How to Register and Start Your Guitar Lessons

8/1/2010 ALL ABOUT STRINGS

A Guide for Selecting Strings
Part 1 - Acoustic & Electric
by Randy Vradenburg, Headmaster

8/1/2010 PRODUCT REVIEW

Check Out the JamMan Loopers!
by Randy Vradenburg, Headmaster

“One of the very best things about MyGuitar247 is that they answer all your questions before you ask them. It's a great company with super customer service.”

Kathy Logdallion/
MyGuitar247 Member (Seattle, WA)

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FAQs for Signing Up & Getting Started

How do I sign up?
Do I have to take private (“on-land”) lessons in addition to MyGuitar 247 lessons?
How do I get help?
What kind of guitar should I start on?
Do I need my own guitar to take lessons?
What is the minimum age to start playing guitar?
Do I need to know how to read music to play guitar?
How long does it take to learn to play the guitar?
How often should I practice, and for how long each time?

How do I sign up?
Just follow the links on this page to “Sign Up”!

You will be taken to our members-only site to sign up. When you arrive there, you’ll be asked for your personal information (which we never share and always encrypt for your secure privacy - please see our Privacy Policy), and for your payment information (all major credit cards accepted). Within minutes you’ll have total access to your lessons, and you can begin learning!

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Do I have to take private (“on-land”) lessons in addition to MyGuitar 247 lessons?
No! You can start learning, and progress as a player, using the lessons and materials we provide to you. As you advance you’ll probably want to enrich your learning as much as possible, and we do recommend working with a private teacher, face-to-face, as you continue learning to play.

You should always keep your MyGuitar 247 membership active, as it is a complete and comprehensive supplemental resource for all of your learning. As we mentioned, if you decide to keep playing and become "serious" about becoming a pro guitarist, you’ll probably want to enrich your learning as much as possible, and we do recommend working with a private teacher, face-to-face, at that time.

But your MyGuitar247 Membership will be essential to your improvement! You are likely to become accustomed to the updates, additional tools, tracks, and handouts that you’ll have access to as a MyGuitar 247 member. For us, this is the ideal – that you allow us the privilege of maintaining our commitment to help you learn and love the guitar while you expand your experience through more traditional guitar learning.

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How do I get help?
You can contact us via email or toll-free phone. Just visit the Contact Us page for information.

We want to constantly assure that you have a great experience at MyGuitar247.com. If you have questions, concerns, comments, or requests, you can contact us via email or toll-free phone. We return all member messages within 24 hours. Just visit the Contact Us page for information. Oh - and once you join and enter the members-only site, you'll find the same contact information and process. Rest assured, we'll always respond to your needs.
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What kind of guitar should I start on?
There are three types of guitars; electric, acoustic standard, and classical. An electric is used to play rock, country, blues and jazz. An acoustic standard is used for the same music. A classical is used for classical, flamingo, and folk. The choice of starter guitar is up to the individual.

At MyGuitar247.com our goal is to help you play well and enjoy your process of learning. We can help you achieve those goals regardless of the type of guitar you use to learn. You may find that one type of guitar is more affordable for you as a beginner, or that one type of guitar is more appealing to you, fo example. Whatever the case, MyGuitar247.com's lessons will work for you.

You may find that some of our lessons focus on specifc types of guitars. You can still learn from these, even if you are playing on another type of guitar, and we believe type-specific information is important for all guitarists. If you have a question about a specific instrument you can always contact us with questions and we'll do our best to give the appropriate specific advice. You'll find that your local instrument supplier or dealer will be very helpful too.

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Do I need my own guitar to take lessons?
Yes, you need access to your guitar anytime according to your own personal schedule. If you don’t have a guitar “on hand” you may not succeed in learning, and you probably won't have much fun! You can certainly borrow or rent a guitar to get started, but you'll find out that the best way to learn with MyGuitar247.com is to have your own instrument available "on demand."

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What is the minimum age to start playing guitar?
Different "on-land" teachers usually suggest age limits for their private studios. Randy Vradenburg, the HeadMaster of MyGuitar247.com, says that 10 years of age seems ideal, for the most part, but that he's also had great success with beginners who are only 6 years old.

One of the great benefits of MyGuitar247.com lessons is that they can be ideal for young learners. At $12.47 a month, parents and guardians can afford to "try it out" with the youngest of their children, knowing that the price is right to provide for an exploration into music making and learning.
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Do I need to know how to read music to play guitar?
No, not to get started. It can be very helpful to have had some experience reading music, and it also helps if you have had previous experience with a musical instrument. But neither is required, and you'll find that the lessons at MyGuitar247.com cover some elements of basic music reading and theory.

Now, to become a true Pro, we consider the ability to read music essential. For that reason, you'll find lessons on reading all types of notation - traditional staff notation, tabs, chords and lead sheets. We want to help you become a consummate professional, and reading musical notations is one of the most important attributes of great guitarists. Our lessons will help and reinforce reading skills, and we will provide you many additional resources as well.
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How long does it take to learn to play the guitar?
Here's the short answer... Guitar learning is acquired in stages. With steady practice, a beginner can become proficient in a matter of months.

For the long answer, sign up with MyGuitar247.com and start taking lessons! Included you will find much more information on the keys to success.

For example, one of our lessons addresses this issue by offering questions you can ask yourself. How many hours each day will you dedicate to practice and study? Are you the kind of person you enjoys diligent, repetitive work? Can you keep your engagement level very high even when some of the gratification might be delayed? If you don't feel you can give regular time and attention, its okay! You'll still learn, but the process might take longer. Think of taking a long hike to the top of a mountain. You don't have to go quickly, you don't have to walk every day, and you can stop and enjoy the view as often as you like... BUT, you have to be willing to accept it will take you longer to arrive at the top.

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How often should I practice, and for how long each time?
As much as possible! But seriously, you need to play a little each day. That’s preferable to playing a long time only once a week. And as for how long, remember... As long as you enjoy picking up the guitar and playing, you are practicing.

Too often people force themselves to think of "practice" as a routine of drudgery, boredome, and downright pain. The goal of Myguitar247.com is to provide you tools that keep your enjoyment and engagement at high levels. That way you will be engaged in practicing long enough at each setting to experience full success. There's loads of fun involved in that kind of process. And that means you'll practice often, daily and regularly - and that way you'll start to see (and hear!) the benefits for yourself!
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