The School of Feedback Guitar Blog

Guitar is fun. I want to make sure that this message comes loud and clear to everyone who reads this blog.

There are thousands of guitar teachers who unwittingly set obstacles in the way of students who just wants to learn and enjoy the guitar. Sure, some students really respond well to learning from these obstacles, but every single one? I doubt it. If a student hates the idea of learning music theory, chances are they could have a different idea of what they want to do with guitar than the teacher think is possible (like, as a chance to be creative). If a student really has no interest in learning scales, chances are that a teacher who forces the issue will lose them eventually.

I really like to go on rants about music theory and scales. I know both inside and out, and yet I don't teach them to everyone. To me, they are the most mis-used pedagogical concepts in music education. No one seems to be questioning why they are good, but it seems like too many people are blindly saying that "every student must learn music theory regardless of their interest in it." 

This is wrong, and you have a right to question it if your teacher is making you learn it.

To the people who are playing guitar and are being told that they must learn something they don't want to, I hope you feel free enough to question your teacher's authority. If they are worth their salt, they will explain why it's important and in a kind way. They won't get flustered, and they will appreciate your view, immensely. What if the teacher gets angry? What if he or she takes offence to you asking questions? Avoid them. They are not worth your time. They are providing barriers to enjoyment of guitar, not making it more possible and within your reach.

In order for guitar to be fun, you need to find others who think of guitar as an incredibly fun way to pass the time. This goes for both teachers and people we meet to jam with. We all have different reasons to play, but if it's not fun, why do it?