The most common question that a lot of people ask when they want to learn to play guitar is can I teach myself. This is one way to learn how to play guitar but it could take longer and be a lot harder. One of the key things to think about before learning guitar is thinking of it as a partnership. Partnerships act as a support system, to enjoy the good times and help during the bad times.

Forming a partnership can be with an instructor face to face or it could be online. Other training tools for people who want to learn to play guitar are books, DVD’s as well as CD’s. Have a look at some great music store books to get an idea of what is available, just be careful you aren’t sold something you don’t want. Sales people can see the fresh, eager face of the keen want to be guitar player and swarm in like bees. Ask for advice, of course, but take a little bit of time before making the final decision.

Sometimes we do make bad decisions. How many happy marriages end in divorce because there was too much heartache and unhappiness involved. Did the partner cheat and not give what they promised? Did the flames simply die out because the relationship became too boring and too predictable? Putting each other through hell is not a recipe for success.

To learn how to play guitar is a bit like taking on a marriage. Learning how to play the guitar means there are expectations. Not wanting to feel cheated by any guitar instructor or guitar training book means we don’t want to feel let down and taken for a ride. Guitar lessons need to be fun and interactive to keep the flames flickering, for the rest of our days. The true recipe to guitar playing success begins with just a few clear, thought out goals;

• Choose wisely. Never has a truer word been said. Take the time to have a look on Internet to find out what is available online. There is a lot of great free stuff to click into

• Find out what you really want from the partnership. From learning to play bass guitar to wanting to play blues guitar be clear what expectations you have. Is it the technique you need help with, is the right pitch not quite right yet, what is that missing ingredient that is holding you back

• Never ever be jealous of your chosen partner! What this means is bathe in the success of other great guitarists and learn as much as you can from them. The ones that put themselves out there to teach have exposed themselves to help people who want to play guitar

• Don’t keep any secrets. Improving guitar playing means you have to work out the weak spots and find out what is needed

• Be your own best friend. Practicing playing the guitar means allowing yourself the time to work on you. This will make you happy and will make your partner (teacher!) happy too

Count on yourself to learn to play guitar but also let others help you along the way. For those who have been there done that, listen to what they have to say and make it easy on yourself. Like a wise man who has been married a number of years they have a twinkle in their eye when they can share what has made them a great guitarist.