Since you're probably anxious to get playing your guitar and not so excited about finding the right software, here is a quick guide to the different types of guitar learning software available. This checklist should give you an idea of what is available to suit your particular needs.

Guitar Learning Software (GLS) - Full Service

The top of the line guitar software programs provide everything you could possibly need when learning how to play the guitar, from beginner to advanced and everything in between.

If you want all the bells and whistles to go along with your guitar lessons, then you want full service guitar learning software. They should give you the biggest bang for your buck. Using both audio and video instruction, these outstanding programs include lessons in both acoustic and electric guitar. They usually have well over 100 lessons, and come with a collection of anywhere from 50 to 100 songs for practice and play-along jams.

GLS - Mid-Range

Mid-range lesson software is not too expensive, ranging from $30 to $70, and gives top quality for the price. These programs usually have some video and audio lessons, and some include written lessons as well. A mid-range program can come with up to 100 lessons and nice size song collections containing 50 or more songs (such as Jamorama).

GLS - Just the Basics

If you are just starting out playing the guitar, you will want a program that begins slowly and provides some basic background for beginners. The basic guitar learning software programs offer easy lessons that don't require any previous guitar playing experience. Some will also provide a bit of music theory along with the guitar lessons to give you a more well-rounded guitar instruction experience. Basic guitar learning software usually costs around $20 to $50.

GLS - Easy on the Wallet

There are more than a few guitar learning software programs that are cheap, but they get the job done. Many of these even include a good amount of video instruction, a nice song collection and some coach you how to play guitar by ear. If you don't have much money to spend, but you want to learn how to play the guitar, there are plenty of options out there. In fact, you can even find guitar learning software available to download for free if you look in the right places.