Acoustic guitar: learn myself or get a teacher?

Question

I would love to learn the acoustic guitar and now that I finally have the time to learn I was wondering if you could give me some suggestions on starting off. I just want to be able to play the songs that I enjoy really. Is it necessary to get a teacher to learn proper technique, or can the guitar be picked up on one's own?

I have a solid background playing violin and I know I would commit to practicing regularly, so can I learn and get quite good on my own? Last question, would you recommend renting the guitar or buying one for someone who does not yet know how to play? Thanks a lot for your help.

Answer 1

I recommend lessons.
Learning by yourself is a great way, but with someone else you're more inclined to practice well, you will have a more tangible goal, and you don't risk learning bad technique that you'd have to fix years down the line.

Answer 2

Ok go to your local music shop, preferably with a knowledgeable friend and find one that you can afford and has a sound you like, with a gig bag and electronic tuner. also buy a book of chords. Be aware that it will hurt your fingers at first, also that your left hand nails must be short.
Choose 3 chords A D E are good. Start with A. finger it, and push the string against the fingerboard until all the strings ring clearly. This will take a little time. When you can do it, go to D and do the same thing,. Then try changing betwen the 2. When you can do that, add E. With these 3 chords you can play stacks of songs, esp. early rock'n'roll, like Johnny B Goode, Hound dog. Blue suede shoes. etc.
Next add in G and you will be able to play many more.A D E is the key of A. D G A is the key of D. Hope this helps.

Answer 3

First, get a good acoustic, they are fairly cheap as far as price goes. probably spend around at least $200 for one with a decent case, strap 'an leave it on', and inexpensive tuner ~ $20, i recommend don't get a gig bag type.
maybe someone you know plays guitar take them with you to buy one.
Second get lessons, explain to the instructuctor your violin music background. get crash coarse.

listen to chord sounds, the open E in standard tuning - 'the top string' ; A, Am, C, G, D, Dm, and Bm until you know what they sound like and when you hear that chord in a song you know what it is. tune to the song now.
You now have learned thousands of songs
good fun, and find more friends to play with, then buy a capo...

Answer 4

I always say start with some lessons. That way you are less likely to pick up some really bad habits. On your own you'd never know until it caused a limitation later.