When it comes to learning on your own, there are many new and exciting ways to do this. Obviously, videocassettes have faded in the background and bowed to the instant-access DVD. Guitar lessons on DVD are great because of the instant subject access they provide. DVDs are also smaller to store and carry around. Companies such as Homespun and Hotlicks have recently converted their videocassette catalogs to DVD.

Another source of digital learning are multimedia CD-ROM hybrids like eMedia. eMedia produces the bestselling Guitar Method Vol. 1 and Intermediate Guitar Method guitar instruction software. They also produce Bass Method, which is the first comprehensive multimedia bass tutorial. This method of digital learning brings the computer into the mix, but it requires that you install eMedia's software.

Lately, the online instructional market has begun to explode with companies like Workshop Live (www.workshoplive.com) and Truefire (www.truefire.com). These online sites have some of the most comprehensive videos of great players. Do yourself a favor and investigate these sites. They can only help your playing and give you better comprehension of the instrument.