The environment you put yourself in to learn music is very important. You will find yourself in a group lesson or one-on-one with a private teacher. Both have definite advantages and drawbacks. The group setting in a classroom affords you an outlet for healthy competition (and inspiration), where you can measure your standing in relation to the progress of other students. You also learn to function with fellow guitarists and other musicians in an ensemble manner, and you will develop an awareness of how to blend in with others, which is important. This awareness will also help when it is time to start “the band” (more on this subject later). Dynamics, chord accompaniment, and when to play can often be learned more easily in a classroom or group setting.

Most class instructors “teach to the mean,” which means they teach the average overall level of the class rather than the most advanced or least proficient. Depending on how far you've developed, this can be to your advantage or disadvantage.

Each class takes on its own personality and pace, requiring the instructor to adapt his teaching approach accordingly. A class can and should be fun, stimulating, and challenging. Even though a teacher you're considering studying with may not be a performer in front of the classroom, he or she should keep things moving and have enough enthusiasm for the subject to keep those who would fall behind awake.

Some teachers criticize students in a classroom setting. Though this is not a preferred method, in some cases and with some students this approach can create a positive learning experience. There are disadvantages to this approach as well, such as disillusioning the student. But the pressure to learn quickly is a reality for the professional musician. The earlier you get it in your system, the easier it will be to accept the negative comments of others in the future. If you feel this isn't the best environment for you, then private lessons are the best solution. This affords you the luxury of having an instructor teach you at your own pace.

Certain people don't work well in the classroom. Competition can ruin enthusiasm for more sensitive students, and large groups may cause even more discomfort. It's often harder for a person to concentrate in a class, and specific problems can't be addressed if they're too complex.

The Good Player, Bad Teacher Trap

There are teachers who are just amazing players. They play at performing venues and always impress the crowd. But sometimes money gets a little tight, so they teach to make a few extra bucks. You may have heard of students who have taken lessons from these players. The teacher gives them chords to play while the teacher just jams over the chord progression — for the entire lesson!

If your potential teacher is a great player, but he can't communicate a well thought-out lesson for you, you need to reconsider your choice. He may have forgotten what it's like to struggle from a simple open chord to another. The instructor you choose must be able to recognize the level of your ability and take you to the next level on a regular basis. Find a teacher who makes you comfortable.