The #1 Variable That Will Make or Break You as a Guitar Player

Introduction

As a guitar enthusiast and teacher, I've had the privilege of interacting with countless students, both in person and online, over the years. I've seen them at different stages of their guitar-playing journey, and I've observed a common variable that can significantly impact whether they succeed or falter on their musical path. In this blog post, I'll delve into this crucial lesson that has the potential to make or break you as a guitar player.

The Variable: Patience and Incremental Learning

Imagine a child learning to read. In the early stages, they struggle to even produce coherent sounds, let alone read words. It takes years of gradual progress, practice, and guidance before they become proficient readers. We don't expect a kindergartener to read like a high school student or a PhD holder. This concept applies to guitar playing as well.

The critical variable I want to discuss is patience and the ability to embrace incremental learning. Just as a child gradually becomes a proficient reader, a guitarist must progress step by step, mastering each skill before moving on to the next. This incremental approach is vital to success, regardless of your current skill level or aspirations as a guitarist.

Understanding How Our Brains Work

To understand the significance of incremental learning, it's essential to consider how our brains function. Our brains are remarkable in their ability to adapt and learn. They thrive on repetition, observation, and consistent practice. This innate capacity for growth applies not only to reading but also to mastering musical instruments like the guitar.

Guitar: Learning vs. Playing

One of the primary reasons many guitarists struggle or ultimately give up is their inclination to rush into playing complex songs or techniques without first mastering the foundational skills. They attempt to "speed read" music, trying to play entire songs or solos before they've developed the necessary fundamentals.

Whether you're an absolute beginner or an experienced guitarist like myself, it's easy to fall into the trap of believing you should be able to perform at a certain level. However, this mindset can lead to frustration and discouragement.

The Key Lesson: Embrace Small Steps

The most crucial lesson any guitarist can learn is to break down their musical journey into manageable, incremental steps. No matter your level, you must resist the urge to take on too much at once. Impatience can lead to unrealistic expectations, causing you to believe that you should be better than you currently are.

Here's the key takeaway: when you encounter obstacles in your guitar-playing journey, and you will encounter many, refrain from saying, "I can't do it" or "I should be better by now." Instead, understand that you may not be able to do something at that very moment, but you can learn and improve with practice and dedication.

My Personal Experience

Even after playing the guitar for over three decades, I still catch myself falling into the trap of expecting too much from myself. It's a common human tendency. However, I've also learned that taking small, deliberate steps and maintaining patience are crucial for continuous growth.

Conclusion

In the world of guitar playing, the one lesson that can make or break you is the ability to embrace incremental learning and practice patience. Regardless of your skill level, resist the temptation to rush ahead. Remember that every guitarist, from beginners to legends like Jimi Hendrix and Eddie Van Halen, started as novices and gradually improved through dedicated practice.

So, when you encounter moments of frustration and self-doubt, remind yourself of this essential lesson: you can achieve your goals on the guitar, but you must take it one step at a time. Whether you're just starting or have been playing for years, the journey of becoming a skilled guitarist is a marathon, not a sprint. Embrace the process, stay dedicated, and you'll find that success is attainable for anyone who truly loves the instrument.