B l o g

Chat GPT's tips on how to learn

classical guitar

“AI is here. We all are going to our jobs. The end is inevitable.”

So, can it replace a guitar teacher?

After teaching guitar for more than 10 years, I have asked chat GPT the most common questions I get from students. Here is a record of the conversation.

Prompt: Hello, I would like to learn how to play classical guitar. Where should I start?

CHATGPT: Learning classical guitar is a rewarding experience that requires dedication and practice. Here are some steps you can take to get started:

Get a guitar: You'll need to get a classical guitar. You can either buy a new one or find a used one in good condition. Make sure to get the right size for your body type.
Find a good teacher: Look for a qualified guitar teacher who has experience teaching classical guitar. A teacher can help you learn proper technique and give you feedback on your progress.
Learn the basics: Your teacher can help you learn the basics, such as how to hold the guitar, how to read music notation, and how to tune your guitar.
Practice regularly: Set aside time each day to practice. Start with simple exercises and gradually work your way up to more complex pieces.
Listen to classical guitar music: Listening to classical guitar music can help you develop an ear for the sound and style of the music. You can find classical guitar music on streaming services or online.
Attend concerts and performances: Attend live concerts and performances by classical guitarists to see and hear how the music is played.

Remember that learning classical guitar is a process that takes time and patience. With consistent practice and a good teacher, you can make progress and enjoy the journey. Good luck!

Comment: Very kind of him to recommend a teacher. Apparently we can still keep our jobs.

Prompt: What is the first piece or song that I should learn on the guitar?

CHAT GPT: The first piece or song you should learn on classical guitar depends on your level of experience and skill. If you're an absolute beginner, you might start with some simple exercises and pieces to help you develop your technique and get comfortable with the instrument.

Some common pieces that beginners often learn include:

"Malagueña" by Ernesto Lecuona
"Romanza" (also known as "Spanish Romance")
"Greensleeves" (a traditional English folk song)
"Etude No. 1" by Fernando Sor
"Bourrée in E minor" by Johann Sebastian Bach

These pieces are all relatively simple and can be found in beginner guitar method books. Your teacher can help you select a piece that is appropriate for your level of experience and skill.

Remember that the most important thing is to focus on developing good technique and practicing consistently. With time and practice, you'll be able to play more complex pieces and enjoy the beauty of classical guitar music.

Comment: Those suggested pieces I would say are not for “absolute beginners”, so you would be starting already with the wrong foot I would say. I pressured him to give me easier pieces.

Prompt: I tried playing those suggested pieces but they are too hard. Can you provide me with easier ones to play?

CHATGPT: Sure! If you find those pieces too challenging, there are several easier pieces that you can try. Here are some suggestions:

"Ode to Joy" (from Beethoven's Ninth Symphony)
"Aura Lee" (a traditional American folk song)
"Canarios" (a traditional Spanish dance)
"Minuet in G" by Johann Sebastian Bach
"Andantino" by Fernando Carulli
"Allegretto" by Mauro Giuliani

These pieces are all suitable for beginners and can be found in many beginner guitar method books. You can also find tutorials and sheet music for these pieces online.

Remember to start slowly and focus on developing good technique. It's better to play a piece slowly and accurately than to rush through it and make mistakes. With consistent practice, you'll be able to play more complex pieces in the future.

Comment: These pieces are way friendlier and ones that I use all the time with my students. These ones are very good suggestions by the AI.

Prompt: Should I learn to read music notation or should stick to using tablature system when learning guitar?

CHATGPT: As a classical guitar player, it's highly recommended that you learn to read music notation. Reading sheet music is an important skill that will enable you to play a wide range of classical guitar music, from simple pieces to more complex ones.

While tablature is a helpful tool for beginners, it has some limitations. Tablature shows you which frets to press and which strings to pluck, but it doesn't tell you the rhythm, timing, or expression of the music. Sheet music, on the other hand, includes all of this information and allows you to play the music as the composer intended.

Learning to read sheet music takes time and practice, but it's a valuable skill that will benefit you in the long run. If you're new to reading sheet music, start with simple exercises and pieces, and gradually work your way up to more complex music. Your guitar teacher can help you develop this skill and provide you with tips and tricks to make the process easier.

That being said, tablature can be a helpful tool for learning specific parts of a piece that may be challenging. It can also be used as a supplement to sheet music, but it's important not to rely on it exclusively. Ultimately, the goal is to become proficient in reading sheet music so that you can play a wide range of classical guitar music.

Comment: This reply is amazing. This is exactly what I tell my students. I guess the AI can replace me after all!

Prompt: How many hours per day should I practice guitar?

