<p>I am an incoming freshman at USC majoring in business and maybe minoring in something else, and I'd like to learn how to play blues guitar. Can someone explain what I should do? Do I take a class on it, take it as an elective, join a club? Do I need private lessons? I'd prefer not to have to pay for it. Is there even a place where I can specifically learn "blues guitar" or is it only possible to learn guitar in general?</p>
<p>I'm not looking to play it for a class and that's it; I'd like to seriously get into it. I'd like to play it after college as well. </p>
<p>Oh and by the way I'm 17 years old (will be 18 at USC) and have never picked up a guitar in my life. So I will be a complete beginner. </p>
<p>So what should I do once I get there? Keep in mind I'm not majoring in music or planning on pursuing a career in music. I'd just really like to learn blues guitar really well.</p>
<p>You could take MPGU 120a Beginning Pop/Rock guitar. [MPGU</a> | USC Schedule of Classes](<a href=“http://web-app.usc.edu/soc/20103/mpgu.html]MPGU”>302 Found) It is 2 units, and as long as you don’t exceed 18 units total you don’t have to pay extra. The basics will be the same so you could take a few semesters (120a, b, c) and then move on to private lessons to focus on blues.
As a parent who has (willingly) paid for decades of private music lessons, please let me know if you find a way to get quality private music instruction for free (I have not). USC has MPGU 300x Non-Major Individual Instruction (Guitar), and if you fit it into the 18 units there won’t be an extra tuition fee, but there will be the private lesson fee of $350/semester for 1 unit and $750/semester for 2 units. </p>
<p>You may be able to find students offering beginning lessons, but they will expect to be paid for their efforts. The most economical plan would be to take the three semesters of beginning guitar and then consider private lessons. Good luck!</p>
<p>A couple of thoughts: Check out Acoustic Guitar Magazine and their online website. They are the best with jazz/blues. They have daily “tips” that are free and can give you access to some excellent online videos. If you are in the Northern California area, the Stanford Jazz Workshop summer classes and workshops is the best program around. The director of the program would be glad to recommend a private instructor, wherever you might live. The SJW brings in the best in jazz/blues from all over the world, so his contacts are the best. And next, easily one of the best jazz guitarists in the world is now at USC. His name is Bruce Foreman. Musicians are very accessible and willing to talk, give advice, etc. Also, be sure to go to as many jam sessions and concerts as you can find. The summer is full of them, many free or charge only small fees (like $10). Students are often free. And finally, just pick up your guitar and start practicing as much as possible. Have fun!</p>
<p>My son is a jazz/studio guitar major at USC and he has been teaching beginning guitar to private students for a few years. He will be teaching in the fall if you are interested. I will have him e-mail you with his contact information. </p>
<p>Good luck!</p>