Is it easy to learn guitar on your own?

Is it easy to learn guitar?  Is it easy to learn piano?  Can I learn piano or guitar on my own?

If you've found yourself asking these questions, the answer is yes!  With or without formal instruction, the easiest way to learn guitar and piano is with the right attitude and a plan of action.  If you have never played a musical instrument and you don't know where to start, here are five things you should do to prepare.

1. Get ready to focus.  You will learn basic techniques of playing guitar and piano when you are without distraction.  Start preparing by scheduling at least one half-hour period per day where you can study and practice in an appropriate setting without having to worry about having to stop to take care of other things.  The more time you spend with uninterrupted and focused practicing the faster you will learn the basics to get to the things you want to learn to play.
2. Buy the right instrument for your playing level.  Is your guitar the right size?  Has it been set up properly?  Did you inherit your piano from your grandmother and it has broken keys and out-of-tune?  It will be difficult to learn the basics if your instrument is not in working order or if it is not the right size for you.  Be sure your instrument is ready to go before you are, or you'll find you won't be going anywhere in your musical education!
3. Buy music education books by a trusted publisher.  Not to discount your next-door neighbor's ability to play guitar or piano, but his hand-me-down handwritten notebook may be difficult to understand especially if you're not familiar with piano and guitar terminology.  Buy trusted music education material written by professional, well educated music instructors.  Hal Leonard and Berklee Press are two household publishers of sheet music and music education materials.  Definitely don't forget to buy a fingering chart for guitar or a fingering book for piano; these are paramount.
4. Buy guitar and piano accessories that will aid in the learning process.  You need more than just an instrument to learn how to play it.  Buy things like a music stand for sheet music, a guitar footstand for proper position with a guitar and definitely don't forget to buy a metronome to work on rhythm.
5. Practice makes perfect!  The more you practice, the faster you will excel.  Prepare to devote yourself to your instrument and stick to it!  Try video recording yourself after the first month of playing and then again after the sixth month, I promise you will see an improvement!

Just by reading this article you are well on your way to learning piano or learning guitar!  It always helps to get lessons from a professional educator, but if you aren't able that shouldn't deter you from learning on your own.  Follow these five steps to prepare to learn guitar or learn piano and you will reach your goals!