I recently got a new teacher because I didn't have a teacher for over a year and I knew I needed one. I took my first lesson (well actually it was more like an question and answer thing) and we got off on the right start. I knew he'll be great once I found out that he knew Jason Becker. And the other thing was that he had 40 years experience. He teaches about everything. He said he knew sweep picking. Since he barely heard people ask about sweep picking, when I asked him about it, he said I encouraged him to start getting better at it to teach me.

Talk about your guitar teacher that you have now or used to have.

I've never had a guitar teacher. My Dad is a guitarist and it was he who got me into guitar playing. He showed me the basic Maj, Min and 7th chords and that was it. He's into guys like Chet Atkins so he couldn't show me much about the rock styles I wanted to learn. I'd say I'm largely self taught. You younger guys don't know how easy you've got it with the internet. You have so much more info that you can easily access than I had when I started out playing.

Yeah, that's what my dad tells me. I agree.

Yus, here's one raised by the internet. I found all the info on the internet, excluding some tips from my pals. Never had guitar lessons.

I've had a few drums lessons though, and am now taking on singing - 1 hour per 1 week.

One bad thing about not having a teacher or a friend who's better than you.
Is that you might be spending years doing a technique wrong and you won't notice it until you figure out you're playing it wrong which might take years to figure out. I didn't have a friend who was better than me so that's why I got a teacher.

Agree. I was mostly self-taught until about 1-2 months ago when I started lessons. My teacher helped me improve LOADS :rolleyes: :)

Guitar is in a way an easy instrument when it comes to learning and correcting techniques. The rule of thumb is that if it feels uncomfortable, you're doing it wrong.

Having said that I've never taken guitar lessons, I must now add that I sent mail to this guy yesterday about his "intensive guitar courses" which he gives. Comes in a pack of a number of lessons for a reasonable price. Gonna take advantage of those lessons in August if he replies me.

I acknowledge my need for lessons on certain matters. He, if anyone, would be able to help with them.

LOL Matias Kupiainen. He's a great guitarist.. ( but he'll never "beat" Tolkki when it comes to composing :unsure: )

I'll have to disagree. Tolkki's works are repetitive as beep and aren't really even good.

Kupiainen, on the other hand, is technically one of the most adept in the world, and he puts his talents to good use; his material is amazing.

Just search for some of his medley stuff and improvisations!

You can consider instructional videos as in guitar lessons. I like having teacher better cause you can ask him about everything and he's someone to jam with to.

Oh well, not for me :P. - But I DO agree that Matias is a better guitarist. ;)

I'll second that. I started playing initially as a nipper and stopped for a good 15 years. When I came back to it, the internet made the whole experience of finding guitars to buy and teachers and self-teaching much easier for me. Was a doddle in comparison to the early days.