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[How to] Learn to Play an Instrument Online

lifehacker.com — Why pay for lessons when you can teach yourself to play online?

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  • livegreenordie, on 05/18/2008, -18/+10 Nice website! Singer/songwriter here!
    • daxsymbiont, on 05/18/2008, -0/+2the musical jokes have singers not knowing music (or playing instruments).
      • TheRealToma, on 05/19/2008, -0/+1Drummers actually. They like to hit teh "dumbs".
  • kalagmail, on 05/18/2008, -3/+37Only need to invest in good broadband connection
    • pagno, on 05/19/2008, -1/+3Youre probably doing that anyway, so it works out.
    • sauronsmatrix, on 05/19/2008, -2/+1optimum online ~ 33 mbits for cheap price
  • Shando, on 05/18/2008, -19/+26Half the videos on that site have been taken down =/

    ***** THE RIAA
    • Dylson, on 05/18/2008, -13/+1***** THE RIAA
      • BodomX, on 05/18/2008, -0/+1Sorry, it doesn't really work like that.
    • ElbertF, on 05/18/2008, -13/+27░▒▓████░ ▒▓█░░▒▓█ ░░▒▓███░ ▒▓█░░▒▓█
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    • JrGhoull, on 05/18/2008, -3/+3***** you too my friend...***** you

      /joke
    • MarioWhereRu, on 05/19/2008, -4/+0Its ***** the MPAA you dumbass.
      • Leakey, on 05/19/2008, -1/+1I think not, why would the MPAA care?
  • praisethelard, on 06/06/2008, -26/+35Guitar tablature is not _way_ less complicated to read than music. If you're gonna learn, do it right. Trust me.
    • Acglaphotis, on 05/18/2008, -4/+41Yes, lets all trust the random guy on the internet.
      • CobaltBlue, on 05/18/2008, -1/+27You should trust him. Really. Trust me on this one.
        • praisethelard, on 06/06/2008, -2/+14Trust him. Trust me.
        • consonance, on 05/18/2008, -6/+5HE'S RIGHT. YOU CAN TELL BECAUSE THIS COMMENT IS ON THE INTERNET AND I'M TYPING IN ALL CAPS. THAT MEANS I'M SERIOUS.
    • bobbothegrayson, on 05/18/2008, -0/+21Whose username is "inbred"
      • praisethelard, on 06/06/2008, -7/+2Am I correct in my assumption that you're gray, Bobbo?
    • D14BL0, on 05/18/2008, -0/+43Actually, tab is a LOT less complicated. Most people can read numbers faster than symbols, and it works just as well. It's also easier to write a tab down for somebody than to draw out a full cluster of symbols which may be entirely meaningless to somebody.

      These days, more people can read tab than not.
      • praisethelard, on 06/06/2008, -10/+2As someone who started out reading tab, I can tell you it's not that less complicated.
        • paulisnotdead, on 05/18/2008, -0/+16And as someone who also started out reading tab I can tell you it is, do you see how that works?
        • InferiorWang, on 05/18/2008, -0/+12As someone else who started learning piano before the guitar, I can tell you tab IS a lot less complicated. For some of us, it is hard to actually read time. I can figure out the notes in staff if I work at it, but tab seems so much easier when you know the rhythm. All you have to do is move to number on the fret board and play at the rhythm that feels right.
        • jbrowng, on 05/18/2008, -0/+14As someone with no musical talent, I can tell you this conversation deeply confuses and frightens me
        • AreTooDeTo, on 05/18/2008, -0/+7I started playing guitar by reading music, and I can tell you that tabs are much easier to read. it is however just a matter of opinion and all depends on what you are good at. it's not really a matter to argue about.
      • misterhat, on 05/18/2008, -0/+28How do you get a guitarist to stop playing?

        Put him in front of sheet music.
      • CaptJesusClaus, on 05/19/2008, -2/+1Have you ever tried to sight read tab? Standard notation may require more practice to become comfortable with, but it is definitely superior to tabs.
        • D14BL0, on 05/19/2008, -0/+3Depends entirely on the skill (and preference) of the musician.
      • ZeroIce, on 05/19/2008, -0/+5Your right, I played Violin for about 6 years and could sight read anything perfectly that was at my level. With tabs and guitar (have been playing guitar for around 4 years), it is impossible to sight read a song without hearing it first. Seriously, it is impossible. If you put the time into learning to read music, it will definitely pay off. Though, tabs are hundreds times easier to get started with.

