How to Restart Playing the Guitar

Falling out of the habit of playing guitar happens to the best of us. Maybe life got busy, or your guitar started gathering dust in the corner. Whatever the reason, deciding to pick it up again is a great step. Whether you’re rekindling an old flame with metal riffs or just want to get back to strumming, there’s a world of music waiting for you. Let’s talk about how you can get back into the groove and reignite that passion for guitar playing.

Finding Your Motivation

The first step in restarting your guitar journey is understanding what drives you. Why did you pick up the guitar the first time? Was it the thrill of playing your favorite songs? The excitement of creating your own music? Or perhaps it was the challenge of mastering a complex solo? Reconnecting with your initial motivation can be a powerful way to fuel your renewed interest.

Take a moment to listen to the songs or albums that inspired you to play. Remember those late nights spent trying to nail that one riff? Revisiting those memories can spark the same enthusiasm you once had. If you’re into metal, perhaps it’s the thundering riffs of Metallica or the technical wizardry of bands like Archspire that reignite your passion.

On the other hand, maybe your tastes have evolved. Explore new genres or subgenres like djent, progressive metal, or even some indie rock. You might find a new source of inspiration that aligns with your current musical interests.

• Revisit old playlists or concerts that made you want to start playing.
• Try exploring new bands or genres to find fresh inspiration.
• Reflect on personal goals: Do you want to join a band, write songs, or simply play for fun?

Setting Realistic Goals

Once you’ve found your motivation, it’s important to set some achievable goals. This helps create a roadmap for your guitar journey. Start small and gradually build up. Maybe it’s playing for 10 minutes a day or learning a new riff each week. The key is consistency and manageable steps. Remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither is guitar prowess.

Setting S.M.A.R.T. goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) can be particularly effective. For example, rather than saying, “I want to get better at guitar,” you could aim for, “I will learn and play the intro riff of ‘Master of Puppets’ by Metallica five times without mistakes by the end of the month.”

• Specific: Clearly define what you want to achieve.
• Measurable: Make sure you can track your progress.
• Achievable: Set goals that are challenging but attainable.
• Relevant: Ensure your goals align with your interests.
• Time-bound: Set a deadline to keep yourself accountable.

Relearning the Basics

It’s tempting to jump straight into shredding solos and complex riffs, but taking a step back to review basic techniques can be beneficial. Things like proper finger placement, posture, and picking technique lay the groundwork for everything else. Don’t rush through these fundamentals, as they can prevent bad habits and even injuries down the line.

Start with simple exercises. Basic chromatic scales can help rebuild finger strength and dexterity. Practice alternate picking to get your right hand back in shape. If you’re into metal, downpicking is a must, so work on your stamina by playing simple riffs repeatedly.

Interestingly enough, many great guitarists often revisit the basics to fine-tune their skills. It’s like spring cleaning your technique. If you’re struggling with a particular aspect, consider seeking guidance. At Riffhard, we have a treasure trove of lessons from top metal guitarists that can help you solidify these foundational skills.

Rebuilding Finger Strength and Dexterity

After some time away, your fingers might feel a bit sluggish. Rebuilding finger strength and dexterity is crucial for smooth playing. Simple exercises can work wonders. Start with finger stretches and warm-ups to prevent strain and improve flexibility.

Use a metronome to practice scales at a comfortable tempo, gradually increasing speed as you regain confidence. Try exercises that focus on finger independence. For instance, play each finger on a different string to challenge your coordination.

• Warm up with finger stretches and basic exercises.
• Practice scales and arpeggios with a metronome.
• Focus on finger independence with specific exercises.

Remember, patience is key here. It might feel frustrating at first, but consistent practice will pay off. If you’re looking for structured exercises, Riffhard offers a range of lessons that can help you regain and even surpass your previous skill level.

Exploring New Techniques

Rekindling your guitar journey is the perfect opportunity to explore new techniques. Whether it’s sweep picking, tapping, or hybrid picking, adding new skills to your repertoire can keep things exciting and challenging.

If you’re venturing into metal or its subgenres, techniques like palm muting, tremolo picking, and alternate tunings are worth exploring. These techniques not only enhance your playing but also open up a world of creative possibilities.

Don’t be afraid to experiment. Try incorporating these techniques into your practice routine and see how they transform your playing. At Riffhard, we have lessons from renowned guitarists that cover a wide range of techniques, ensuring you have all the tools you need to expand your skills.

Building a Practice Routine

A well-structured practice routine is the backbone of consistent progress. Without a plan, it’s easy to get distracted or lose motivation. Tailor your routine to fit your goals, schedule, and current skill level. A balanced practice session might include warm-ups, technique exercises, learning new material, and jamming along to tracks.

Consider setting aside specific days for different aspects of playing. For example, dedicate one day to rhythm playing and another to lead techniques. This helps maintain variety and prevents burnout. Remember, quality trumps quantity, so focus on mindful practice rather than mindlessly playing through exercises.

• Create a balanced routine with warm-ups, exercises, and song learning.
• Set aside specific days for different aspects of playing.
• Focus on quality over quantity in your practice sessions.

If you’re unsure where to start or need some inspiration, Riffhard provides a curated lesson plan called The Shredule, designed to guide you through various aspects of guitar playing.

Staying Motivated

Maintaining motivation is often the biggest challenge when restarting guitar. There will be days when progress feels slow, and frustration creeps in. During these times, it’s essential to remind yourself why you started playing in the first place. Celebrate small victories and acknowledge the progress you’ve made, no matter how minor it seems.

Consider joining a community of fellow guitarists. Sharing your journey with others can provide support and encouragement. Online forums, social media groups, or local jam sessions are great ways to connect with like-minded individuals.

• Remind yourself of your initial motivation and goals.
• Celebrate small victories and progress.
• Join a community of fellow guitarists for support and encouragement.

At Riffhard, we offer a platform where you can connect with other guitarists and instructors, providing a supportive environment to help you stay motivated on your guitar journey.

Exploring Songwriting and Creativity

Restarting your guitar journey is also a perfect opportunity to delve into songwriting and creativity. Experiment with composing your own riffs, melodies, and solos. Don’t be afraid to break conventional rules and explore unique sounds. This creative process not only enhances your skills but also adds a personal touch to your playing.

If you’re into metal, try writing riffs inspired by the bands you love. Explore different song structures and melodic ideas. Challenge yourself to write in various tempos and keys to expand your musical repertoire.

Remember, creativity knows no bounds. Let your imagination run wild and have fun with the process. If you need guidance or inspiration, Riffhard offers lessons on songwriting and composition from experienced metal guitarists.

Recording and Sharing Your Progress

Recording your playing is a valuable tool for tracking progress and identifying areas for improvement. It allows you to objectively assess your strengths and weaknesses. Plus, sharing your recordings with others can provide feedback and encouragement.

You don’t need fancy equipment to start recording. A smartphone or basic recording software can work wonders. Experiment with different recording techniques and setups to find what works best for you.

• Record your playing to track progress and identify areas for improvement.
• Share recordings with others for feedback and encouragement.
• Experiment with different recording techniques and setups.

At Riffhard, we encourage our members to share their recordings with the community, fostering a supportive environment where you can receive constructive feedback and connect with fellow guitarists.

Final Thoughts

Restarting your guitar journey is an exciting adventure filled with opportunities for growth and creativity. By finding your motivation, setting realistic goals, and exploring new techniques, you can reignite your passion for playing. At Riffhard, we’re here to support you with lessons from the world’s best metal guitarists, helping you progress faster and easier. Welcome back to the world of guitar playing, and enjoy the ride!