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The Secret to Gaining Guitar Practice Momentum
“Sometimes you’ll want to give up the guitar, you’ll hate the guitar. But if you stay with it you’re gonna be rewarded.” – Jimi Hendrix
Learning guitar is a long, and sometimes frustrating, process. A process that never truly ends but does have a beginning, and it can be a hard road at first. You may have heard of the infamous “plateau” from other guitarists or musicians: that dreaded place where guitarists get stuck and can’t find a road ahead. A place where it seems we can’t learn any more, or get any better. The reality is that although we get waylaid by “plateaus”, we can get through them. Here are six easy steps to break out of your rut.
Relax
There is nothing wrong with you or your brain. Music is a language that we are all capable of learning to some degree and it doesn’t help to be tense and distraught over the topic. Take a deep breath, exhale slowly. Relax and be patient.
Switch Gears
If you do find yourself frustrated by something you are working on, put it down and practice something else for a while. Practice something easy or fun that you know you can play well. Re-connect with why this instrument brings you so much joy in the first place.
Walk Away
Before frustration mounts to the boiling point (it’s happens to everyone, it’s normal), put down the guitar altogether and take a break for a while. By break, I mean a day maximum. You don’t want to lose the thread completely, but you need to be relaxed and open to more learning before you come back. Take a walk. Go to a museum. Play with your kids. Watch videos of your favorite band. Just go to your happy place without guilt or judgement.
Listen to Music
At this point, when all seems lost, it can help immensely to get some inspiration. As I mentioned above, try to remember what made you fall in love with this instrument in the first place. Put on a record of your favorite guitarist, go out to see a concert or try to discover something new and exciting to your ears. You will be amazed how much it will make you want to run back to your guitar and play .
Get Out and Jam
Applying what you have learned in a real performance setting can also get you out of the guitar doldrums. If you feel comfortable, try out an open mic or call up a friend of yours who plays and try to find a comfortable setting to apply what you are learning or have learned. You may find that you need to work on an aspect of your playing that you didn’t realize was an issue, inspiring you to get back to the practice room. It also is a good confidence booster to have that sense of accomplishment.
Come Back, & Keep Going
Lastly, and most importantly, never give up! No one said it would be easy, and no one learns without some struggle. Be patient and trust that what you are learning in your guitar lessons and practice are guiding you to become the musician you want to be.
© 2013 Brenna Method Music Studios