CHATGPT: The amount of time you should practice guitar per day depends on your level of skill, your goals, and your schedule. It's important to find a practice routine that works for you and that you can stick to consistently. Here are some general guidelines:

Beginners: If you're just starting out, it's a good idea to practice for at least 20-30 minutes per day, gradually building up to longer practice sessions as you develop your skills.
Intermediate players: If you've been playing for a while and are looking to improve your skills, aim for 1-2 hours of practice per day. This can be divided into several shorter practice sessions throughout the day.
Advanced players: If you're an advanced player and are preparing for performances or competitions, you may need to practice for several hours per day to maintain your skills and improve your performance.

It's important to remember that quality is more important than quantity when it comes to practice. It's better to practice for a shorter amount of time with focus and concentration, than to practice for a longer period without concentration or attention to detail.

Also, it's important to take breaks and listen to your body. Over-practicing can lead to injuries or burnout. Make sure to take regular breaks and stretch to prevent tension and strain in your hands and arms.

Ultimately, the key to successful practice is consistency, focus, and a willingness to learn and improve.

Prompt: How long will it take me until I become good at guitar? (my students ask me this all the time)

CHATGPT: The amount of time it takes to become "good" at guitar depends on several factors, including your level of dedication, your natural ability, the amount of time you can devote to practice, and your goals.

Becoming a proficient guitarist is a journey, and it takes time and effort to develop the necessary skills. However, with consistent practice, most people can make noticeable progress within a few months to a year.

Here are some general guidelines for how long it may take to reach certain levels of proficiency:

Beginner level: A few months of consistent practice can help you become comfortable with the instrument, learn some basic chords and techniques, and start playing simple songs.
Intermediate level: It typically takes 1-2 years of consistent practice to become an intermediate-level guitarist, which means you can play more complex pieces, have good technique, and are able to read music notation.
Advanced level: Becoming an advanced-level guitarist can take several years of dedicated practice, with a focus on refining technique, improving musicality, and developing a wide repertoire of pieces.

It's important to remember that progress is not always linear, and there may be periods where it feels like you're not improving as quickly as you'd like. However, if you stay committed to your practice routine, seek out guidance from a teacher or mentor, and continually challenge yourself with new music and techniques, you can make steady progress and become a skilled guitarist over time.

Comment: This one I would say it’s a standard answer. I also tell my students some version/variation of this.

Here is a question for the ones frustrated among you.

Prompt: I am practicing guitar a lot but not seeing any progress. What is wrong with me?

CHATGPT: It can be frustrating when you're practicing a lot and not seeing the progress you'd like, but don't get discouraged! Here are some things to consider:

Practice effectively: Simply practicing for long periods of time doesn't guarantee progress. You need to practice effectively and with intention. Make sure you're practicing the right things, at the right tempo, and with proper technique. Break down difficult passages into smaller sections and practice them slowly, gradually increasing the tempo as you get more comfortable.
Get feedback: It's possible that you're practicing with incorrect technique or habits that are hindering your progress. Consider getting feedback from a guitar teacher, friend, or fellow musician who can observe your playing and give you constructive feedback.
Take breaks: It's important to take breaks during practice sessions to prevent burnout and injury. Take frequent breaks to stretch, rest your hands, and avoid tension.
Set realistic goals: Make sure you're setting goals that are realistic and achievable. Trying to tackle a difficult piece of music that's beyond your skill level can be discouraging, so make sure you're setting goals that are challenging but attainable.
Stay motivated: Learning an instrument is a long-term commitment, and it's important to stay motivated and enthusiastic about your progress. Celebrate small victories and milestones, and find ways to make practice sessions enjoyable and rewarding.

Remember, progress takes time and effort, and everyone learns at their own pace. Be patient with yourself, and keep practicing consistently and effectively. With time and dedication, you'll start to see progress and improvements in your playing.

What are thoughts on Chat GPT? Would you use it in your guitar journey? Have you tried to ask him questions about guitar?

(As a bonus question, I asked him the following):

Prompt: “Who is the best classical guitar player in the world?”

CHATGPT: It's difficult to determine who the best classical guitar player in the world is, as there are so many talented and accomplished guitarists who have contributed to the field. Here are a few guitarists who are often considered some of the best in the world:

Andrés Segovia: Segovia is widely considered to be the father of modern classical guitar. He played a major role in elevating the guitar to a respected concert instrument and helped to establish its place in classical music.
Julian Bream: Bream is a British classical guitarist who has been active since the 1950s. He is known for his virtuosic playing and his interpretations of works by Baroque and Renaissance composers.
John Williams: Williams is an Australian guitarist who is known for his technical precision and ability to bring out the emotional depth of the music he plays. He has played a major role in popularizing the classical guitar and introducing it to a wider audience.
David Russell: Russell is a Scottish classical guitarist who has won multiple awards and is known for his expressive playing and virtuosic technique. He has released numerous recordings and is regarded as one of the leading guitarists of his generation.

These are just a few of the many talented classical guitarists who have made significant contributions to the field. Each has their own unique style and approach to the instrument, and all are worth exploring for anyone interested in classical guitar.