My experience is from the point of view of someone who has never touched a guitar before this class. So the things I wish I knew are things you may already have figured out. One day I will get a better understanding of the instrument.
1. Walmart has some great guitars for cheap.
I tried to get a guitar from Walmart. Sadly, they didn’t have any in stock and I got an used beginner guitar for $99. That’s not a bad deal but if I had ordered a guitar through Walmart, it would’ve cost $50 and I would’ve had less problems than I did getting my $99 guitar.
2. Figure out how to read a guitar pattern before entering the class.
While the teacher does teach you how to read the guitar fingering chart, it doesn’t make it easier on certain people. My teacher writes the chord going vertical instead of horizontal, which messes with my brain. I have to look at her chord and mentally tell myself to reverse the drawing in order to press the correct strings. Some people won’t have this issue, others will.
3. Better practice singing because that’s 50 percent of the class.
If you’re uncomfortable with your singing voice (or voice in general), this class would make you get comfortable with it. Depending on how advanced you (and the class) are, you will spend just as much time singing as you are playing the guitar. It doesn’t really matter if you can sing, just know that it’s mandatory for a beginner class. Hopefully your teacher is nice and would let you partner up with a singer for the final project (or you get good enough to solo an incredible guitar only song with no vocals).
I feel like if I would’ve know these things, it would’ve made my transition into this class a lot easier.