Neo,

If I had my choice I'd take lessons from Rick, too. However, the commute from Baltimore is a bit laborious. I have taught introductory guitar, I have taken lessons, and I have used tapes.

Tapes vary. Tapes by Happy Traum and Roy Book Binder have been very helpful to me. I have a little more difficulty with Stefan Grossman, but I've learned from his tapes as well. Bob Brozman was a tad difficult.

I've purchased a few tapes that designed to have a well-known musician teach you their style. These have been disappointing at times. Often the musician is good on their instrument and not so good as a teacher. Sometimes they don't even bother to slow things down or show you exactly what they are doing.

Tapes are cheaper than lessons. Tapes are available at whatever time you wish to use them. Tapes provide you more repetition than instructors (instructors could, but you probably couldn't afford hours or repetition). Tapes vary in instruction quality. Tapes only teach you what they want to teach you.

Instructors can help provide some discipline (ooh, I gotta go back Tuesday, better practice some). You can ask instructors to teach you specific songs or styles (some can respond, others may not wish to do your bidding or be able to do your bidding). When you're stuck, you can ask an instructor questions (tapes don't talk back).

My happiest learning experience has been with Scott Ainslie. I have taken group lessons from him at Commonground on the Hill. He's a fine blues player and an effective and patient teacher. You can find both Scott and Commonground with a web search if you want more information.

Roger in Baltimore