Can Someone Learn to Play Guitar Just by Reading Tabs Online and Watching YouTube Videos?
When I started learning the guitar back in my teens, the resources available were limited. Today, things have changed dramatically, with online resources and platforms like YouTube providing nearly infinite access to tutorials, tabs, and chord charts. This raises the question: is it really possible to learn to play the guitar just by using these online resources, or does one need to have prior knowledge of playing other instruments?
My Personal Journey
I only had one guitar lesson and learned the most basic chords. Then, I went home and started exploring online resources. Starting at the age of 13, I eventually reached 26 years old, during which I could play along with the radio and even find the root notes by ear. I can play along with all of my favorite songs, even the more complex ones by Cannibal Corpse. However, I must admit, I cannot read music and have very little knowledge of music theory. Interestingly, this lack of formal training didn’t hinder my progress. It just clicked in a different way for me.
Additionally, I highly recommend every guitarist to learn to play bass as well. Learning bass greatly helped me with rhythm, which was the most challenging part for me when I started learning guitar.
Online Resources for Guitar Learning
Online instruction resources are a fantastic way to learn guitar without the need for formal, in-person lessons. Free and paid guitar lessons, chord charts, tabs, and tutorials are readily available. The pause and rewind feature on platforms like YouTube makes it an invaluable learning aid. It also provides the flexibility to learn at your own pace and without the frustration that might come with an in-person instructor.
The Pros and Cons of Learning Guitar Online
The quick answer to the question is Yes. I think we all started out the same way by reading tabs or watching our favorite YouTube teachers. However, there is a downside to learning guitar through these methods: bad habits are tough to break. For instance, improper finger placement, incorrect shifting, or even holding the guitar incorrectly are common pitfalls.
Additionally, it typically takes much longer to learn on your own unless you have a structured practice routine. This is all contingent on the type of guitar player you aspire to be. If you're looking to learn specific song riffs, the above information would apply less than to someone who aspires to become a legitimate guitarist. But as long as you continue to have fun with it, who really cares, right?
Learning Guitar in the Digital Age
Yes, you can learn to play guitar using online resources, even if those options were not available when I started learning. During my early days, I primarily learned by listening to records. Another method I used was playing with others, especially those who were better than me, to improve my skills.
My children had the benefit of these tools, and they certainly learned songs more quickly and more correctly using tabs, YouTube videos, and other online resources. However, they didn’t know how to play any other instruments but learned some after they started learning guitar. When I remarried, my new wife attempted to teach one of my children how to read music. I jokingly said not to ruin my kids like that.