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Computer-based Guitar Training?

Posted by Cliff on from the power-chords-by-PC dept.

rfischer asks: "I am hoping that Santa brings me a guitar for Christmas this year. I know there are a lot of computer- and web-based tools for teaching yourself guitar, but I'm having a hard time figuring out what's best, and if any of these computer-based methods have any advantage over the classic training courses. Anyone been down this road before?"

2 of 57 comments (clear)

  1. GuitarPort Online by gwynnebaer · · Score: 3, Informative

    Shameless plug: http://guitarport.com
    Don't take my word for it. Take a look.

  2. A good resource once you know a bit by njriley · · Score: 3, Informative

    I fmay be somewhat qualified to answer, as I'm largely self-taught, and I have used a lot of online sources. If, as it sounds like, you're starting from the very beginning, it's true that you really need someone to show you the basics. Once you have that down, though, you can learn a lot by downloading the tabs to songs you like. I don't know what you're interested in, but I use these:

    http://dsrmusic.com/
    http://www.singularitymetaltab.net/
    http://www.deathwarp.com/DeathWarp/tabs/tabs.htm

    Those are mostly for rock and metal, but you can find similar sites for whatever style you're into. As you'd expect, start with simpler songs and work your way up - you can learn a lot of technique this way, as well as forms and applications of the theory you'll also want to be studying. For some basic chord and scale patterns, check out:

    http://www.guitar-dreams.com/

    Another good site for a lot of exercises as well as some theory is:

    http://ibreathemusic.com/

    This is really one of the best guitar sites I've seen; I can't recommend it enough. Along with the above, it forms a very good reference for patterns and exercises, but you're still missing some structure. This is a major problem with online materials - there's so much of it it's hard to sort out. As such, I'd recommend using all of this as source material, but have a friend who plays give you some guidance as to what to practice, even if you don't take lessons per se. If that's totally impossible, buy a method book or two - the Troy Stetina ones are excellent for rock and metal, but they're available for all styles. That will give you some idea of the order in which to practice the various subjects.

    Hope this helps,

    Nathan