        You can make the decision which is better.
    • Tubaman3010, on 05/18/2008, -7/+5Also if you get so good that you want to play guitar in college you wont be allowed in if you just read tab.
      • InferiorWang, on 05/18/2008, -0/+8Most music performance and music teaching programs include entry level classes to staff and theory that you can start with. One of my friends took a couple of college classes just to learn to play the guitar with no previous musical experience.
    • nextyoyoma, on 05/18/2008, -0/+23Tab is less complicated, but also less accurate. It doesn't show specific rhythms, and it is limited to the tuning the guitar is in. This has advantages, of course. Mainly, you don't have to learn how the strings are laid out to learn a song in a different tuning. However, if you don't already know the song, you'll have a difficult time figuring it out with just the tab. I would recommend learning both, as they each have their strengths and weaknesses, and neither one is particularly difficult to learn.
      • Jassman, on 05/18/2008, -0/+5"However, if you don't already know the song, you'll have a difficult time figuring it out with just the tab."

        That's true, but that is why tabs are supposed to be used to complement the actual song. If you look at a tab and listen to the song you should be able to derive the rhythms and minor subtleties by yourself.
      • kristoaster, on 05/19/2008, -0/+1Some tabs show rhythms, and guitar pro etc do as well.
    • jinxplayer, on 05/18/2008, -5/+3Enjoy reading from a staff to play guitar. Its we todd it. Tabs are awesome.
    • onlyclave, on 05/18/2008, -6/+13Tab is *****. There is no rhythmic notation with tablature and it's for the weak.
      • NOFXY, on 05/19/2008, -1/+1Tab is actually really good if you want to start learning almost any song you can think of without getting up and going out. just go online and search for the tabs, have the song to listen for the rhythm and you're set. So don't knock it just because its not for you.

        Unless there's a website you know about that has free music sheets for anyone to just download. if you do, please let us know :)
    • Briggykins, on 05/18/2008, -0/+3Standard musical notation is a lot harder to learn than tab is, though neither is easy. If you're learning to play guitar, trying to read music is going to be one of the biggest roadblocks in your enjoyment of it so you might as well build up technical proficiency with tab, then move to musical notation if and when you feel it necessary. Lots of famous guitarists never bothered to learn to read music - I think it's a good skill to have, but then I started on piano and had to learn it. Even now I don't often use music if tab is available.
    • senatorpjt, on 05/18/2008, -0/+5Finding free sheet music is a lot harder than finding tabs off google.
      • Pyroteq, on 05/19/2008, -0/+1How do you think MIDI files work? Just grab the MIDI file and look inside that for the sheet music.
      • nextyoyoma, on 05/19/2008, -0/+1Finding accurate tabs off google is pretty damn hard. Most people suck at making them.
    • NRay7882, on 05/19/2008, -0/+1I used tabs until I started watching Walt Ribeiro's show on UStream. Completely free, and its 5 days a week. Check it out sometime: http://www.ustream.tv/WaltRibeiro
  • JRjJ106, on 05/18/2008, -27/+105Why would I learn a real instrument when I can just rock out on Guitar Hero?
    • Seantacular, on 05/18/2008, -4/+138Why would I have sex when I can just masturbate to pornography?
      • jkleinfeld, on 05/18/2008, -0/+24That's just win all over his face
      • Spoomeister, on 05/19/2008, -0/+12Because in both masturbation and Guitar Hero, I don't need to think about satisfying anyone else.
      • MacTyler, on 05/19/2008, -2/+3I have yet to hear anyone answer either of these questions.
    • gamemaster357, on 05/18/2008, -0/+8ladies...
    • sega01, on 05/18/2008, -5/+10I play bass, but could not stand guitar hero (as guitar or bass). There is nothing similair except for the timing. Play the real thing; IMO: it's an even nicer transistion than from automatic to manual transmission.
      • n0t0kayipr0mis3, on 05/19/2008, -0/+2That's totally true I've played the guitar for 7 years now and guitar hero was quite easy to pick up but it's nothing like the real thing
        but i have a friend who played guitar hero 24/7 and then picked up the real thing and sucked
    • AmICoolNow, on 05/18/2008, -2/+9There actually are some similarities in the guitar tracks for Guitar Hero (on expert) and how you play them in real life, but it's just not possible to make it that similar with only five frets.
    • NOFXY, on 05/19/2008, -0/+2as i've said before. its real name should be Key-tar hero
  • Shizcake1337, on 05/18/2008, -2/+15Where's the harmonica tutorials?
  • jakefloyd, on 05/18/2008, -8/+114Why pay for lessons when you can teach yourself to play online?

