricate. This is especially true if you plan to play melody.

When studying notes on guitar do not fall into the pattern of memorizing, in lieu of site recognition. This will form a habit that is difficult to break, and impair your ability to read musical notation. Also, regarding notes, do not go on learning new ones until you're sure of the proceeding ones.

Your choice of how you receive guitar instruction is entirely up to you. Private or self taught lessons both have advantages and disadvantages. With self taught lessons, if you come across a phrase you don't understand and no one to correct you, you might be apt to disregard it. This will cause you to become further confused as you go on and develop bad habits. On the other hand, self taught lessons are much less expensive and if seriously pursued can get you off to a good start. The worst thing about private lessons is getting a bad or incompatible guitar teacher. When this happens quit and give that money to the poor. It will do a lot more good. On the other hand your likelihood of developing bad habits will be negligible. Also your instructor can act as a cheerleader and keep your spirits up when you face discouragement.

Finding a reasonably priced instrument is not difficult. You can find a good second hand guitar at any music store. There are some great choices of home study courses you can purchase online and the prices are reasonable. They are illustrated and many come with audio and/or video CD's or DVD's. Good luck!