What should I look for in a guitar instructor?

What you look for in a guitar teacher depends mostly on your age and level of accomplishment on the instrument. Adult beginners should look for someone who has a systematic approach to the material and the ability to easily convey techniques and concepts to people who are new to the instrument.

Young beginners, however, face a unique problem because most guitar instructors DO NOT want to deal with children. I’m not sure whether it’s because they can’t relate to them or because they think it’s not challenging enough. Whatever the reason, parents need to be very selective about who they choose to get their kids started on guitar.

The fundamental problem for all students of the guitar is that people often assume that because someone can play guitar well, they are able to teach others to do the same. That is a false assumption. Playing well is an important component, but personality and teaching ability is always paramount in a learning situation. My advice is to interview the teacher prior to signing up for lessons.