There's only so much that can be taught - if anything a good teacher provides good guidance more than anything. You need to put the time in and focus on the correct things, be critical of yourself and your playing, but the only person that'll make you a better player is you. I've been to quite a few different teachers, and the one that's had the biggest impact on me was actually a guy in the US who I emailed a few times - his advice was essentially slow down and think about what you're doing. It sounds so silly and rather obvious, but make sure you're aware of timings, what chords you're playing over, what feel you're aiming for etc. By the sounds of it, you're on the right track. Most theory is available on the internet and you can learn it yourself with some discipline.

For my two cents, I would, and do, go to a private guitar teacher.
I have been playing for around 13years. 4 of which had a teacher when I was starting out, but then I stopped that as I entered matric exams and never resumed.

I kept playing rather seriously, dedicating time to getting better at the guitar, for the next 8 or 9 years. Until this year, when I decided a teacher would be pretty cool, because I wanted to branch out and play in styles and patterns that were unfamiliar to me. So I got onto the gumtree and gave Tony Cox a call. What an amazing idea!
I have been going to Tony for around 6 months now and my playing is infinitely better. My understanding of theory and context is also way way way ahead of where it was. If I were to stop going to Tony this month, I would still have a few months work of catch-up to play, learning all of the things he has taught me.

In short, going for lessons again has drastically improved every single aspect of my playing as well as given me a much stronger passion than I used to have too.
(I was always passionate, but now is something completely different. I play a lot. and I progress when I practice, I dont just go through the motions like I did for a few years...in fact, I just got back from my lunch break, where I found a small deserted stairway in a local shopping centre, in which to practice. It's raining here, so my usual log in Tokai forest was not available).

In my experience, a good teacher is an incredible asset, and though it does rather consume my monthly budget, I don't regret resuming lessons for a second.

I think both are important. Self study proves you are interested in learning - something a teacher just can't do for you. And then there's everything else...which a teacher is great for.

Thanks Mike, I suppose I should go and make a list of what's lacking and whats needed to get me to the next level of the direction Im aiming for and follow that list. Mmm the slow down and think about what you're doing piece is actually something I never really did ? might be good to start doing it.

Another thing I keep reading is how some people make theory out to be this miracle cure, that if I knew everything about it that I would magically sound better and my phrasing would be top notch. I do understand and can see Ive got theoretical gaps I need to fill which would enable me to add more flavor to my playing but knowing which notes I can mend together next still wont help me if I cant get a nice phrase / feel out of it.

Ive got friends that went to university and damelin music school and where ever they are good and all but some of them just keeps on piling notes onto the bar lick after lick after lick which kind of saturates my ears you know like when you ate too much, so cleary they either didnt pay attention or school isnt all its cut out to be.

I suppose it comes down to the player in the end and how adaptable you are to which ever learning method and how you put that to practical use.

My biggest problem is direction and distraction. You know what to practise next and to actually do it instead of just playing everything I know or learning a new song.

Xelect wrote: Another thing I keep reading is how some people make theory out to be this miracle cure, that if I knew everything about it that I would magically sound better and my phrasing would be top notch. I do understand and can see Ive got theoretical gaps I need to fill which would enable me to add more flavor to my playing but knowing which notes I can mend together next still wont help me if I cant get a nice phrase / feel out of it.

Ive got friends that went to university and damelin music school and where ever they are good and all but some of them just keeps on piling notes onto the bar lick after lick after lick which kind of saturates my ears you know like when you ate too much, so cleary they either didnt pay attention or school isnt all its cut out to be.

I suppose it comes down to the player in the end and how adaptable you are to which ever learning method and how you put that to practical use.

You have basically answered yourself in this post. Theory helps as much as a teacher helps... both still can't play for you. Theory alone will not make you play better, it will only help you understand better. It is not a cure all, never has been. A lot of people throw up their favourite players who happen to know no theory and say "Look at that. He does it, therefore I don't need it". Unfortunately you are not that player, never will be. His environment shaped him along with his desire. Your environment is different... we all have different needs. Never shun anything until you understand why you are shunning it. That means: get to know the subject, know what you need to know. Then shun what you feel you need to. And this part of the topic is what irritates me most about "musicians" who shun theory without realising there are words attached to the examples given. And they think they play so well and continue to diss it... if only someone had the heart to tell them their faults... oh... wait... I have heart and do precisely that.

