What Happens In A Guitar Lesson?
So you’ve booked your first guitar lesson… what is *actually* going to happen?
Music lessons are one of the most supportive, fast and enjoyable ways to grow as a musician, especially if this is your first ever instrumental music lesson! 🎸
So, if this is your first instrumental music lesson, we just want to say CONGRATS for taking this huge first step! 🥳
This is a super exciting experience, but we get it can also be a little bit nerve-wracking as well! If you or your child is feeling nervous about the first guitar lesson, reach out to the studio and let them know! They will be really happy to answer any questions you may have, and are glad to know beforehand, so they can best support you in this experience!
So, for the first-timers, the curious ones or the grown ups of little ones off to their first lesson… here is an overview of what a first guitar lesson might look like!
Mid Year Show with SoundCheck Studios, 2025
Nervous about your first lesson? Check out this quote from one of SoundCheck Studios students on her experience starting instrumental music lessons!
“Even though I already knew basic chords on guitar, I really wanted to learn more!! Best decision I’ve made, I’ve learnt so much that I’d never heard of before. I’ve improved sooo much in such a short time and I’m so happy about it!! So take that step! Learn! Grow! And have fun! ”
— Lily, SoundCheck Studios guitar student
What to bring to your first guitar lesson
Check with your studio! Before your first guitar lesson, the studio or teacher should let you know what you should bring along. Here are some of the basics:
A guitar (if you have one) 🎸
Any songs or sheet music you have been working on
Some goals you have for this experience – what do you want to get out of it??
The genres, artists or songs you LOVE ❤️
An open mind!
If you have a guitar, tuner, amp, pick, capo or anything else you think might be helpful, bring it along! Your teacher will be able to explain what each piece of equipment does and when you might need it.
Summer Sounds with SoundCheck, 2024
If you don’t have a guitar, do not fret! Your teacher/studio should have one that you can practice with during the lesson. If you decide to continue guitar lessons, it is definitely worth buying your own guitar. Check your local music store, online buy/swap/sell groups and ask your coach for their recommendations on where to find a guitar in your area!
When you get there!
Welcome! You made it to your first guitar lesson, woo hoo! 🥳
Your teacher will most likely show you around the space, introduce themselves and the studio and ask you LOTS of questions about yourself… so don’t be shy! The better you communicate…
Who you are
What you want to learn
Your past musical experience
And, the ways you learn best 🫶
… The better your teacher can tailor lessons to you and your goals!
Here is an example of what the first lesson at SoundCheck Studios Ballarat looks like:
Acoustic VS Electric
Wondering if you should start by learning acoustic or electric guitar… let’s have a look at some of the pros and cons of both!
Acoustic guitars are a common first instrument, and are very beginner friendly. You can take them anywhere without the need for an amplifier. Acoustic guitars also come in half sizes, and they are really accessible to find and buy if you have a little person that is really keen to get started, but can’t comfortably hold a full size acoustic.
Lots of people want to start their music journey on an electric guitar – which is AWESOME. Electric and acoustic guitars are super similar in their technique and theory. Electric guitars have slightly thinner strings, and are therefore a little easier to play. Electric guitars are a little harder to find, and generally start at a higher price. They also require an amp and guitar lead to get the full sound. Despite these few extra steps, electric guitars are still a great first instrument – because really, all that matters is that you LOVE it 💜
Anatomy of a guitar 🎸
One of the first things your teacher might talk about is alllll the different parts of the guitar!
Don’t worry, you won’t be tested on these! It is a great way to get to know your new instrument and answer some of those questions you didn’t even know you have.
Let's have a look at this handy infographic from SoundCheck Studios!
Acoustic Guitar Anatomy
Electric Guitar Anatomy
Setting Goals 🚀
Your teacher might ask if you have any goals you want to work towards – this can be a tricky question to answer if you’re just at the start of your guitar journey!
Some examples of beginner guitar goals might be…
Learn (insert your favourite song) and play it for my family!
Be able to play 4 chords confidently 🎸
Learn 3 new strumming patterns
Know all the different parts of a guitar and what they do
Write my own songs using the guitar 📝
Play for 5 minutes each day as a new hobby
Discover 3 new artists I LOVE 💜
Be able to play in a band with my friends
… But really, your goals can be any. thing. you. want. Have a good think about why you are starting lessons, how much time you have to practice and what you want to achieve.
These goals might change over time, and that’s okay too! Keep communicating with your teacher as your priorities shift, so you are both on the same page.
Summer Sounds with SoundCheck, 2024
Okay, you’ve done your first lesson… what comes next?
Congratulations on completing your first guitar lesson! New experiences like these allow you to step so far outside of your comfort zone, which is exactly where growth happens 🥳
Now you’ve got an idea of the studio space, your coach's teaching style, and what a guitar lesson is like, it’s time to consider if you’d like to continue! Most music studios encourage you to book a first trial lesson before you commit to a certain number of weeks-per-term of lessons. Check with your studio before the end of the lesson to work out the next steps!
At the end of your lesson, or after the lesson finishes, your teacher will give you an idea of the kinds of things they can help you with. This could include:
Working on your technique
Reading tabs or sheet music 🎼
Learning lots of new songs!
Understanding music theory and how to use it
Exploring new genres of songs
Songwriting or composition 🎶
Playing in a band or practising your accompaniment
This will help you gauge what your lessons might look like in the future!
And, if you have a specific goal, make sure to ask if your teacher can help you with that! For example, if you reallyyyy want to play classical guitar, but your teacher isn’t a classical guitarist, they might not be able to help you, and could refer you to another guitar teacher or other resources!
Homegrown with SoundCheck, 2022
And remember, if you don’t love it – that’s okay! Just because you’ve done one lesson with someone doesn’t mean you automatically HAVE to learn from them forever! There are soooo many reasons instrumental music lessons might not be the right fit for you or your kids right now, so don’t force it! Sometimes we don’t have the time to commit to learning at this stage of life, there’s more you want to work on yourself before you start lessons, or you just don’t like the vibe of the studio – trust your gut!
Music lessons are awesome, but if you don’t feel comfortable to learn and grow in your lessons right now, take a breather and come back to it later. No hard feelings, we can’t wait to see you around again soon!
We are SO. PROUD. of you for taking your first step into guitar lessons, and cannot wait to see all the goals you smash, songs you play and fun you have on your guitar journey 🥰
