Are guitar lessons worth the money?

100%, and something I wish I'd done when I was starting out. Someone that can teach you all the little tricks and techniques that can take years and years of trial and error to learn is invaluable.

I recently took lessons just to learn how to play lead better and learned so much more about playing guitar that it was definitely worth it. Knowing the scales, chords, notes up and down the neck has unlocked a lot. I used to play by sound only and know I can play by a more structured approach. It just more fun now that I know more "theory".

quote:

---

All players of all skill levels can benefit from lessons, even if it's an exercise to get a skilled player out of his own ruts and into new territory.

FYI, Randy Rhoads was taking classical lessons at the time of his death to grow and expand as a player. And part of the reason Mark Tremonti's skill level skyrocketed between Creed and Alterbridge - in his opinion as well as mine - was his taking formal lessons to help push himself to the next skill echelon.

---

Was going to mention the same about RR. The thing about lessons once you have become proficient to a certain level is they allow you to see how someone else accomplishes something. This simple thing can open up doors you likely would never have found yourself or would have taken much longer to discover. And if it is a good teacher, they can give you immediate feedback on what you are doing right and what can be changed and improved. They can see your playing from an angle you cannot. Sometimes it can be as simple as moving your hand position slightly that just makes something so much easier to play. And practicing alone or learning from YT doesn't give you that feedback. If this teacher is good and jibes with you, $60/hr is a steal. I would do the hour lessons if you can swing the cash, or see if you can do hour lessons every two weeks. With 30 minute lessons you can just be starting to get into something when it is time to go. 60 minutes really gives you time to get into something substantial.

The issue with videos on YouTube is that they can’t assess in real time what you’re not doing tight with technique. That’s the real benefit of having a real person next to you teaching you.

In your case, I would say it is not worth using up a large portion of your money. Like someone else mentioned, there are so many other options for less money. Find the music you like and explore it in all the different media you can. Start to search on what makes whatever song you like work. You learn theory while you are investigating and having fun.

As you dive into what you like at the present moment, other music will begin to find its way into the picture. It may be a link or perhaps a reference to the technique of someone you don’t know anything about. One way or the other, you will begin to branch out. You will begin to delve into things that are foreign to your ears and fingers and in order to solve their riddle your technique will improve.

Most importantly you will discover that there are always musicians around that know something you don’t. Always be humble and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Always try to play with better players if you can. Taking lessons for 60 bucks a half hour may come down the line. When it does you will know it’s the right call. You won’t need to ask anyone’s opinion.