What's the easiest way to learn guitar? Try this: Resist going internet crazy.

Many people look for free information on the internet when they are first starting to learn guitar. If you're one of these persons, I understand. There are so many guitar teachers out there sharing what they know about guitar that it seems like it's a crime not to browse.

The problem is that if you don't know what you're specifically looking for, you're in for a wild ride.

Most beginners that I work with in face-to-face guitar lessons report that they tried to learn guitar via the internet at first. They bought a couple of books, they watched a ton of free videos, they tried to learn basic chords. If the internet worked for them, they wouldn't come for my opinion. 

So why is the internet so bad at helping people learn guitar?

The biggest problem with the internet is that it can only present information. Forget about it being able to sort information for you in a way that is appropriate for your level. That's what a guitar teacher can do. The internet has no ability to sort material appropriate to where you're at.

General searches -VS- Specific Searches

In order for the internet to be useful for you, you may want to be thoughtful about how general your searches are. In other words, you'll have an easier time if you know specifically what you are looking for.

Again, this poses a big problem for you. How can you be thoughtful about what specifically to search for if you don't know anything about guitar? It's a catch 22, unless you enjoy sifting through tons of information and finding the needles in a very large haystack. If you are a relentless DiY-er, then you'll have fun with this approach. Most other people get frustrated, fast. 

Therefore, however useful the internet will be for you is dependent upon how well you synthesize information on your own. If you don't have the patience or time, why not seek the company of a wise guide? 

What's the easiest way to learn guitar? Find a guitar teacher

A kind and sympathetic guitar teacher can make guitar way easier to learn. He can cut the unnecessary stuff out of your way, can provide guidance, and can help you find other guitarists, guitar buddies, to jam with.

There's more good news, too! 

If you studiously audition three guitar teachers and tell them you are going to choose the best one, you will get a better value for your money in the long run. It also gives you more power as a consumer, as guitar teachers pay the bills by serving satisfied clients, week after week.

If you've had bad experiences with teachers in the past, this approach will help you find an incredible teacher who will work hard to make you happy. 

Find a guitar buddy

Yet another way to make it easy to learn guitar is to find a guitar buddy.

Guitar buddies can inspire you to learn, challenge you to get better, and seek stronger advice in your quest to learn guitar. In addition, how long it takes to learn guitar is completely dependent upon how many guitar buddies you have.

It's important to find these people because they can make all the difference in the world. The great news? They are everywhere.

You can find a guitar buddy by asking your guitar teacher to help you find other guitarists who are at the same level as you. Does your teacher feel like you and another person are a good match? Chances are that there is someone who is right around your ability and has the same temperament as you. Or, you could take a couple of guitar classes and find people there.

Make practicing more fun than playing

How you practice guitar directly affects your fun as well.

Many people are under the impression that guitar will be more fun once they are able to play a certain song, do a specific technique, or achieve some massive guitar goal they set out to accomplish. My personal feeling is the opposite.

I know firsthand that focusing on and destroying mistakes makes guitar easiest to learn and delightful to play. To do this means switching focus from product to process.

Focusing on finding mistakes and fixing them is an example of process-oriented thinking. This mindset might be quite a bit different than what you are used to.  

Process oriented thinking has been around for centuries in many different cultures and many different contexts. Process-oriented practicing is no different, and it's really fun once you get used to it, too. Once it starts going, you start to look at practicing as a chance to take a break from your life and watch yourself become a stronger musician, day after day.