Now that school is out for the summer, it’s time to find something new and fun to do for you and/or your child. No more pencils, no more books...you know the rest. Whether you’re looking for a way to keep your child's brain active or introduce yourself to a whole new world of knowledge, learning an instrument will help you reach your goals in a healthy, positive manner. Plus, playing music is simply fun – there’s no denying it. There are so many options out there from which to choose; why not pick up the guitar?

Having been playing guitar for over 20 years, I can say that I’ve had my ups and downs when it comes to learning how to play. The good news is that there are lots of resources to help you learn at your own pace. There are even online videos that will teach you everything from basic chords all the way up to more advanced picking techniques. If you don’t have a friend who plays guitar, consider these lessons for your summer plans instead. You won’t regret it!

Music is one of those things that everyone has an opinion about—and even when you have an instrument in your hands, people will find ways to criticize what you’re doing. You don’t need to listen to these haters, though; just let your fingers do the talking as you strum along to some of your favorite tunes. When it comes down to it, there’s no better way to relax and unwind than a little solo practice on guitar.

Practice, practice, practice—that’s what makes perfect. Of course, you already know that it takes some time to learn how to play guitar. But what you might not realize is that when you regularly practice your music—even if for just a few minutes each day—you can build up your muscle memory and get faster at playing. 10 minutes a day is much better than a marathon session one in a while.

Just because you’re taking guitar lessons, doesn’t mean you have to spend your summer learning classical pieces. If you want to rock and roll all night long, think about new ways to play some old songs and create some fun of your own. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned guitar player, it can be fun to put a new spin on an old classic; consider recording your summertime cover tunes so that everyone can enjoy them when school starts up again.