    Because most likely you are going to be doing everything wrong. That said, there are many, many teachers out there who also don't know what they are talking about and could also ruin your playing. Sure you can learn how to play some simple songs online, but if you want to PLAY then you need to get a good teacher.
    • Tyrghast, on 05/18/2008, -9/+18most of the great guitar players of the world taught themselves. lessons are not necessary, especially for the guitar. At most you'll just need a fret book with all the chords, everything else can be learned by fiddling around.
      • BelatedHero, on 05/18/2008, -1/+13If all you want to do is play around with basic chords and the blues scales, then yes. However if you want to get into serious technique like modes, etc. then you will definitely need lessons. Learning theory also opens many doors.
        • TheBEAST205, on 05/19/2008, -0/+2Yes, learning theory is quite pointless for most people hoping to play guitar. Theory only really benefits those who play classical, jazz, math rock, etc... Most kids who just pick up guitar to play the latest "cool" rock song in 4/4 don't give a flying *****.
      • YellowSnowDemon, on 05/18/2008, -0/+11Buckethead taught himself. So did Slash and Hendrix.
        • urik88, on 05/19/2008, -0/+1Slash and Hendrix didn't play very complicated stuff. They had FEELING.
          You can be sure that with a good teacher, they would have gone even further.

          Chances are that unless you're superman, you won't get to the Petrucci, Al Di Meola, Malmsteen, Vai, and Satriani level without a good teacher.
        • TheBEAST205, on 05/19/2008, -0/+1I disagree. My view of playing guitar is that any one can become a great guitar player without taking lessons, it really just depends on practice. Practicing guitar for 2-3 hours every day would make you much better of a guitar player than going to a lesson every week and casually practicing.

          Improvisional playing is, in my opinion, what makes a great guitar player. You can spend weeks perfecting a solo, but being familiar enough with a guitar to play an awesome solo on cue is what really makes a great guitarist.
      • ADHD, on 05/18/2008, -2/+8How do you think the teacher learned.

        You have to get to know the instrument and you cant just go to lessons and learn that. I'm doing gigs and making money on the street playing folk/blues/pop and I've taught myself. I eventually got a teacher to learn theory/ear training but most of my actual technique I learned on my own.

        You dont need a teacher to stfu and get off my instrument
      • Kallahan, on 05/19/2008, -0/+2This is a common thread in rock and blues, but that's it, every where else, classical and jazz, its the exact opposite, there are practically no good players who are entirely self taught.
    • dstz, on 05/18/2008, -0/+9Quite a few great musicians had great teachers. Quite a few were self taught as well.
      • quisph, on 05/18/2008, -2/+3Which in no way should be taken to imply that the two groups are anywhere near equivalent in size. Play the odds; get a teacher.

