How hard is it to learn how to play the acoustic guitar? Is it easy to learn it on your own?

Answer 1

There's a few instruments that are extremely easy to learn how to play, namely, the radio, the CD/MP3 player, the iPod... Other than those, well, that's a different story.

Yes, you can learn how to play guitar by yourself. I know by experience. I started learning the guitar by myself. However, when I found a teacher, I moved along much quicker.

There are many good books around that will guide you through your first steps. Check those published by Mel Bay. You can also purchase videos, which can help quite a bit. I would advise strongly that you find a teacher, a good one. The fact is that, when you learn by yourself, you are actually learning from someone who doesn't know how to play.

I would also advise that you purchase the best possible instrument, within your means. Take someone with you who already plays well, and have that person help you choose. When you become more proficient, move on to a better one, and so on, until you find one that satisfies you. It is important that you find a guitar that will help you learn, not one that will hinder your progress.

Listen to music as often as possible. Flood your mind with the music that you like. Then, play it yourself, regardless of how difficult it may sound. The most important thing you have to do is convince yourself that you can play as well as those guitarists in the CD.

Just go for it. Best wishes. The guitar really is a beautiful instrument.

Answer 2

It is hard, but not impossible. I learned on my own, and 1-1/2 years later I'm doing fine. If you have a choice, taking lessons will definitely help you, and keep you away from bad habits. But if you're not able to take lessons, don't let that keep you from learning on your own. If you want to learn on your own, I recommend the beginner's guide to guitar on about.com, it helped me tremendously. Learning guitar takes a lot of patience, dedication, and time, but it is very rewarding. Good luck!!
P.S. electric guitar is easier to learn at first, as it's not as hard on the fingers. Many people move to acoustic once they've become familiar w/ electric.

Answer 3

Well, if it were EASY everyone would be playing it. Like everything else in life if you want to be good at something you have to work at it. Lots and lots of people sucessfully learn on thier own. There are beginers books out there, and websites that help too. You just have to work at it, you could be great!

Answer 4

It takes time to build the muscles in your fingers. You also need to build up the callouses on the tips of your fingers. You can learn on your own, but be open to learning from others also.

Answer 5

You should maybe join a club or hire a guitarist to teach you but i wouldn't try to learn on your own because you may do it wrong and one day it effect yyou.