You have to work out phrasing on your own (which can be learned to an extent by most teachers, most of Schoenberg's books that deal with melody, songbooks of your favourite players/bands whose playing intrigues you.... otherwise your ear will help - but you have to stop listening to the wow factor and listen to the approach instead). Each player's phrasing is unique to them but, it still follows a general outline which can be taught. A music school does not make a musician... it merely supplies the tools.

In the end it is your choice what you do... but it seems you have a general understanding of what is lacking... and you have plans or are going to make a plan to sort it out.

I'm currently going to a private teacher and I think it's great.
Firstly he's teaching me and showing me things I would have never came across otherwise and hence would have never been able to learn by myself. So, yes, you could teach yourself everything, but the main point it seems is that you'll never come across everything, so someone who's had a lot moreexperience than you will show you more cool things quicker.
Also, since it's a one on one lesson, it's hard to hide behind excuses and mistakes. He sees when you mess up and when you don't practice. So it's good motivation if you don't want to look like a shmuck.

It definately depends on the teacher though. So you need to take care in choosing the right one for what you want.

Xelect wrote: Thanks Mike, I suppose I should go and make a list of what's lacking and whats needed to get me to the next level of the direction Im aiming for and follow that list.

I'm not sure it works quite like that. Sure it could help, but I assure you that your list of what is lacking and what is needed will look very different after a few weeks of lessons with a good teacher than it would if you were to write it now.
Acknowledge the possibility that a teacher could notice things about your playing that you yourself don't. And they could also know things about playing that you yourself dont.

I started my lessons again because I didn't know what would populate the "what is needed" list.
My teacher has taught me some things that seem incredibly obvious once you know them, but prior to being shown, they were elements I had never even considered...completely outside the scope of things familiar to me.

I don't know if I am making sense.
I guess, if you are keen and willing to invest the time and money, a good teacher is an awesome idea.
If you are n not going to put in the hours practising tho, and would rather just pick up your guitar and play through songs and stuff, then I would say a teacher is a waste of money and Youtube is a great source of what you're after.

Thanks for all the helpfull info so far!

Well yeah I think I might get a lesson or two on a monthly basis get some guidance and pointed in the right direction. Look effort and devotion arent the issue. I practise as much as possible meaning some nights it might only be 15 mins some days 2 hours depends on work and life but Ill allways try to atleast do something that challenges my ability each day keep on building strength and what not.

Any recommendations of teachers in Cape Town mostly northern subs but I can travel if needed? ?

Btw very helpfull forum thanks! ?

I guess a lot depends on the kind of music you want to be playing and your vibe.
Some teachers are, for instance, exclusively acoustic. And they may be very poor choices if you aren't interested in acoustic music...tho if you were they would likely be your best choices.

So, what are you into and keen to be into?

Shibbibilybob wrote: I guess a lot depends on the kind of music you want to be playing and your vibe.
Some teachers are, for instance, exclusively acoustic. And they may be very poor choices if you aren't interested in acoustic music...tho if you were they would likely be your best choices.

So, what are you into and keen to be into?

Well at the moment I mostly focus on blues prog's covers and improv(messing around with licks in diff keys and positions), a blues specific teacher would be great tho still need to work on some general improvements here and there as well.

While reading the tread an idea popped into my head.

Will it be possible to create a list on this forum with people that would like to assist players that are in need? I deliberately steered clear of the words teacher and lessons. Obviously, teachers will be part of the list.

The info, according to me, that is needed is:
1. Name
2. Teacher or non-teacher that would like to help
3. Expertize (rhythm, lead, acoustic, electric,…)
4. Location
5. Contact details (email, phone…)
6. Availability
7. Price

Some of us do not have decent music stores that we can approach for help. Where I live for example, but for all I know there is someone down the street that can help me attain the next level.

Any thoughts?

Cool idea could be very usefull, dont know if people would be willing to let out contact info that easily tho

RobbieZ wrote: While reading the tread an idea popped into my head.

Will it be possible to create a list on this forum with people that would like to assist players that are in need? I deliberately steered clear of the words teacher and lessons. Obviously, teachers will be part of the list.

The info, according to me, that is needed is:
1. Name
2. Teacher or non-teacher that would like to help
3. Expertize (rhythm, lead, acoustic, electric,…)
4. Location
5. Contact details (email, phone…)
6. Availability
7. Price

Some of us do not have decent music stores that we can approach for help. Where I live for example, but for all I know there is someone down the street that can help me attain the next level.

Any thoughts?

A great idea Robbie...
I have no university training to be a teacher but I do have years of experience and have introduced and taught many guitarists.
What you should do is start a thread and I'll put my name on... 8)