6 Ways to Embrace and Enjoy Your Guitar Learning Journey

Hello fellow guitarist! It’s Kiall here to offer you 1 of your 5 a day, you know one of those things, like a carrot or an apple that will improve your everyday life but… wait for it… instead of a carrot just some friendly words to keep you inspired and perhaps a few tips along the way. 😀

No matter your level, age, ability or how long you’ve been playing, we all lose sight of the pleasures of learning an instrument and too easily beat ourselves up when the soufflé deflates - maybe it’s not the soufflé but maybe it’s our motivation, inspiration, passion, love that deflates.

So how can we tackle this mindset? Whether you're a complete beginner or an intermediate player, let's dive into it!

1. Enjoy The Process, Not The Result

All too often I see students either skip or resent one of the learn/practice stages or fight both, jumping straight into the play stage and receiving no satisfaction. Every guitarist, no matter how skilled, had to start somewhere. I would encourage you to embrace the journey of learning and practice, relish in the small victories, and trust that progress will come with time and dedication. From the very first stages, this can be as simple as finding humour in the real struggle, learning to control those wild little hotdog fingers and finding pleasure in taming them!

2. Be Open Minded

When you're just beginning your guitar journey whether it’s with guidance from a tutor, online course, or any other source, it's crucial to understand that you're laying down the fundamentals of the instrument or music. This means that the initial songs you start with might not align with your personal taste – they may not be particularly engaging, to put it politely. However, what you're gaining from this process is invaluable: a deeper understanding of how the guitar works. This foundational knowledge will serve as a solid framework upon which you can build and eventually apply your skills to the music you truly love. So, keep in mind that the songs you're learning may not be your favourites, but the insights and techniques you're acquiring are essential steps towards achieving your musical goals!

This also applies to intermediate and more advanced guitar players too. Being open minded in what songs you are learning and styles of music your a learning from can only help in improving your all round guitar skills and musicality.

3. Learning with others

Engaging with others in your guitar journey is invaluable! Surround yourself with mentors or other guitar enthusiasts who can offer a support system that acknowledges the shared challenges in learning this wonderful thing made out of wood and wires! Who knows you may find healthy competition that can serve as a motivating factor, driving them to push their boundaries and excel. Alternatively, others may find encouragement in positive affirmations, confirming they're on the right path and making progress. Whatever form it takes for you, the encouragement from others can significantly enhance your learning experience and strategies to prevent the deflation of your soufflé, *cough* I mean your reasons for wanting to learn the guitar.

4. Boring is a Good Thing!

Without boredom there is no drive to do things, there is no reason to create or imagine, and there is no reason to acquire the skill set needed to express the sounds in your head and translate them to the guitar. Embracing moments of boredom in your practice sessions can actually serve as a catalyst for growth. It's in these moments of quiet repetition and exploration that we develop a deeper understanding of our instrument and uncover new avenues for creativity. So, rather than viewing boredom as a hindrance, let's embrace it as an essential part of our musical journey, fuelling our curiosity and keeping us engaged in our pursuit of mastery.

5. You Have Time

Learning music involves mastering various aspects, some of which may come quickly while others require time to develop. There's no strict deadline for mastering a lick, strumming pattern, or song. It's important to break down everything into manageable practice zones, not to stress about reaching the end destination. You'll progress at your own pace, arriving at your goals when the time is right.

6. Simple Does Not Mean EASY!!

While concepts may seem straightforward to grasp, executing them on the guitar can be challenging. Resist the urge to overwhelm yourself by jumping from material to material; instead, try to focus on enjoying the process of improvement.

In conclusion

So there you have it, some mindset tips to help you navigate the highs and lows of learning the electric or acoustic guitar. Remember, every guitarist, no matter how skilled, started as a beginner. Embrace the process, stay open-minded, and most importantly, keep strumming away! Happy playing!