Online Guitar How-To - A Guitar Player's Guide to Choosing the Best Online Guitar Program

Right now is probably the best time in all of history to be learning the guitar, or learning anything for that matter. There are so many great options for online guitar lessons. The problem comes when it is time to choose the right training package. If we are trying to choose a guitar how-to, a guitar video course, or a multimedia guitar training package, how can we be sure which one is right for us? It helps to ask yourself a few questions.

Question #1: What will I be able to do?

I think this is a very fair question to ask of any training program. If I spend time with this course, what will I be able to do at the end of it? What skills will I master? What songs will I be able to play? Do I just get a few beginner level guitar skills or will it help me really become a capable advanced guitar player?

Question #2: How fast will I learn? Will I see immediate results?

The world is moving fast and we have to choose carefully what we devote attention to. We demand immediate gratification. Do I get to learn the "good" stuff right away or will I be stuck with "Mary Had A Little Lamb" on my guitar?

Question #3: How will I learn? Will I stay interested?

Everybody has a different style of learning. The best online guitar programs use lots of different teaching methods. Look for programs that combine audio, video, and reading with interactive software, games, and a variety of teachers.

Question #4: Which course gives me the best value for my money?

The key here is to find a balance between cost and value. Personally I am happy to pay more if I am certain that I will be able to learn more and do more with it. I'll take a more expensive guitar how-to, a guitar program that will really help me advance my skills over a cheaply produced and cheaply priced program any day.

The cheapest guitar program is usually not the best guitar program. You have to look at the total picture. Does it teach you what you want to know? Does it help you learn in the way that works the best for you? Will it keep you active and engaged for the long haul? All of these are important considerations.

As I did my own research into guitar learning programs, I kept coming back to two programs that really stood out beyond the rest.

One is a multi-disciplinary guitar how-to a guitar program that will teach you not only how to rock, but also how to play the blues, classical, funk, jazz and world guitar.

Another is an acoustic guitar how-to a guitar program that will give you a very comprehensive training on how to play all aspects of the acoustic guitar and includes lots of really useful bonuses.

Choosing a How to Play Guitar DVD

With a standard DVD player, you could choose a how to play guitar DVD, sit in the comfort of your own home with guitar in hand, and learn everything you need to know for producing beautiful music. Just as with any program, some DVDs are well worth the money while other DVDs are a waste of time. Most importantly, when choosing a how to play guitar DVD, consider your level of skill, if any. For instance, if you have never played before, you need a DVD for beginners, one that will provide step-by-step instructions whereas if you have played before, a DVD for intermediate or advanced playing would be best.

Another tip when choosing a how to play guitar DVD is the way in which the DVD would be watched. For instance, you might choose a product that includes only one or more DVDs, a product that adds in CDs, or perhaps a program that includes internet software. Keep in mind that when it comes to price, many learning to play DVDs are very affordable so this should not be a major contributing factor when making your choice. To help you get stared in choosing a how to play guitar DVD, we have provided some great recommendations.

- Learn and Master Guitar - Rated as the number one DVD collection, as well as CD's and a large volume instruction book, this how to play guitar DVD will guide you through the process of learning to play songs, as you never thought you could. The DVD's are high quality and professionally made. Although a bit pricey at $250, this is an investment worth making. You will learn quickly using this complete DVD instructional product.

- Beginning Metal Guitar - If you are interested in a how to play guitar DVD for heavy metal, this is a great option. Priced around $15, you will have the opportunity to learn techniques and styles of many of the favorite heavy metal bands to include Metallica and Black Sabbath. A few of the focuses include heavy chord, evil intervals, power chords, picking methods, riffs, and so on.

- Learn Guitar Techniques: Metal - Another heavy metal guitar DVD that provides Zaak Wylde styling, you will have two full hours of teaching. Additional features include rhythm and solo lessons, as well as jam tracks.

- Guitar Songs AU - This fundamental DVD course is simple but also a good choice for beginners. Covering 50 songs, this how to play guitar DVD takes a straightforward approach.

- Learning Acoustical Guitar (2006) - Affordably priced around $20, this particular how to play a guitar DVD is taught by the famous performer Charles Sedlak. Throughout instruction, you will learn various techniques to include strumming, chords, progressions, and arpeggios.

- Acoustic Rock Guitar DVD - Created by Peter Vogl, this how to play guitar DVD is merely $10 and a great investment. You will learn the basics for playing guitar, starting from holding the guitar in the right position, playing chords, strumming, and more. In addition, the DVD teaches specific songs, many favorites that have spanned the years.

Nick Siegal is a professional guitarist and has been a private guitar instructor for over 15 years. To read his own in-depth Best Guitar Software Reviews along with other DVD recommendations, head over to his site at http://www.bestguitarsoftware.com. You can also grab some cool free guitar software while you're there.