        I would wager that self-taught musicians, however good they may be, are probably not quite as good as they would have been if they'd had a good teacher.
      • pagno, on 05/19/2008, -0/+1Some folks are born with an affinity to music or a particular instrument. That doesnt mean they didnt learn music later on.
    • archivist, on 05/18/2008, -0/+9I paid lessons to play Violin - it's really hard and you're not gonna get well if you don't practice a lot. I live in an apartment block and when I practice my Violin, as a beginner, I really suck and I don't want to torture my neighbours so I stopped before I get evicted as its acoustics are really loud.
      • lilhurt38, on 05/18/2008, -1/+5When it comes to music, if you want to be good at all, you must practice all the time. It doesn't matter if you're self-taught or if you take lessons, music is all about practice. I started playing piano when I was about 5 by just hitting the keys and I quickly found out how to create my own stuff and bring some form to it. I took lessons for two years and quit because I couldn't stand having to learn things like mary had a little lamb. I started playing guitar at 16 and have just been going online to learn certain things like scales, chords and technique. It all really depends on your learning curve and your style of learning. Some people need that support from a good teacher. Having a metronome is absolutely key to playing any instrument. It gives you that ability to set a rhythm and jam on your own and timing is everything in music. The tempo holds the music together and without that it's just noise. I went to an improv show at the music department at UCSD for one of my classes and I heard probably the worst thing I've ever heard. This guy was a music major on guitar and a 2 year old could play better. It literally sounded like one of those "Stevie Ray Vaughan Shreds" videos on Youtube, except that video actually had some form of rhythm in it. You can have great training and still sound like ass. It really depends on your feel of the music, some people no matter how much training they have will still be horrible. Some people sound great because they had a great teacher. It's all about learning the chords, scales, and techniques. From there it's really up to your feel of the music and practicing with a metronome or other people providing the beat/rhythm.
        • nreynolds, on 05/18/2008, -0/+3you're awesome.
        • archivist, on 05/19/2008, -0/+1that's correct. when i was in elementary, my sis bought a guitar and i've learned it since then. i don't know how to read music but i play the guitar whenever i can since i was 12. i started from simple chords, then we formed a band with my mates and we really sucked until when went to highschool, that's where we start really becoming good and aware of music.

          now, i'm 24, when i moved in to my new house 2 years ago, there was a classical guitar left over by a previous tenant and i was so happy when they gave it to me. i've been playing it ever since. i taught myself guitar music by Kotaro Oshio because they're all very technical, and at the same time playable (if you're keen on it). it takes around 2-3 weeks to learn a song but it's really worth it. Youtube "Kotaro Oshio" and you'll know what I mean.
      • carol9a, on 05/19/2008, -0/+0I also learned to play the violin by private lessons and I think this may be one instrument where instruction is greatly beneficial, perhaps because of the very close half steps on the fingerboard or learning correct intonation. A good bow hold is hard to perfect. The violin helped alot when learning the guitar though.
        archivist, have you tried playing with a violin mute? That might help.
    • nextyoyoma, on 05/18/2008, -0/+8well, that depends. If you already play an instrument, learning to play another one on your own is significantly easier. Not having the learn the basics of music (key signatures, rhythm, tuning, etc.) let you just concentrate on the technique of the instrument. Even then, it is probably best to have at least a few lessons just to get some feedback.
      • archivist, on 05/19/2008, -0/+1not really. i played guitar for a long time and switching to violin is really hard. you need a lot of focus and consistency to even play a note decently.

        there's a difference in violin how you hold the bow, the lightness of your hand when you pull it closer to your face and the strength when you pull it farther down while only using your elbow as a joint to move it. with all that in mind, now, you need to make a decent note... on your left hand.
        • jakefloyd, on 05/19/2008, -0/+1Let's keep violin out of this. If you ever want to be DECENT at that instrument you need years and hours upon hours of practice.
    • cryonix, on 05/18/2008, -0/+1I took private guitar lessons. After about a year he said he had nothing more to teach me and suggested me to another teacher. Sadly I never followed up and quit playing. I still pick it up now and then, its a handy skill when you're bored.

      It sucks that Tabliture is now considered copyright infringement. so many sites have been shut down in the past few years.
    • xenonflash, on 05/19/2008, -0/+4***** the RIAA.
    • CaptJesusClaus, on 05/19/2008, -0/+3I agree. A good teacher doesn't just tell you how to do what you want to learn, but what will make you a good musician and even more importantly, what you are doing wrong.
    • pagno, on 05/19/2008, -0/+1Bassmasta.net
      Guitarmasta.net
      Both still work, and arent that bad. Their manifesto on the bass site is great.
  • mal1964, on 05/18/2008, -15/+2www.porn.com
    • Blitzwing84, on 05/18/2008, -0/+13That's only good if you want to learn to play the skin flute.
    • mal1964, on 05/18/2008, -0/+7The Pipe Organ.
  • braudio, on 05/18/2008, -1/+4http://guitar.about.com/library/blguitarlessonarch ...

