I wanted to share this post on it's own. It's something I originally created as a response to a student asking about creating a plan to start playing. Like nearly every new player, the student wanted some advice on how to create an optimal plan with which to move forward. I've been teaching a long time and the following is my best advice on how to start your journey on the path to being the musician you want to become.
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The best way to proceed is to start to develop a plan that allows for flexibility. As you grow as a player, you will continually find some things more attractive that others in terms of what you want to play and want to learn. I'd suggest a blend of REC lessons, and joining in on every collaboration project no matter what your current level of play. The Collab projects allow you to play actual music that you create. This is the point of all of this after all. No matter where you are currently, in terms of skill, it's always worth it to try to create a solo or even a few notes over a backing track. it requires creativity, and technical ability and a pinch of theory. So jump in and join every one you see.
As for lessons, pick several that appeal to you just based on the title at first. You'll need to try several to see which ones you like and don't. Some, you won't want to complete. Some, you'll love and want to do more that are similar. If you find you've selected a lesson that starts to seem tedious, just let it drop and pick a new one. The main thing that keeps people from being good at guitar is simply not practicing. It's easy to get burned out, to get overwhelmed, to just not play, not practice. So finding out what you need in order to keep it enjoyable is the most important thing. If it becomes a chore, something you do0n't look forward to, you are less likely to do it. Most folks give up in under a year. If it was easy, everyone would be a great musician. It's not easy, but it is worth it. There is nothing, and I do mean nothing, better than being able to express oneself with music.
In addition, select a few songs that you'd like to learn from bands that you like. Try to learn some of these using just your ear. This is NOT easy at first. But then again, nothing about guitar is easy at first That's why most people give it up. It's work. Lots of work. You have to play through a lot of bad notes to get to the good ones so staying motivated is important. Working on your "ear" is just another part of it. By trying to learn songs that you enjoy listening to, you can help to start training your ear. Even if you only use one finger to find one note at a time on the neck, that's progress. Some players don't develop their ear until years in to playing. This makes everything more difficult for them so I'd say start trying to learn songs by ear right away as part of your plan.
So to summarize. Your plan will shift and change as you grow. Consistent practice is the most important thing and you've got to be able to make it enjoyable using any means available. Find things you want to play. if something is feeling like a tedious chore, put it aside temporarily and come back to it later. Keep it fun. It's a long journey and the best way forward is to find a way to keep wanting to take the next step and the next and the next.
I hope this helps
Todd
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