How to Not Give Up Learning Guitar

Learning guitar can sometimes feel like a never-ending uphill battle. Between the sore fingers, confusing music theory, and tricky techniques, it’s easy to get discouraged. But don’t throw in the towel just yet! This post is here to give you a bunch of practical advice to keep you motivated and help you push through those frustrating moments.

Setting Realistic Goals: Start Small and Build Up

When you first pick up a guitar, it’s tempting to aim for the stars—dreaming of shredding like Eddie Van Halen or riffing like James Hetfield. But let’s be real: No one wakes up one day and just plays like a pro. The trick is starting with small, achievable goals that build your skills and confidence over time.

Think of it like assembling a LEGO set. You begin with the foundation, piece by piece, until you’ve got something impressive. Begin with simple goals like learning a basic chord progression or mastering a short riff from your favorite song. Once you’ve got those down, tackle something a bit more challenging. With each success, you’ll find your confidence and skills growing.

• Learn a new chord each week.
• Practice playing a scale up and down the fretboard.
• Work on transitioning smoothly between two chords.

These small victories not only improve your playing but also give you a solid sense of accomplishment. And remember, even the pros started somewhere. If you want structured guidance, Riffhard offers lessons with step-by-step progressions, which can be invaluable in setting and achieving your goals.

Finding Inspiration: Listen and Watch

When motivation wanes, sometimes the best remedy is to immerse yourself in the music that made you fall in love with the guitar in the first place. Listen to albums that ignite your passion, watch live performances, or check out some guitar solos on YouTube that make your jaw drop. There’s nothing like seeing your guitar heroes in action to reignite that spark.

You might also find it beneficial to follow some guitarists who are active on social media. Many share tips, tutorials, and snippets of their practice sessions, which can be both instructive and inspiring. Seeing how others approach their practice can provide new ideas for your own playing and remind you why you picked up the guitar to begin with.

And if you’re looking for more structured inspiration, check out the lessons from the world’s best metal guitarists on Riffhard. Watching experts break down complex techniques into manageable steps can make even the most daunting riffs seem doable.

Make Practice a Habit: Consistency Over Intensity

One of the biggest hurdles in learning guitar is sticking with it. The key to overcoming this is making practice a regular part of your routine. Consistency trumps intensity every time. Practicing for a short time every day is far more beneficial than cramming a huge session once a week.

Consider setting aside a specific time each day for practice. Whether it’s first thing in the morning, during a lunch break, or in the evening, having a set time can help create a routine. Even a dedicated 15-20 minutes a day can lead to significant improvements over time.

Use a metronome to track your progress and ensure you’re playing at the correct tempo. You can even record your practice sessions to hear your progress. With time, you’ll notice your playing becoming cleaner and more precise.

For a more guided practice session, Riffhard offers a custom metronome and a bi-weekly lesson plan called The Shredule, which can help keep your practice sessions structured and focused.

Dealing with Frustration: It’s Okay to Take Breaks

Frustration is a natural part of learning any new skill, especially something as challenging as the guitar. There are days when nothing seems to go right, and it feels like you’re making no progress at all. During these times, it’s important to remember that it’s okay to take breaks.

Step away from the guitar for a bit. Go for a walk, listen to music, or do something entirely unrelated. Often, when you return, you’ll find that the break has given your brain the time it needs to process what you’ve been working on. Sometimes, the best way to move forward is to step back.

Remember, learning guitar is not a sprint; it’s a marathon. It’s perfectly normal to have ups and downs, and what’s important is that you don’t let a bad day derail you completely. If you need extra support, our community at Riffhard is always there to offer encouragement and share personal experiences of their own struggles and triumphs.

Tracking Your Progress: Celebrate the Wins

One of the most motivating factors in learning guitar is recognizing how far you’ve come. Tracking your progress can be incredibly rewarding and is an excellent way to keep your spirits high.

Consider keeping a practice journal. Write down what you worked on each day and any improvements or challenges you faced. Recording yourself regularly is another great method to track progress. Over time, you’ll be able to look back and see just how much you’ve improved.

Don’t forget to celebrate your wins, no matter how small. Whether it’s mastering a new chord, nailing a tricky riff, or simply playing without mistakes, these are all achievements worth acknowledging. Celebrating these moments can bolster your confidence and keep you motivated for the journey ahead.

For those looking for more structured ways to track their progress, Riffhard offers interactive lessons where you can adjust tempo and download tabs to help you see your improvement over time.

Connecting with a Community: You’re Not Alone

Feeling like you’re in this alone can be demotivating. That’s why connecting with a community of fellow guitar learners can be incredibly helpful. Sharing your struggles and successes with others on the same journey can provide support and encouragement.

Join online forums, participate in jam sessions, or attend local music events. Engaging with others who are learning can provide new insights and motivation. Plus, it’s a great way to make friends who share your passion for music.

At Riffhard, we have a vibrant community of guitarists who are always ready to offer advice and encouragement. Whether you’re stuck on a technique or just looking to chat with like-minded individuals, our community is a fantastic resource.

Embrace Your Unique Journey: Everyone Learns Differently

It’s important to remember that everyone learns at their own pace. Comparing yourself to others can be discouraging and counterproductive. Embrace your unique journey and focus on your personal progress.

Some people pick up techniques quickly, while others might take a bit longer. Neither is right or wrong—it’s just different. Focus on what works for you and adapt your practice routine to fit your learning style.

If you’re someone who learns better visually, watching video tutorials might be your best bet. If you prefer structure, following a lesson plan could be more beneficial. Riffhard offers a variety of lessons in different formats to cater to different learning styles, ensuring you find the method that works best for you.

Keep the Fun Alive: Remember Why You Started

At the end of the day, playing guitar should be fun! Don’t get so caught up in the technical aspects that you forget why you started playing in the first place. Whether it was to play along with your favorite songs, write your own music, or just have fun, keeping that initial passion alive is crucial.

Make sure to set aside time to just play for the enjoyment of it. Experiment with new sounds, jam with friends, or simply strum along to your favorite tunes. This keeps the joy in playing and prevents it from becoming a chore.

Remember, the guitar is a lifelong journey filled with endless possibilities. Enjoy the ride, and don’t be afraid to take detours along the way. And whenever you need a boost, our lessons at Riffhard are always there to provide new challenges and inspiration.

Final Thoughts

Learning guitar is a rewarding journey filled with challenges and triumphs. By setting realistic goals, finding inspiration, and making practice a habit, you’ll build the foundation to keep going even when things get tough. Remember to celebrate your progress and connect with a community of fellow learners. At Riffhard, we’re here to support you with lessons from the world’s best metal guitarists, ensuring you never have to face the journey alone.