    I've found this one great so far.
  • PlagueOfMorons, on 05/18/2008, -2/+1I certainly didn't have to go online to learn how to play my organ. Er... AN organ. And a zither. But not both at the time. Ah, I could play with my zither for hours, really. But I did have to go online to learn how to master Accordian Hero.
  • fuzionmuse, on 05/18/2008, -1/+25As a music major and private instructor, this, albeit a good idea, can NEVER replace one-on-one in-person instruction.
    • desertDenizen, on 05/18/2008, -1/+3But consider the ability to reach literally hundreds of thousands more people. Many of whom will upgrade to traditional instruction. It's a good thing.
    • Fargalas, on 05/18/2008, -3/+5As a self-taught potential music major, I can easily say you're simply protecting your own interests. That wouldn't make it true, sure, but I could say it. Just as you could say "NEVER." My technique on the guitar is better than most teachers I've met. Why? From using the internet as a resource to find everything I could on technique, watching professionals closely, etc. It's doable. Very, very doable. Just takes conviction and practice.
    • JoeCool1986, on 05/19/2008, -0/+4I am also a music major (piano), and I think both of you are in a way correct. It all depends on the level you want to achieve, your dedication (meaning deliberate practice), and talent. 99% of great pianists had amazing teachers from at least high school on. However there is that 1%, like Sviatoslav Richter, who was largely self-taught until college or post college. For me personally, I cannot imagine what I would have missed out on and never learned if I hadn't had college level lessons.
  • CloseYetFar, on 05/18/2008, -1/+60http://www.justinguitar.com for guitar.
    • GamerGeorge, on 05/18/2008, -0/+15Yeah, I've found that to be a pretty cool Web site for guitarists-in-training.
    • FuckThaMeme, on 05/18/2008, -0/+10I was going to post the same link as well. This guy is great and really knows what he's on about.

      Digg this guy up.
    • optikalblitz, on 05/18/2008, -0/+9Was also going to post Justin Guitar. He's mostly responsible for my sticking with guitar just because of the availability of lessons and his thoroughness. Plus he seems like a stand-up chap. +1 for justinguitar.com
    • Flea08, on 05/18/2008, -0/+6I just came across this guy on Youtube a couple days ago. He gives the best video tutorials I've seen.
      I'm learning Wish You Were Here, good *****.
    • fatTJ, on 05/18/2008, -0/+6This guy is an awesome tool for aspiring guitarists. I learned from him how to play pinch harmonics
    • leexy, on 05/19/2008, -0/+4Ok, I just ran across his website and it's some of the best tutorials out there along with David Hodge's guitarnoise.com

      If I was a chick, I'd be madly in love with Justin. Kudos to him and his dedication to spreading knowledge (and coolness!).
    • thealli, on 05/19/2008, -1/+1Better site: http://www.guitarvideotabs.com
    • Gigaman2003, on 05/19/2008, -0/+1thanks for pointing me to this site, it's great.

      here have a cookie.
  • Tubaman3010, on 05/18/2008, -12/+7Just learn how to play I-IV-V-I in one key and do it over and over.
    Oh and guitar tabs will get you so far in life. *Sarcasm*
    • loquedesea, on 05/18/2008, -0/+3do they make tuba tabs...?
      • SolidSnak, on 05/18/2008, -0/+1i never find any tab versions of sheet music for my trombone...
    • bwdd, on 05/19/2008, -3/+2Tabs ***** own music sheets.
      Much more specific.

      You could say that timing is a problem, But you could only have written the song or know how it sounds already so that isn't a real problem.
      • TheBEAST205, on 05/19/2008, -0/+1Actually, sheet music is much more specific, but considering most guitarist haven't the slightest idea how to read it and don't want to invest the time into learning to read it, tabs are a much better option.

        The only real benefit you get from sheet music is when playing in odd time signatures or playing a tri-tone harmony. It's ridiculously hard to get a bassist and guitarist to play on the same measure with tabs.
    • KorRyal, on 05/19/2008, -0/+3Tabs + Intermediate understanding of theory = Awesome.

