When you use correct technique, rather than a stylized method of some particular artist, there are no limits to the areas of music you can play on guitar. With other instruments, materials and lessons offer the things that are known to work and be successful. Learning guitar should be no different; however, this is often not the case. Lessons on the guitar are more likely to be taught in the style of an individual instructor's own playing, often not using, at all, many of the important techniques available. This leaves the student without many of the essential tools that make learning easier and enable complete use of the guitar.
Students of the guitar need as much help as any other instrument player. But, when influenced by incorrect hand positions, muscle development, gaps in basic music knowledge...they are not only slowed down in learning, but frequently discouraged with their progress. This, unfortunately, often leads to quitting entirely. Also, because of narrow view and restricted ability, they can develop a style that, like type casting is to an actor, can be very limiting. Such a stylized perspective is inhibitive to future abilities and often to being accepted in different areas of music as they mature... for they most certainly will do just that, mature. Therefore, as they grow in other ways, they may not be able to keep up with changes in their interests, or ever realize their true potential on the guitar.
Finally, the objective of any lessons...in any field of interest, should be to develop independence. In the end, the student should essentially out grow the need for a teacher. After all, the objective of all teaching, is to put the tools in the hands of those who are learning so that they become completely capable on their own...so they are not held back by inhibitions and restrictions, and so they can enjoy what they do and can keep progressing forever, perhaps without the help of anyone else.
Craig Smith ~ Guitarist
|
