Improve at guitar faster by avoiding these mistakes
Learning to play the guitar has been a wonderful, nearly two-decade-plus journey for me. However, looking back, there are a few things I wish I had done differently in the beginning.
#1 Spent more time learning songs
The first change I would have made is spending more time learning songs, and less time playing technical exercises.
While practicing and learning new guitar techniques has its place, learning actual musical pieces has several benefits, such as learning music theory, practicing rhythm and timing, and building your musical repertoire.
Learning songs can also help identify which technical deficiencies you may have, such as changing chords smoothly, or keeping your bends in tune. You can then use that information to target what you need to focus on.
Unfortunately, I spent too much time on nonmusical exercises and became frustrated when they didn’t carry over to playing songs.
#2 Started with easier songs
Secondly, I wish I would have started with easier songs. Being a fan of groups such as Metallica and Megadeth, I tried to jump in learning some of their challenging songs right away.
While it is great to have long-term goals to keep us motivated, it is also important to start at a level that will bring success. I like to use the analogy of running a marathon. If you have never run a full marathon before, you wouldn’t try to enter one and hope to be successful right away.
Learning easier songs at first helps build a solid foundation, and builds confidence that you can play songs. Steve Stine, a fantastic guitarist and teacher, calls these “Ego Songs.”
These songs should be easy enough to remember and play that you can perform them any time if called upon.
#3 Stuck with it!
Lastly, the one thing I wish I had done the most when starting guitar was stuck with it!
I began taking lessons around age 12 but got frustrated after a couple of years after not making the progress I wanted to. I ended up quitting, and it wasn’t until my mid-20s that I started playing again.
My point is, even if you are frustrated, stick with it. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself to reach some arbitrary level of playing. Rediscover your passion by remembering what made you want to learn the instrument in the first place.
As a largely self-taught guitarist, these are just a few of the mistakes I have made along the way. Hopefully, you can learn from my missteps. Best wishes on your guitar journey.