      I learned by ear now that I discovered I have absolute pitch, but I started with scales, understanding root notes and how different notes will interact with eachother, etc. If I wanna learn a song, I'll typically take note of the band's most common tuning and take a shot at it by ear.
  • eyefork2, on 05/18/2008, -3/+2Where are my violin videos?
  • NerveBand, on 05/18/2008, -1/+9What about learning the Piano?
    • LameTacomeat, on 05/18/2008, -1/+3Teaching yourself the piano is not too bad at all as long as you have the right books. The Alfred line of piano books are fantastic IMHO.

      I used them to learn to play.
  • archivist, on 05/18/2008, -3/+4i learned to play Kotaro Oshio guitar songs in Youtube and I just wanna share the links.

    http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Kotaro ...
    http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Kotaro ...
    http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Kotaro ...

    these are only a few. they're really hard songs but really worth it, believe me. you can google the PDF tabs.
  • Zaneris, on 05/18/2008, -1/+12And why the hell isn't Guitar Rising out yet?
  • Whadabala, on 05/18/2008, -2/+4If you want to mess around a little on the weekends with an instrument, then yes these are fine. But if you are serious about wanting to play a private instructor is a necessity.
  • mugwumpz, on 05/18/2008, -2/+2http://playtheguitar.com
  • neremac1992, on 05/18/2008, -6/+5Because 80% of videos I have seen online are crap. You may sound like your playing it right but you may be doing it completely wrong. Videos can show you how to do stuff but only real teachers can show you how to do it right.
  • jaychuck, on 05/18/2008, -3/+7I learned how to play drums on Rock Band. Now, after a good 5 months, I can play on Expert. Rock-and-roll lifestyle, here I come!!
    • fezzasus, on 05/18/2008, -2/+3I've been playing drums for 6 years. I can assure you that what you are playing on rock band is nothing like what you would play on a real drum kit. I'm even talking about the parts you are playing but the timing and dynamics between the parts of the kit - the timing is wrong in rock band and you have no feel for how loud the parts of the drum kit should be played.
  • CobaltBlue, on 05/18/2008, -2/+13It's like trying to learn karate from a book. You can learn some, but it really helps to have a Mr. Miyagi to master it.
  • EN7r0py, on 05/18/2008, -2/+31tl;dr: 1) search youtube for "how to play [insert-instrument-here]" 2) play instrument poorly, realize that you need lessons
  • YourHomeStudio, on 05/18/2008, -9/+1I'm completely self taught (guitar, bass, drums, piano) and I can honestly say that there's no way I would be the musician I am without all the resources on the internet but I can also honestly say that it took me probably 2-3 times as long to learn things without a teacher.There's no substitute for the human interaction involved in the teacher/student interface and a good teacher is going to be quick to point out the things you need to work on the most in order to progress.

    Thomas
    www.yourhomestudio.com
  • YourHomeStudio, on 05/18/2008, -10/+2I'm completely self taught (guitar, bass, drums, piano) and I can honestly say that there's no way I would be the musician I am without all the resources on the internet but I can also honestly say that it took me probably 2-3 times as long to learn things without a teacher.There's no substitute for the human interaction involved in the teacher/student interface and a good teacher is going to be quick to point out the things you need to work on the most in order to progress.

    Thomas
    www.yourhomestudio.com
  • tarpit, on 05/18/2008, -4/+3This is how I started with guitar many years ago from the TAB sites and some guitar magazines. Its too bad that the RIAA got greedy and shutdown most of them.

    My Guitar Blog: www.guitarhacks.com
    • FuckThaMeme, on 05/18/2008, -0/+1I see you like Frusciante. Check out his Solo work lots of good stuff there. In particular "Look On" from the album "Inside of Emptiness" guitar solo heaven.
  • Severys, on 05/18/2008, -1/+2This guy is great for teaching you some of the best riffs in rock.

    http://www.mastertheguitar.co.uk/mtr/
  • zoomoo, on 05/18/2008, -2/+0http://www.pianofundamentals.com/book

