How To Play Guitar - How Long Will It Take To Learn Guitar?

I always hear the same question from fans and friends about learning the guitar, and the question is... "How long will it take me to learn?" Playing the guitar for over 20 years, it's been a long time for me since I started. I'm sure I asked the same question? I'm not sure. But, one thing for sure is... I hear it a lot! "Well, it depends on you." is usually the answer you would get from most guitar teachers.

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I can't speak for everyone. But, this isn't the answer most people are looking for. Most people just want to know the average time it takes someone to learn how to play. From my experience, it's about 3 months. Yes! I said 3 months! The reason most people won't learn the guitar is because they think it will always be difficult. Well, it won't! Now, here comes that common answer! "This all depends on you!"

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Let me outline to you what it will take for you to learn the guitar in 3 months:

Most of the people who quit playing the guitar quit within this 3 month period. You see, the guitar can seem quite difficult at first. You are trying to get your fingers to move in ways they've never had to. It can get frustrating, painful and just irritating! Well, I'm here to tell you this frustrating time is short lived if you can get yourself past this very awkward stage. If you play let's say, 15 min per day without fail for a week... Your hands will begin to have what we call "muscle memory". Also, the tips of your fingers will begin to harden and stop hurting. Now, playing any longer than this could actually make your hands and fingers hurt more. However, muscle memory and calluses will build even faster by doing so. So, when I say "this is up to you". I mean, how much pain are you willing to go through for a short period of time?
After these first few weeks, things will get much easier. You will be able to pick up new chords faster, play longer and maybe even start to enjoy it!? So, when I say about 3 months is all it takes to learn how to play guitar? I'm saying after this point most people don't quit.

I would say you could call yourself a guitarist after flawlessly playing and memorizing about 7 open chords (C, A, G, E, D, Am & Em), understand how to play some general rhythm and strumming patterns and play a few easy songs . Many students (if, not all) that I have taught have at least moved on to the intermediate stage of learning guitar tab, scales and barre chords after learning these basic open chords. Now, if you can get to this stage!? The guitar will now become fun all the time. The frustration will be gone and you can move yourself into more advanced songs and lessons. I can assure you if you work yourself through this awkward stage? You will learn how to play guitar!




I hope this has helped you to find the motivation to stick with it!? Remember, 3 months of good practice and you're on your way!