Learning how to play guitar is something that many people are interested in. Many of us grew up listening to great rock bands such as the Rolling Stones, Beatles, or Cream, and always wished we could play guitar like our heroes. Now that we're older and have worked hard to establish our career and family, many of us have decided that it is time to learn how to play guitar. Before you take that first guitar lesson, there are several things you should do to be prepared.

First, getting your first beginner guitar can be a very daunting task. While it is not necessary for you to know a lot about guitars, you should at least know that there are three basic types. There are electric guitars, acoustic guitars, and classical guitars. Technically classical guitars are also acoustic, but because they have nylon strings instead of steel strings, they are classified differently. Most of your heroes probably played an electric guitar, and there’s no reason for you not to. Don’t buy into that old theory that you have to start with an acoustic guitar. They all play the same, and the electric ones are easier to handle. Let’s face it, they sound cooler too.

Most entry level guitars are made overseas, and are of similar quality. When you are just starting to learn how to play guitar, the quality is not important, and you should not spend too much on a guitar because as you improve, your tastes will change and develop more.

Second, decide if you will be taking traditional guitar lesson at a music store or lesson facility, or use one of the many excellent online multimedia guitar lesson methods available. Private lessons are great, of course, but can be expensive and require a time commitment on your part. Obviously either method requires time on your part, but at least if you have something you are learning from at home on your computer or DVD player, you have the option of taking a lesson whenever you want.

Finally, be ready to practice. If you want to learn how to play the guitar, you have to practice a little bit every day. It doesn’t have to be a lot, 20 minutes will do. The main thing is the consistent practice on a day to day basis. I have yet to see a student who wants to learn how to play the guitar, and practices regularly, not have good results. Above all else, have fun with it. There is no hurry, and the joy will get from learning how to play the guitar will be with you for the rest of your life.