The Basics: Decide what instrument you want to learn. Get a beginning book for the instrument… and the instrument. This could be anywhere from bagpipes to piano to tuba. The book should cover all basic theory for the instrument as well as basic music theory. If you need help, ask a clerk at your local music store to help you pick one out. Go through the book front to back. Practice all the riffs until you have confidence in them.

Listen: At this point you have a basic understanding of your instrument. You have accomplished what a first year instrumentalist would learn in 7th grade beginning band. Now where do you go? There are advanced books out there but, you don’t want to go that route. You want to learn how YOU would play your instrument and pour YOUR soul into it. Start listening to music. You probably already do. What do you like about it? Write down specific things you want to learn to do.

Research: Take your list and pick out a couple techniques or riffs that you would like to be able to do. Seek out other musicians that may be able to help you with some of the specifics. Go to the library and look through some of the how to books there to see if what you want to learn is in there. Don’t check it out, just copy the pages you need. The internet is a great resource primarily for guitarists. There is a ton of information on anything you can imagine. If you can’t find what you want, post a question in a music chat room or on someone’s blog. Most people are happy to help if they can.

Practice: Practice makes perfect. Don’t get discouraged though. It may take time to get into the groove. Learn several things at once so you don’t get tired and frustrated on one particular thing.

Rotate: When you get something down, find something else to learn. Keep the rotation going and you will always be advancing your skill level. Don’t forget to go back and practice the old stuff every now and again or you will lose it.

Overall Tips & Warnings

• * If you get stuck, you can hire someone for professional advice. Just let them know that you are seeking out your own style and they should respect that.
• * Everyone learns at a different pace so try not to get discouraged.