If you have ever imagined yourself strumming a favourite tune around a fire on the beach, joining friends for an acoustic jam in a Cape Town café, or perhaps even stepping up on stage at a Johannesburg open mic night, then the question has probably crossed your mind: how long does it take to learn guitar?
The answer is not as simple as a fixed number of weeks or months, because learning the instrument is a personal journey that blends practice, patience, and passion. What we can do, however, is map out what a realistic first three months might look like, and explore what kind of progress you can expect depending on your approach, time and resources!
Getting Started: How Do You Play a Guitar?
The very first step is making sure your guitar is properly set up. A guitar that is difficult to play can put off even the most enthusiastic beginner. Local retailers such as Paul Bothner Music or Marshall Music are excellent places to begin because their staff can help you with an instrument that suits your budget and level. Whether you choose an acoustic, electric, or nylon string classical model, it is worth asking for a beginner pack, which usually includes a case, tuner, and spare strings. If you are unsure, speak to the staff or even try renting for a few weeks before you commit to buying.
Once you have your instrument, the next question is how do you play a guitar in a way that feels natural and comfortable. This is where posture comes in. Sit on a sturdy chair, keep your back straight, and rest the guitar on your leg. Your left hand should curl comfortably around the neck, while your right hand should hover naturally over the sound hole or strings. At first, this may feel awkward, but within a week or two, you will be used to the feeling.
The First Four Weeks: Getting to Know the Basics
When it comes to the question: how long does it take to learn to play guitar, the first four weeks are crucial. Here, it’s all about learning how to get comfortable with your instrument.
You will focus on tuning, holding simple shapes, and beginning to understand rhythm. If you are searching for guitar lessons for beginners, many community music schools in Durban, Pretoria, or Stellenbosch run affordable group sessions where you can meet others starting out. Alternatively, platforms like Superprof allow you to book a single private lesson online or in person, which is useful to correct posture and to make sure that you are building good habits.
In this early stage, you will also be introduced to guitar chords for beginners. Expect to learn basic open chords such as C, G, D, and E minor. These shapes are used in countless songs, so once you can move between them cleanly, you will already feel like you are making real progress. Your strumming hand is equally important. Even a simple downstroke rhythm played consistently in time will bring music to life. By the end of four weeks, most beginners can strum through a very simple song where just two or three chords are repeated.
When it comes to learning to play the guitar, this is how it all starts.
Weeks Five to Eight: Guitar Lessons for Beginners
By the second month, you will begin to put together what you have learned into something that feels more like music. This is also the stage where many learners ask themselves again, how long does it take to learn to play guitar? At this point, you will have enough skills to keep things interesting, yet you will still need patience as your fingers grow stronger and more agile. If things are going well, and you have not already signed up, this is a good time to invest in guitar lessons for beginners.
During these weeks, it helps to practice for ten to fifteen minutes a day rather than long, infrequent sessions.
When it comes to how long does it take to learn to play guitar, the help of a tutor is how to fast-track progress. Regardless of where you are in South Africa, there are musicians who offer guitar lessons for beginners, and here, even a single hour of feedback can save you weeks of frustration.
How Do You Play a Guitar During Weeks Nine to Twelve?
As you move into the third month, your playing will begin to feel more natural. At this point, you will likely return again to the big question, how long does it take to learn guitar, and you may be pleasantly surprised by your progress. Expect to know how to play a handful of chords, change between them with reasonable flow, and strum a few songs confidently by the end of twelve weeks.
This is also the stage where you can begin to add flavour to your playing. Try practicing slightly more complex rhythms or fingerpicking patterns. Explore songs from South African artists such as Vusi Mahlasela or Johnny Clegg, whose music often uses accessible progressions that are rewarding to learn. If you enjoy working towards milestones, you could even begin to prepare for a debut grade exam with RSL Rockschool or Trinity College London. These entry-level assessments are designed for new players, and they provide a clear structure while giving you something tangible to celebrate.
By the end of three months, you should feel comfortable enough to call yourself a guitarist, even if you are still only at the beginning of the journey.
The Long Game: Beyond Twelve Weeks
Now that you have some perspective on what twelve weeks can achieve, it is time to return to the broader question, how long does it take to learn to play guitar? The truth is that it takes a lifetime. While three months may get you to your first song, six months of regular practice will give you a small repertoire, and a year will provide enough skill to join others in a band or church group. Some players study for years at universities like the South African College of Music at UCT or at UNISA’s Directorate Music, pursuing advanced techniques and formal qualifications. Others are happy to keep playing at family gatherings or local markets. Both paths are equally valid.
The important thing is to remember that learning music is not a race. Everyone progresses at their own pace. If you dedicate just a little time each day, celebrate small wins, and surround yourself with supportive people, your progress will be steady and enjoyable.
Creating the Right Environment
Learning is not only about practice, but also about the environment you create. Keep your guitar in an accessible place at home so that you can pick it up easily. Join a local community event where musicians gather, such as an open mic night in Stellenbosch or a beachfront session in Durban. These opportunities not only build confidence but also connect you with other players who can share tips and encouragement.
Parents who support children learning should create routines that fit around schoolwork. A short practice before homework often works better than leaving it until late. Adult learners can weave practice into daily life, perhaps playing a few chords during a tea break or while unwinding in the evening. Remember, consistency matters more than long sessions.
So, How Long Does it Take to Learn Guitar?
Did you know that in as little as twelve weeks, with expert guidance and consistent practice, you can go from complete beginner to playing your first song? Ultimately, when it comes to how long does it take to learn to play guitar – it all depends on your goals and dedication. For instance, some learners thrive on structure and may take exams with Trinity or RSL, while others prefer to learn songs by ear. The most important thing is that you enjoy the process that suits you best.
Whether you are asking yourself how do you play a guitar for the very first time, looking for guidance through guitar lessons for beginners, or puzzling over which guitar chords for beginners to master next, remember that South Africa offers a wealth of resources. From retailers like Paul Bothner Music and Marshall Music who will set you up with the right gear, to tutors on Superprof who can provide personal feedback, you are never far from support.
At the heart of it all, learning guitar is about joy. It is about picking up your instrument, playing a song that means something to you, and sharing that sound with the people around you. Start with small steps, keep your practice regular, and before long, you will look back on those first hesitant notes with pride, knowing that you are on the way to being a musician!
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