For many beginner guitarists, learning the fundamentals through online courses or apps is both affordable and effective. With basic resources, you can learn chords, scales, strumming patterns, and even a few songs. At this stage, spending money on better gear—like an upgraded guitar or amp—might be a better investment than costly personal lessons. If you’re just starting out and are looking to dip your toes into the guitar world, self-paced learning can help you build a foundation without breaking the bank.
But there will surely come a time when you ask yourself “Is it time to get a teacher?”. Here are a few scenarios which more than likely point towards the answer being “Yes”.
When You Hit a Plateau
A clear indicator is when you find yourself at a plateau. This could be when your progress slows, or you feel confused about where to go next. Maybe you’re stuck on barre chords, unable to cleanly play certain notes, or struggling with fingerpicking techniques. At this point, a teacher can help analyse your playing, correct bad habits, and offer tailored advice to break through that barrier.
Clarity of Goals
Another sign you’re ready for a teacher is when you start developing specific goals. For example, if you want to play jazz, fingerstyle guitar, or shred metal solos, you’ll need structured guidance to navigate more complex techniques. Having clear goals helps you communicate better with a teacher. Rather than walking into a lesson and saying, “I want to play guitar,” you’ll be able to say, “I want to learn how to solo using the Mixolydian scale.” This specificity allows a teacher to customize lessons to your needs.
Feedback & Accountability
One major advantage of having a teacher is the instant feedback loop. DIY learning lacks real-time correction, and as a result, bad habits can creep in, like poor finger positioning or inconsistent timing. A teacher will spot these issues immediately and correct them, saving you from developing inefficient techniques. Plus, the accountability of weekly or bi-weekly lessons ensures you stick to your practice routine and stay on track.
When DIY Learning Isn’t Enough
Despite how accessible learning guitar is today, there’s only so much you can gain from apps, YouTube videos, and books. Advanced techniques like improvisation, sight-reading, or songwriting benefit from a teacher’s insight and experience. Also, certain genres, such as classical or jazz, often require a more disciplined and technical approach that a good teacher can provide.
The Best of Both Worlds
Many guitarists today benefit from a hybrid approach—starting out with online lessons for the basics and then seeking out a teacher for advanced topics or overcoming sticking points. You can continue to use online courses and resources to supplement your learning while your teacher focuses on areas that need personal attention.
Final Thoughts
In summary, you don’t really need a teacher to get started with guitar, a beginner online course is enough for learning the fundamentals. But as you progress, consulting a teacher can significantly speed up your improvement and help you avoid common pitfalls. The best time to seek out a guitar teacher is when you have clear goals, hit a plateau, or need expert guidance to achieve more advanced skills. With a teacher, you can refine your technique, stay motivated, and make the most of your practice time.