Get the most out of your guitar lessons
If you've made the decision to take guitar lessons, then you've already taken a giant step towards making your dreams come true. I am not going to list the benefits of good guitar lessons here. Rather, this article is about what you can do to get the most out of the lessons you get.
This approach is useful because you will get better faster and enjoy your guitar playing more. In addition, you can also save money. And all you need is a piece of paper and a pen. All right, let's get started.
Tip # 1: Take notes in class
Even if a handout has been prepared for you, you should have a notepad with you and take notes. Your teacher might say something helpful that isn't on the handout. You can also remember things better if you write them down.
Tip # 2: Summarize your knowledge after class
I like to use index cards in DIN A8 format for this. On this I write down the most important concepts from the lesson. Because the cards are so small, I have to summarize the ideas briefly. This helps to understand the core of the ideas.
Tip # 3: Think back to class the next day
Ask yourself the following questions: What did I learn? What did I practice? What was difficult? What was easy? You don't have to write down the answers unless you want to. You can also look back at your index cards for this.
Tip # 4: Find variations
Can you use what you have learned in a different context? How could you use the idea in a rock song? How could you apply the concept to a different guitar technique? Sometimes concepts aren't transferable, but more often than you think you can find interesting and instructive variations if you take the time to think about them.
If you take these tips to heart, you will learn more than someone who doesn't. Also, your teacher will have to spend less time reviewing because the information from the last lesson since it is still clear in your head. This means that there is more class time left for you.
Happy learning!
About the author: Rene Kerkdyk is a professional guitar teaching expert who teaches guitar lessons in Hildesheim, Germany. He ist part of the Elite Guitar Teachers Inner Circle.