Signing up for guitar lessons - whether for yourself or for a young musician in your family - is a moment to celebrate. It's the start of a creative journey, and while new beginnings can come with a few questions, there's a lot of excitement waiting. What should you do before the first lesson? What can you expect when meeting your guitar and your instructor for the first time? In this article, we’ll guide you through those exciting first steps - from what to bring and how to prepare, to understanding the basics you'll learn, like tuning, playing a few notes, and even trying out a chord or two. We'll also clarify what might not happen in that first meeting, such as instant expertise or a rigid curriculum. With tips for nurturing this newfound passion beyond your lessons, you’re ready to dive into the world of guitar. Welcome to a place where creativity flourishes, skills grow, and every string plucked brings you closer to making music you love.
Before the Lesson
Choosing Your Instrument
Before stepping into your first lesson, it’s important to choose the right guitar - something that suits your comfort, musical aspirations, and style. But don’t feel pressured to buy the first guitar you come across, especially if it’s a low-cost, toy-like instrument from a big-box store. Poor-quality guitars can be discouraging to play, often suffering from tuning instability, awkward string height, and inaccurate pitch, which can make even the basics seem insurmountable.
At Descant Music, we offer rental guitars that are well-maintained and beginner-friendly, providing a solid starting point for your musical journey. Renting is also a great way to try things out before committing to a purchase, ensuring you're starting on an instrument that supports your growth.
Deciding between an electric or acoustic guitar can depend on your musical interests - some prefer the bright ring of an acoustic, while others might feel drawn to the versatility of an electric. To help decide, check out our guide: Acoustic or Electric Guitars for Beginners?
Basic Accessories
Beyond your guitar, a few accessories will help make your first lesson enjoyable and productive:
Picks: Have a variety of picks on hand to explore different tones and see what feels comfortable.
Tuner: Keeping your guitar in tune is essential, and a tuner makes that easy. While some teachers may guide you through tuning by ear, a tuner will help you build confidence in those early stages.
Capo: Not crucial for the first lesson but helpful as you progress, a capo makes playing songs in different keys more accessible.
Notebook: Bring a notebook dedicated to your lessons to jot down chords, tips, and practice notes. It's a great way to track your progress over time.
Mindset and Expectations
Approach your first lesson with an open mind and a patient attitude. Learning guitar is a gradual journey. Embrace the challenge, stay relaxed, and remember - every great guitarist started exactly where you are now.
The First Guitar Lesson
The first guitar lesson can be a mix of excitement and nerves. Your instructor is there to guide you at a pace that works for you, whether you’re a complete beginner or someone with a bit of experience switching from another instrument.
Introduction to the Instrument
Your instructor will introduce you to the guitar’s parts and explain how it produces sound. Understanding the basics helps demystify the instrument. You’ll also talk about your musical tastes and goals, allowing your instructor to tailor the lesson to your interests.
Tuning the Guitar
Learning to tune your guitar is one of the most important skills to build early on. It keeps you sounding good and trains your ear over time. Your teacher will show you how to do this, whether with a tuner or by ear.
Basic Chords, Scales, and Other Concepts
Depending on your familiarity and comfort level, you might spend time learning to hold the guitar properly, play single notes, or even tackle basic chords and scales. These building blocks can feel complex at first, but your instructor will break them down step by step.
Strumming and Picking Techniques
Learning how to strum and pick the strings is key to making music. Whether you’re a total beginner or have been experimenting on your own, your instructor will guide you through exercises to develop good technique.
Playing a Simple Song
By the end of the lesson, you might even play a simple song or riff. This is about getting hands-on, making music right away, and building confidence - no matter how simple or short the piece might be.
Taking Notes and Reflecting
Your instructor may help you take notes or write down key concepts during the lesson. This helps solidify what you've learned and gives you something tangible to review between lessons.
What Not to Expect
Instant Mastery
Learning the guitar takes time. You won’t be a master guitarist after your first lesson, and that’s okay. Progress comes through consistent practice and a willingness to embrace the learning process. Mistakes are part of that process, and every guitarist makes them.
A Fixed Curriculum
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach at Descant Music. Lessons are personalized to align with your goals, tastes, and pace, whether you’re into rock, classical, or jazz. Expect lessons that inspire and challenge you in ways that resonate.
A Judgmental Instructor
It’s common to feel nervous meeting your teacher, but remember, our instructors are here to help. They understand that each student comes from a unique background, and their role is to guide you with patience and positivity - not to judge or intimidate.
Rigid Expectations
Every student’s journey is different. Be open to the lessons evolving over time. Flexibility allows for the kind of exploration that makes learning fun and fulfilling.
After the Lesson
Practice Assignments
You’ll leave your lesson with specific exercises and goals tailored to what you’ve learned. Consistent practice is vital - these exercises are designed to build on your skills and reinforce what was covered in the lesson.
Feedback and Questions
Don’t hesitate to ask questions - whether during the lesson or later through our Student Teacher Portal. Questions show engagement, and they help your teacher guide you more effectively.
Using the Student Teacher Portal
Descant Music's Student Teacher Portal is a great resource. You can jot down questions, share materials, or revisit notes between lessons. A portal full of questions is a sign of engagement, not confusion, and it helps make each lesson productive and relevant to you.
Reflecting on the Lesson
Take some time after your lesson to think about what you learned, what you enjoyed, and what you found challenging. This reflection not only helps internalize your learning but also informs your instructor about how to tailor future lessons to best fit your needs.
Your Journey Begins Here
Learning to play the guitar is a journey filled with curiosity, creativity, and personal growth. From choosing the right guitar to developing foundational skills, each step is essential in building a solid musical base. At Descant Music, we’re committed to supporting your unique path, helping you make music that’s meaningful to you. So whether you’re just starting out or are an experienced musician exploring new territory, your journey with the guitar starts now. Let’s make some music together.
Ready to explore guitar, piano, voice, or bass lessons? Fill out our More Information form, and we'll connect with you soon!
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