    This is verry verry good book if you want to learn the piano. And the best part is that it's free. A good teacher is of course invaluable especially for input on musical issues, but this book has lots of great things regarding practice routine and technique that probably not many teachers know.
  • HencheMann, on 05/18/2008, -5/+1...like a Jedi Paduan learning the ways of the force online. Not gonna happen. There is an important give and take in student/ teacher mentorship that is irreplaceable. That is of course if you are a life musician/ artist to the core. For pure enjoyment? Heck, why not? For that matter, just strap on the latest Guitar Wannabee Doohickee and your all set.
  • kihadat, on 05/18/2008, -5/+4Okay, these tips are only for people who want to learn to play GUITAR*

    *and drums

    Where are my piano lessons? My violin lessons? Clarinet? Tenor Sax? For actual valuable instruments, I guess you can't do it for free...
    • katanaswordfish, on 05/18/2008, -1/+3because guitar and percussion instruments are valuable?
      I have a few tips:
      1) learn what the hell you are talking about.
      2) go to youtube.com and look up [insert any instrument here] lessons.
      3) go pay the 40bucks an hour for a decent teacher and learn to understand the basics of music theory if you actually want to get good or become proficient.
    • senatorpjt, on 05/18/2008, -0/+1Because everyone else plays the guitar. That's the reason I don't.
  • Aniz-Ansari, on 05/18/2008, -1/+3http://www.studybass.com/

    Is a great resource for any Bassist OR Guitarist looking to the learn the fundamentals of playing. Great foundations lessons about theory and technique. So many great things available, defiantly worth checking out.
  • katanaswordfish, on 05/18/2008, -1/+1if you are going to learn how to drum via rockband, then at least learn that drum fills dont mean that you can just hit every drum on your kit as fast as possible for a given amount of time. :P
  • mrhoove, on 05/18/2008, -2/+1http://www.lessonportal.com

    real teachers, online or in person
  • JesseJ, on 05/18/2008, -0/+12I have 25 students who all have internet and still come to my lessons, because I as a teacher can teach each one as an individual. That's why my students like to pay, for expertise.

    Looking at online videos is a great bonus, but I can assure it does not substitute for a real techer. Does the videos cheer you up when you you're feeling down? Does the video see when you're doing something wrong? Does it tell why your wrist hurts? Why your elbow aches? Does it see your pick is in the wrong position?

    Just my 5c for all who are trying to learn guitar! Online videos are great, but you end up saving a lot of time by seeing a real (good) teacher atleast once in a while.
  • Metasquares, on 05/18/2008, -0/+9Until it can detect your own playing and offer feedback in realtime, it's no substitute for a teacher.
    • HafizD, on 05/18/2008, -0/+1That's true, however you can keep a balance of both taking lessons and further advancing your skills through independent learning online.
  • daxsymbiont, on 05/18/2008, -0/+4there are few but big things that I regret in my life. one of them is not having learned a musical instrument.

    i'd love to know well the piano or keyboards.
  • shockwavedave, on 05/18/2008, -0/+2Glad there's no saxophone tutorials, otherwise I WOULDN'T be out of a job. Lessons may be expensive, but what a qualified teacher has to offer is worth it. My students have far excelled past what a website can teach them.
  • roomaustin, on 05/18/2008, -4/+1Well, I'll stick with guitar hero for now.
  • sailfin, on 05/18/2008, -0/+2first bass teacher i went to was an idiot. went for 2 months, didnt learn to read a lick of sheet music. just tabs which doesnt really do anything. No scales or whatsoever. So i left. Not all teachers are good. No other teachers in my area so im gunna have to pick up a book.
    • ubrikkean, on 05/18/2008, -0/+1Tabs suck. Real sheet music isn't very difficult to learn, and once you know how, you can actually sight-read, which is a huge benefit. Plus you aren't stuck with whatever retarded fingerings the person who wrote out the tab used.
  • shaneweth, on 05/18/2008, -1/+2You know, this is a great RESOURCE - not a perfect substitute for one on one instruction. Do you want to learn music or songs? BTW the Rock Band drumming thing is BUNK. It is not synchronized well enough. Always ahead of the beat

  • ubrikkean, on 05/18/2008, -4/+4For a second I thought it would be for worthwhile instruments-- I could use some clarinet lessons. But no, we only get the most boring, overused ones.

