Why You Should Learn to Play Songs on Your Guitar
Guitar learners often wonder, “What’s the right approach? Should I learn scales? Learn how to read music? Memorize lots of chords?”
If you ask me, I’ll tell you that you should learn to play songs. Watch this video interview clip to find out why you should be learning to play songs on your guitar.
Thank you Lia for this message video.
After learning guitar theory only, that is for two years with justinguitar.com *who is a good at what he does) I have only just recently come to this very same conclusion that you are talking about. Learn theory through playing your favourite songs and not the other way around. All the same, it is nice to hear it from you. You make learning so very interesting and enjoyable. Only wish I would have found you two years ago. Truly you are the best.
Much thanks!
God bless!
Steve Phillips
x
Thank you Lia for this message video.
After learning guitar theory only. That is for two years I have finally come to this very same conclusion that you are talking about, to learn theory through playing your favourite songs and not the other way around. You make learning so very interesting and enjoyable. Only wish I would have found you two years ago. You are truly fabulous.
God bless!
Steve Phillips
x
Hi Steve,
There are so many approaches to teaching and learning guitar, and what is best for one person may not be best for another. I am glad to know you feel drawn to learning songs. It’s a lot of fun, isn’t it? What are you working on?
Thank you, Lisa, for saying it so well. I have been trying to teach myself to play off and on for over a year depending on my frustration level through the use of several sources which, as Steve said above, I guess are anywhere from okay to good for what they are but I wasn’t getting the results that I want. Acquiring additional guitars didn’t solve the problem either. Still I keep going back to my guitars. I have always appreciated your instructional approach and that’s why I signed up with Guitar Tricks (a terrific resource and bargain) so I could get more of your lessons. Early in my efforts, I spent a lot of time learning music notation but it didn’t add anything I enjoyed to my repertoire or teach me any of the physical motor skills that are necessary to be able to form cords and play cord progressions and strum in tempo. Playing is a physical activity and a guitarist has to be able to make his hands and arms do what is necessary to make some sounds that are recognizable as music. Any of you aspiring players can take it from someone much older if not wiser you should try Lisa’s approach to learning to play. You will enjoy your guitar more and get a lot of good feedback on your playing which will be fun and keep you motivated so you aren’t part of the 50% plus who start and get discouraged and quit. Besides, Lisa is a really cool lady.
I have an instructor who has been teaching me for a year now and mostly trying to teach me picking the the strings and so far I have only learned parts of a few songs and its very frustrating. Guess it takes more time. And like someone said what might be best for one might not be for others.
Hi John,
Exactly. Is there a way you could spend your time and energy learning what interests you most? And, what would that be? Maybe I can help.
I really admire the way you encourage others and how you give a whole new meaning in playing the guitar. I totally agree that trying to learn how to play songs rather than purely technical stuffs will boost the passion for a guitar enthusiast to learn more, and that’s also the way I share my passion through my site which is by teaching others how to play their favorite songs. There’s really a lot to learn from you Lisa from a beginner level to pros. Thanks.
Hi Malero,
Thanks for your kind note. I appreciate your approach to guitar teaching as well!