Many people pick up a guitar and learn a few songs, and then put the guitar in the case and let the case get a nice layer of dust. Then one day they take it out to see if they could play those same songs again, just for fun. Then they put the guitar away, to rest like a Dracula for hundreds of years.
Some common reasons that they don’t stick with a guitar include it hurting their fingers, the notes buzzing despite how hard they practice, and just feeling like they’re not getting anywhere.
I think some thing that can help with motivation is knowing really why you’re playing in the first place. Is it just to impress someone or do you genuinely want to know how to play the instrument? Both are valid reasons! Just know what's driving you.
I learned a guitar because it gave me emotional fulfillment. It was in a way to express my feelings in a different medium than words, because sometimes words just fall short. And lucky for me, many of the barriers to entry were lifted.
I come from a musical family and won’t deny that genes have some role to play in one’s desire to play and interest in getting better. I also started on a classical guitar which has nylon strings that are softer, and I started with a chord book with a few simple chords, and played with just those chords for quite a while. I didn’t dive right in trying to learn every note on the guitar fretboard or every scale, and if I had, I probably would’ve given up.
Instead, I learned a few chords and a few songs, and had just enough to cook up something edible. It took a while to cook up something good, but making something edible first gave me the desire to get better. I also played with people who are a lot better than me. This taught me what was possible.
In this process of learning, I developed an intrinsic motivation to get better. That is really is the best motivation—where it’s 11:30 PM and you’re just engrossed in a song or a musical idea. It’s really a beautiful thing. It’s not so beautiful the following morning though.
So here are my suggestions to you if you’re thinking about giving it up but you wanna stick with it:
Find an emotional connection. Could be that you learn some chords and start coming up with stuff, like me. Or you think of a song that made an impact on you. Maybe a song from childhood or a special memory. Could you learn that song or a simple version of that song? For one of my students, it was Ode to Joy, for another student, it was Hey, Soul Sister, by Train.
Ask yourself why you want to learn guitar. Is it just an image thing or could it really enrich your life?
Find a classical guitar or ukulele or something with softer strings so the lack of calluses doesn’t deter you from playing. You’ll still get calluses from a ukulele but it won’t hurt as much to play
Develop a habit of playing in a focused space. Not just in front of the TV. Everyone is short on time, make it count
Add some creative time to your practice routine. Take what you are learning and create with it. I am newer to piano and whenever I learn a new song I play around with the chords to see if I can play them in a new order, with some additional notes (called extensions), or in a new melody. Loop stations are great for guitar because you can play over a chord progression and discover new melodies and just learn to be more comfortable on the instrument.
OK I hope that helps. If you got any questions about any of this. Feel free to comment. Also, let me know how you’re doing in your learning. You can comment below or send me an email at bo@flowmusiclessons.com
Oh, and one more thing I’m offering a promotional offer right now for my students online and in person $180 a month for four lessons that’s 25% off my normal rate. You can sign up below.
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