How to find the right Guitar teacher or become a blithering fool like me

Who's teaching who? This is a picture of Jimi Hendrix and Taj Mahal somewhere.



Did you notice I didn't say the perfect Guitar Teacher. There's no such thing. First of all get a teacher who specializes in the instrument you play, and the genre you play as well.

If the Teacher is all over the map genre wise, and doesn't play the type of music you play very often--forget using them as a teacher. I don't care how good they are. Got it?, good!



A Teacher who takes the time to teach you the basics of regular guitar, and Bass guitar according to the level you're at is important. If they try to teach you things beyond your grasp, or have nothing to do with what you want and will never use, that teacher is missing the boat.

I find teachers try to teach men and women scales constantly. Scales are only needed up to a point then improvisation, tempo consistency and note playing is a hell of a lot more important and essential. Your best bet is to learn one on one from someone who teaches regularly, or a local musician who is willing to work with you through the rough spots.

You don't need to go to the Musician's Institute or Berklee. A lot of playing chops are just getting out there and playing, along with constant practice. Also, make sure the teacher you get has the chops to play the type of music you play.

At some point in the teaching and guitar learning process, should have you play along side them, and eventually playing in front of others at a local Blues Jam session, and with other musicians.

If you want to really have good guitar chops, learn from a teacher, but playing with other musicians is more important. Get beyond the fear in playing in front of crowds, if you want to become a club guitarist. Be willing to make mistakes.

Start learning songs in your genre first, and some basic blues standards. Then some other genres of music when your chops in blues are fairly accomplished. Your teacher should either be a working musician or have worked in the past.

Get feedback on Guitar Teachers from local guitar stores, Musicians at blues clubs, and the local Musician's Union of the AFM. And no, a Guitar Teacher does not need a certificate.

A Guitar Teacher's ability to teach you, and what you want to learn have to gel with what he wants you to learn. If a teacher gets down on you for every little mistake, and can't teach you how to get over little flaws in your playing, you should use someone else.

No teacher's are similar in teaching style, so get one that's attuned to your wants and needs. Also, ask yourself what you want to do with learning the guitar or bass--just playing with friends or family?

Or do you want a career playing in clubs or doing studio session work.

So take these tips to heart. Call your local music conservatory, musicians or owners of blues clubs. You can shoot for the moon as a lead guitarist or bass player.

Mark Grove---CGP