Are you an adult looking to pick up the guitar? Whether you're a complete beginner or someone returning to the instrument after a hiatus, adult guitar lessons comes with its own set of considerations. This guide is your key to exploring the unique aspects of learning guitar as an adult. It will provide guidance for those embarking on this exciting musical adventure.

Learning Ability and Memory

Adults may face different challenges than children are likely to encounter when learning the guitar. While adults may grasp concepts more quickly due to their cognitive maturity, their memory retention may not be as strong as that of children. This means that adults may require more repetition and practice to internalize new skills and information.However, adults also bring their own life experiences and musical preferences to the table, which can enrich their learning journey in unique ways. We highly recommend guitar lessons for adults, because they are an enriching activity that can reduce stress and boost confidence and creativity.

Instrument Selection and Goals

Guitar lessons for adults are an enriching activity that can reduce stress and boost confidence and creativity

Choosing the right guitar and setting realistic goals are crucial steps for adult learners. Before starting guitar lessons for adults, consider your musical aspirations and preferred genre when selecting an instrument. Whether you're drawn to the raw energy of electric guitar or the intimate sound of acoustic, finding the right fit can enhance your learning experience and keep you motivated.Setting achievable goals is equally important. Whether it's learning specific songs, mastering fundamental techniques, or even composing your own music, having clear objectives can provide direction and focus to your practice sessions. One of the helpful tools an instructor can assist with is breaking down large goals into smaller, manageable tasks to track your progress and celebrate your achievements along the way.

Full-Size Guitar

Most adults opt for a full-size guitar, which typically measures around 40 inches in length. Full-size guitars come in various body shapes and styles, including dreadnought, concert, and jumbo, each offering different tonal qualities and playing experiences.

Dreadnought: Known for its large body and powerful sound, the dreadnought is a popular choice for strumming and flat-picking. Its size can be a bit unwieldy for smaller individuals but provides a robust, balanced tone.
Concert: Slightly smaller than a dreadnought, concert guitars offer a more focused and articulate sound. They are easier to handle, making them a good option for fingerstyle players and those with smaller frames.
Jumbo: The largest standard size, jumbo guitars deliver a big, resonant sound ideal for strumming and playing in larger venues. However, their size can be cumbersome for some players.

Parlor and Travel Guitars

For adults seeking a more compact instrument, parlor and travel guitars are excellent alternatives.

Parlor Guitars: These guitars have a smaller body and a shorter scale length, making them easier to play for those with smaller hands or those who prefer a lighter instrument. They are well-suited for fingerstyle playing and produce a sweet, midrange-focused tone.
Travel Guitars: Designed for portability, travel guitars are compact and lightweight, ideal for musicians on the go. Despite their size, many travel guitars offer surprisingly good sound quality and playability.

3/4 and 7/8 Size Guitars

While 3/4 and 7/8 size guitars are often marketed for children, they can also be suitable for adults with smaller hands or those who find full-size guitars uncomfortable. These guitars provide a comfortable playing experience without sacrificing too much sound quality.

Lesson Duration and Practice

Consider guitar lessons for adults at Angeles Academy

With busy schedules and competing priorities, many adult learners opt for shorter lesson durations, such as 30 minutes per week. While longer lessons may allow for more in-depth instruction on a weekly basis, shorter sessions can still yield meaningful progress, especially when coupled with regular practice.Consistency is key when it comes to practice. This becomes especially important when you opt for shorter lessons. Instead, you are committed to dedicating time each day to playing the guitar, even if it's just for a few minutes. By incorporating practice into your daily routine, you can reinforce new skills and develop muscle memory more effectively. Try setting aside focused practice sessions where you can work on specific techniques or songs without distractions.

Reading Music vs. Tablature

Adult learners often wonder whether they need to learn to read traditional music notation before beginning lessons. Reading music can certainly be beneficial for those pursuing a deeper understanding of music theory, but it's not essential for beginners. Guitar tablature provides a user-friendly alternative, allowing adult learners to quickly start playing songs they enjoy without having to learn complex notation.Many adult learners are encouraged to remain open to exploring music notation as they progress on their musical journey. Understanding basic music theory concepts such as rhythm, melody, and harmony can deepen your understanding of the music you are playing and open up new possibilities for creativity and expression. Guitar lessons for adults at Angeles Academy will introduce all of these concepts at whatever pace is suitable for the individual student to ensure the best learning experience possible.

Conclusion

Learning guitar as an adult can be a fulfilling and enriching experience, providing opportunities for self-expression, personal growth, and connection with others. In order to help you embark on that journey with confidence and determination, make these essential considerations early on. We highly recommend guitar lessons for adults who are seeking a new, fulfilling hobby.Whether you're aiming to strum along to your favorite songs, perform on stage, or compose your own music, the guitar offers endless possibilities for exploration, creativity, and growth. Ready to begin? Join Angeles Academy of Music and unlock the benefits today, with a personalized learning experience and an experienced teacher dedicated to providing comprehensive music lessons tailored to your unique learning style.

Evan has studied with Angeles Academy for 2 years, studying piano with Graycen. Here is what Graycen had to say about Evan. “Evan continues to commit fully to practicing and expanding his technical and artistic abilities. He shows true passion for the piano, and he consistently asks thoughtful questions about the music he plays. He is an absolute joy to teach, and he has made considerable progress over the past few months. Even began piano at age 4, and is now 6. In this enlightening interview Evan answered the following questions.Have you ever wanted to quit? Evan, “Yes”What made you continue? Evan, “Because the piano is Beautiful”What advice do you have for students hoping to win student of the month? Evan, “Practice every day.”