Guitar lesson plan for self study

May 25, 2022 8:18 AM

I am looking for resources to help me put together a self-study plan to teach myself guitar. I'll be using online videos and websites to explain the concepts and techniques.

I have started teaching myself to play acoustic guitar with the goal of playing blues, bluegrass, jazz, and general improvisational skills to noodle around next to a campfire. This is purely for my own entertainment; I have no timeframe/goals. I don't want to spend money on a teacher (if I can avoid it).

I'm thinking my practice sessions should go something like:
* warm-up exercises
* technique development
* songs/music making

I have been watching YouTube videos (Steve Stine, Scott Paul Johnson, etc) and checking out sites like Fender.com and Guitar Jamz. These are the types of sites I'll use to dig deeper. I'd prefer not to subscribe to anything.

I've been practicing things like scales (major, pentatonic, etc) and basic chords. Simple songs. I would like to put together a lesson plan that I can put into a practice schedule.

Thanks

posted by GernBlandston to Media & Arts (6 answers total)

Best answer: JustinGuitar is more or less exactly what you're asking for, including a progression of lessons. I believe he's a session musician in the UK, so, reasonable chops. He does sell access to more stuff, but if what's there now is anything like what was there ten years ago, it's more than enough to get some decent self-study going, and by the time you've mastered what's there, I suspect your money would be better spent on a 1:1 with a live instructor than anyone's subscription plan.
posted by Alterscape at 8:33 AM on May 25, 2022 [4 favorites]

I can second Alterscape's suggestion....I am just starting out doing the exact same thing, got my first acoustic guitar in March and have been slowly working my way though the JustinGuitar course, I am still early on since I am going very slow given this is pretty much my first experience so much as touching a guitar but it seems to be going well.
posted by Captain_Science at 8:48 AM on May 25, 2022

a) structure practice time as either technique or repertoire.

b) in a hypothetical ten part series, don't go from 1 to 2 without competency, no matter what the calendar says.

c) practice without a metronome isn't paractice. corollary: go slow. slower than that. clarity, precision.

d) prove competency. record it on your phone or garageband or whatever. listen for accuracy. be kind to yourself. skills compentency is not a measure of your worth.

e) schedule playtime.

f) fender is good, too.

g) there is no greater recommendation i can make than a seasoned guide for your adventure, and there is none better than curt golden.
posted by j_curiouser at 10:51 AM on May 25, 2022 [1 favorite]

I used Yousician and really liked it. It has you go through a progression of lessons and you have to pass the tests before you can go on to the next one.
posted by dawkins_7 at 11:42 AM on May 25, 2022 [1 favorite]

Another vote for Justin Guitar. It will get you going and keep you going for free for a long time.
posted by synecdoche at 11:57 AM on May 25, 2022

Justin Guitar is a great start. I put off getting a teacher for a while, but I’m glad I finally did - he has really helped point out bad habits I picked up on my own.

I would spend a good ten minutes (at least) working on what you’re bad at every session, before working on repertoire.

Have fun. It’s slow going, but rewarding.
posted by backwards guitar at 7:13 AM on May 30, 2022