<p>...to teach yourself to play the electric guitar?? I've been thinking about this for a while, and Amazon has some really cheap guitars and instruction books, but do I really need a teacher? I've always hated the idea of someone making you go at their pace, and plus there hard to find around here and are pretty expensive. What do you all think?</p>
<p>I'm sure you could. Lots of people self-teach brass and woodwind instruments; a friend of mine is self-teaching classical guitar. The key is to make sure you get a good instruction book; my friend was a little bit confused at first because the book he had didn't explain certain things very well. If any of your friends play electric, you could probably ask them for tips.</p>
<p>Bump!!!!!!!!!!</p>
<p>I think a big part is whether or not you have had experience with a musical instrument before. Being able to read notes beforehand will definitely save you time and be a huge advantage. Have you considered trying the acoustics first? I always thought that they were more fundamental so you could learn and practice easier. Good luck!!</p>
<p>It's completely possible. I'm living proof. I started teaching myself guitar in the winter of 2002 (bought a cheap electric of eBay with my Christmas money). I used my brother's guitar books (he took lessons for a year). Be sure that you actually learn the notes and not rely completely on tablature. It will really help. But if you work at it, you can do it!</p>
<p>Thanks to the ppl who have responded so far. I actually have an excellent mastery of reading notes since I have played piano for over 9 years. Any more advice?</p>
<p>Ok, you should be in good shape then (I had been playing piano for 7 years when I first started). My last advice is that you will be pretty frustrated early on...fingers won't find the strings fast enough, but if you can get past that, it only gets easier.</p>
<p>Lessons make most anything easier, but of course you can learn on your own. Don't think Jimi Hendrix spent too much time in music class.</p>
<p>Of course you can try to teach yourself electrical guitar. It just depends on if you want to learn the right technique or not. If you teach yourself, you are less likely to do everythin properly, if you get lessons you learn the right way. Sorry if this sounds weird, but my mom's a guitar teacher.</p>
<p>It's possible. Look at Jimi Hendrix</p>
<p>I took lessons to get me started, but looking back, I guess I could've done it all by myself. It really isn't that hard. </p>
<p>If all you want to do is be able to play basic songs, then you can learn power chords in a snap. Reading tabs is pretty easy too once you get the hang of it. If you want to learn more detailed stuff, there are millions of books and videos to help you out.</p>
<p>I also recently bought a guitar on ebay. I'll wait until next year to get formally trained.</p>