Martin Guitar carrying case on a Harley Davidson, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Motivation is what we need to get started with a new pursuit. Momentum is what we need to keep going at it. Without any momentum, a feeling that our work is moving forward without effort, we won't continue. Therefore, momentum is more important to your long-term happiness with guitar.
Read MoreAmp&Mic Aged (7) by Ky, Attribution 2.0 Generic
The period when you first start learning guitar is marked by enthusiasm. It's exciting! it's fun and adventurous, and... it won't last forever. Sadly, this time of new and fresh appreciation for a chosen pursuit will pass.
But, oh how infectious it is!
Read More2015 Fender Telecaster Classic 60s Baja FSB by Freebird, Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic
How hard is it to learn guitar? That's up to you. The most simplistic answer is to figure out how hard you expect it to be.
If you expect that it's going to be insanely difficult, then you are going to have an insanely difficult time learning guitar.
Expectations aside, there are ways that you can make guitar a bit easier to learn. These tips work because the most successful beginners to guitar do them without thinking about it. Ready?
Read More2012 Galax Old Fiddlers' Convention by Eli Christman, Attribution 2.0 Generic
Okay, it’s time for you to hear a brutal truth: If you think you’re too old to learn guitar, don’t start.
There. I said it. Why?
Life is precious. The time you have left is invaluable. There are so many ways that you can spend your time and your energy. There's no point doing anything that will get in the way of you living your life, especially if you think it'll be a hassle. If you think you're too old to learn guitar, stop right now. Don't read further. Turn off the computer, and do something that you really want to do. Your life is too important to waste...
Read MoreIMG_8096 by Jay Roc, Public Domain Dedication
Do you have rhythm on guitar? I think you do.
In fact, I think you have a lot of rhythm. Don't believe me?
Rhythm is what you feel when you hear a song. Strumming, however, is how you play rhythms on the guitar.
You're born with rhythm, but you need to figure out how to strum rhythms on the guitar.
This blog and video shows you how you have rhythm inside of you, and it will give you pointers on how to strum rhythms on the guitar.
Interested?
Expression by Fe Ilya, Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic
The critical inner voice is at it again! What is it? It's that malicious little brat of a voice that kicks dirt on your mental shoes, spits on your thoughts, and leaves a flaming pile of dog poop at the door of your mind for you to stamp out.
It's the ding-dong-ditcher that rings up at 3 am, wakes you up, and then quietly laughs at him or herself for fooling you.
No matter where this voice comes from, or how it started for that matter, it's important that we engage the voice and try to get at the heart of the judgements it sends to us.
It might be saying that we need to work on some skills that have escaped our attention.
This means we ought to figure out what skills we need in order to change and get better at guitar.
Read Moreboy guitar sitting outdoors by Unsplash, CC0 Public Domain
The critical inner voice is an annoyance. If it annoys you, then you have a right to annoy it right back.
The list that follows comprises six extremely potent ways of challenging the critical inner voice. I hope it provides you with some ammunition to engage this annoying little rat with confidence, and eventually turn it into an ally.
Read MoreRecord player vinyl by Unsplash, CC0 Public Domain
The critical inner voice is the nagging, negative, debilitating little squeak that appears when we are learning and in the mood for experiencing something new. Examples:
If you have this voice in your head, chances are that it's wreaking havoc on your enjoyment of guitar. Obviously, we can't let that little dork of a voice win, so we're going to make it obey us and stop being the disgusting little know-it-all that it thinks it is.
Read MoreVintage Guitar by Photos, CC0 Public Domain
Not too many people understand exactly how much fun it is to learn guitar slowly.
There's no rush, no need for urgency. A lot of people are wrapped up in the hope that they will one day experience the magical moment when they can play guitar and can label themselves "good" at it. They rush to experience that feeling, and it doesn't end well.
I've practiced and studied guitar for more than twenty five years, and I've still not experienced a complete enlightenment with it. Moreover, the process of learning guitar is so enjoyable for me that I don't worry about outcomes anymore. I might get a moment or two of elation from time-to-time, but these moments are always fleeting and short-lived...
Read MoreParis by macadam13, CC0 Public Domain
If you're a regular reader of this blog, then you'll know by now that I'm not a fan of the word "good." Why? It's a judgement. Judgements require an immense amount of energy to maintain. I personally feel that judgements get in the way of learning guitar. To me, the process of becoming familiar with how to play guitar is far more important than becoming good.
That said, I think it's fair to address your question of how long it will take to be good at guitar. There's no point in you doing this unless you have an end point to shoot for. If your end goal isn't defined, if you can't define what "good" is, how will you know when you're there? Let's throw some ideas around.
Read More