    And yes, I fully expect to be buried for disliking generic rock instrumentation.
    • oblique63, on 05/18/2008, -0/+1its only boring and overused instrumentation if it is used to create boring and 'overused' compositions...
    • mardybum, on 05/18/2008, -0/+1Dugg... these days everyone and their mom can "play" the guitar
  • kaliari, on 05/18/2008, -2/+3Thanks for posting this article. My son wants to try his hand at guitar and drums and this may be a good way for him to get feel for it before we spend a mint on new instruments and lessons. I would hate to spend a lot of money on something he's going to decide he doesn't
    • HafizD, on 05/18/2008, -0/+1No problem. Hope everything works out!
    • JesseJ, on 05/18/2008, -0/+2I just had a student who's mother took a 9000€ loan so the student could get proper education and a proper home studio to set him off to a lifetime of work in the media business. I am not saying you are a bad dad trying to save money for food and rent, but If you are not going to support your sons education, who is? At least think of getting him 10 lessons to start things off into a good direction. for ~$20 a pop, 10 lessons in not that much of a investment, if it is going to help your kid trough life.
    • jrackow, on 05/18/2008, -0/+1My dad bought me a fake drum set for Christmas when I asked for a real one, Then bought me a fake guitar (it was actually plastic and red w/ fishing string). Two different Christmas'. When I asked my mom for a puppy I got pound puppies. I didn't have an incredibly sad childhood, but I still remember those things. I'd say if you're getting your son a guitar and a drum set then you're a pretty good dad. However, saying that, if he shows a genuine interest, I'd get lessons. They're no substitute. I'm a painter, and I'd much rather hang out with a kid for lessons then let all his aspirations rest on the laurels of watching a Bob Ross video. There may be wisdom to testing the waters with free online lessons, though.
    • sgregory416, on 05/19/2008, -0/+1only spend money on the lessons if he is truly passionate about it, i learned just fine how to play guitar and drum on my own without any lessons except for ones on line, and i barley used those. that was also when i was pretty young 13-14.
  • julianrod, on 05/18/2008, -1/+2Just Drums and Guitar??? We already have one White Stripes band!
  • cfr101, on 05/18/2008, -8/+3What a lame bunch of posts. I thought Diggers were all about DIY? I guess this only applies to computer stuff. When it comes to music, you people are a bunch of nerds.

    Jimi Hendrix
    Stevie Ray Vaughan
    Jimmy Page
    BB King
    Carlos Santana


    All are self taught guitar players. There are more, but these are the ones I can confirm. And none of these guys had the Internet, just the radio and records.

    As for music theory, learn everything you can and then forget it.

    Of course if you want to play classical or jazz guitar,proper lessons might be in order.

    But for rock and roll save your money for the f**cking gear. DIY!!!!
    • NOFXY, on 05/19/2008, -0/+1uhh, i'm pretty sure i remember both jimmy page and carlos santana both had "teachers." at least carlos santana did, not too sure on jimmy page.
  • rkettner, on 05/18/2008, -1/+4Nice! They are linking to a "how to play drums" video from my website (freedrumlessons.com). It's hosted on YouTube, but still kinda cool to be indirectly featured in LifeHacker.
  • Dystisis, on 05/18/2008, -2/+1Download Guitar Pro, great program, excellent to use if you want to learn how to write music. It plays what you write (either in tabs or notation) with digital instruments, so it's actually kind of WYSIWYG for music. Also you can download tabs for songs and load them into GP, is awesome for when trying to learn something.
    • urik88, on 05/19/2008, -0/+1Why he is getting dugg down? He's right :.
  • nyls, on 05/18/2008, -3/+2And then, to show off your mastery, you will need to make a recording of yourself. The good news is that decent audio recording software is also available online, and free: see http://www.software4free.org/recording.html
  • rileylolz, on 05/18/2008, -1/+2Dugg for using Radiohead to teach people guitar
    • bwdd, on 05/19/2008, -0/+1bodysnatchers is the best song on the album
  • z1freeride, on 05/19/2008, -2/+1vanderbilly.com is also a great site for the guitar. check out youtube.com/vanderbilly and youtube.com/jun626
  • DragonForce4, on 05/19/2008, -0/+1what if i want to play the keytar?
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