How Long To Complete Lesson Books?

[higrob]

I am a beginner and am learning from the Mel Bay lesson books.

Of course,I am on Guitar 1 right now.There are 7 lesson books in all and I have been told that the first one should take me about 4-6 months to finish.(I practice alot.

Has anyone else learned this way and if so how long did it take to complete the books?Do you complete them faster as you get more experienced?

:) :) :) :) :) :) :)

[cyberfret]

The "how long will it take me?" question is such a common one......but one with no solid answer. It all depends on how much you practice, and your natural ability. I think that after you go through the first couple of books, you will start exploring other books and other things to practice. I think you would be hard pressed to find someone who has actually gone through all 7 books in the Mel Bay series. But if you finish them all, let us know :)

--Shawn

[SixStringMadman]

Hey man. I know exactly why you are asking because I asked myself the same question when I began. But, go at a pace you feel comfortable at; go slow at first and just absorb the information and better your skills. When playing a song, try and feel the chords reaching out to your mind and body, and play with your eyes closed when you know the chords well enough. Sight ruins the feeling to a really good song.

Also, LEARN YOUR MAJOR TRIADS. And try to memorize all single notes on all strings down to the 5th fret, plus the Pentatonic Scale in A, to begin with. You will eventually get it, just takes a little bit of time. :)

Six-String-Madman

PS- A good song to learn is Tom Petty's "Runnin' Down a Dream". The song sounds awsome, and only has four chords if I remember right. And dont worry about the lead guitar (although it is easy, too). :)

[The Tongue]

I learn ferom the mel bay guitar method also. i am on number 2 and this first one took me about 2 months. this one will take me longer.