How to Keep Playing Guitar

Keeping the guitar passion alive is a journey as thrilling as it is challenging. Whether you’re a seasoned shredder or just starting to explore the neck, it’s natural to hit a few bumps along the way. Here’s a roadmap to keep your guitar playing exciting and ensure those strings keep singing.

How to Maintain Motivation

Motivation can sometimes feel like an elusive muse. One day you’re on fire, and the next, your guitar sits in the corner gathering dust. But fear not, here are some practical ways to keep that spark alive:

• Set Micro Goals: Break down big goals into smaller, manageable tasks. Want to play like Dimebag Darrell? Start with mastering a single riff or technique. Achieving these small wins can give you a sense of accomplishment and keep you motivated.
• Regularly Revisit Your “Why”: Why did you pick up the guitar in the first place? Was it to play in a band, to express yourself, or just for the love of music? Reminding yourself of this can reignite your passion.
• Mix It Up: Playing the same things can get monotonous. Experiment with different styles or techniques. If you’re into metal, try learning a classical piece or a blues lick. It might surprise you how much it can invigorate your playing.
• Join a Community: Whether it’s online forums, local jam sessions, or virtual communities, being part of a group can provide encouragement and inspiration. Plus, sharing your progress with others can be incredibly rewarding.

Interestingly enough, a tool like Riffhard can be a game-changer here. With lessons from top-tier guitarists, it offers a structured yet flexible way to keep learning and stay inspired.

Nailing a Practice Routine

Consistency is king when it comes to progressing on the guitar. But how do you build a routine that you can stick with?

• Find Your Time: Some people are morning players; others prefer late-night sessions. Identify when you’re most focused and make that your practice time.
• Quality Over Quantity: It’s not about how long you practice, but how effectively. A focused 20-minute session can be more valuable than an hour of noodling.
• Include Variety: Split your practice time among different activities: technique exercises, learning new songs, improvisation, and ear training. This not only keeps things interesting but also improves different aspects of your playing.
• Track Your Progress: Keep a practice journal. Jot down what you worked on, what went well, and what needs improvement. This can help you see your growth over time.

Our custom metronome at Riffhard is a fantastic tool for structuring your practice sessions, ensuring you stay in time and improve your rhythm skills.

Overcoming Plateaus

Ah, the dreaded plateau. You’ve been progressing nicely, and suddenly, it feels like you’ve hit a brick wall. Here’s how to break through:

• Shake Up Your Routine: If your practice routine has become too predictable, it might be time to change things up. Introduce new challenges or techniques to push your boundaries.
• Focus on Weaknesses: Identify areas where you feel less confident and dedicate time to improving them. This targeted practice can often lead to breakthroughs.
• Seek Feedback: Sometimes, it takes an outside perspective to see what you might be missing. Get feedback from fellow musicians or watch videos of your playing.
• Stay Patient: Progress isn’t always linear. Understand that plateaus are a natural part of learning and can lead to significant growth if you persevere.

With access to tailored lesson plans like The Shredule on Riffhard, you can find new ways to challenge yourself and push past those plateaus.

Improving Technical Skills

Technique is the backbone of good guitar playing. Here’s how you can refine your technical prowess:

• Slow It Down: Speed is impressive, but cleanliness is crucial. Practice difficult passages slowly, ensuring each note is clear before gradually increasing the tempo.
• Use a Metronome: A metronome helps you maintain consistent timing and improve your internal clock. Start at a comfortable tempo and slowly increase the speed.
• Focus on Finger Exercises: Exercises that work on finger independence and strength can drastically improve your control over the instrument.
• Incorporate Dynamics: Don’t just focus on speed and precision. Work on playing softly and loudly, and use vibrato and bends to add emotion to your playing.

Our interactive player at Riffhard allows you to adjust playback tempo, making it easier to practice tricky sections at your own pace.

Unlocking Creativity

Creativity is the soul of music, and sometimes it needs a little nurturing to flourish.

• Free Play Sessions: Dedicate some time to just playing whatever comes to mind. No agenda, no pressure—just exploration and fun.
• Learn from Others: Listen to a variety of genres and musicians. You’d be surprised how a jazz chord progression or a blues riff can inspire your metal compositions.
• Experiment with Sounds: Use different effects pedals, tunings, or even instruments to generate new ideas.
• Collaborate: Working with other musicians can open you up to new ideas and approaches you might not have considered on your own.

With lessons from a diverse group of artists on Riffhard, you can draw inspiration from various styles and techniques to fuel your creativity.

Dealing with Setbacks

Setbacks are an inevitable part of any journey. The key is learning how to handle them.

• Stay Positive: Remember that every musician faces challenges. It’s how you respond that matters. Keep a positive attitude and view setbacks as opportunities to learn.
• Re-evaluate Goals: If you’re feeling stuck, take a moment to reassess your goals. Are they still relevant? Do they need to be adjusted?
• Take Breaks: Sometimes, stepping away for a short period can give you a fresh perspective and renewed energy.
• Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge and celebrate the progress you’ve made, no matter how small. It can boost your morale and keep you motivated.

Staying Inspired by Your Heroes

Every guitarist has their heroes—those musicians who sparked the fire in them. Here’s how to draw inspiration from them:

• Learn Their Songs: Playing the music of your heroes can deepen your understanding of their style and influence your own playing.
• Study Their Techniques: Analyze videos and performances to pick up on nuances and techniques you might not find in tablature.
• Understand Their Influences: Discover who inspired your heroes. This can broaden your musical horizons and introduce you to new sounds.
• Attend Live Performances: If possible, experience their music live. The energy and emotion of a live performance can be incredibly inspiring.

Exploring New Genres

Sticking to one genre can sometimes limit your growth as a musician. Here’s why and how you should explore new musical territories:

• Broaden Your Skills: Each genre comes with its unique techniques and challenges. Exploring them can enhance your versatility.
• Find Fresh Inspiration: New genres can spark creativity and provide fresh ideas for your compositions.
• Challenge Yourself: Learning something outside your comfort zone can be daunting but rewarding. It pushes you to grow as a musician.
• Connect with a Wider Audience: Understanding multiple genres can help you connect with different musicians and audiences.

Our library at Riffhard includes lessons on a range of techniques across various metal subgenres, offering a rich resource for expanding your musical palette.

Final Thoughts

Keeping the guitar journey vibrant is about balancing passion with practice, curiosity with discipline, and inspiration with hard work. At Riffhard, we’re committed to supporting your journey with insights and lessons from the best in the metal world, ensuring your musical journey remains fulfilling and exciting.