This post is inspired by something I read this morning at another blog I follow often ZenHabits.net. Today’s post was about “the only way to become great at something” and it immediately reminded me of when I first started playing guitar.
When I first started all I could think about was when would I be able to play well enough to piece a song or two together. Once I reached that point the speed with which I learned new material and new concepts slowed down greatly.
As a beginner guitar player we learn a lot in a short period of time. We learn chords, positioning, strumming patterns and more. How ever once we learn these things our development begins to slow. We’ve satisfied our initial goal of being able to play some songs on the guitar we know. Of course our journey as a guitar player shouldn’t stop there, we should continue to grow.
The post I read this morning talks about taking 6-10 years to become great at something depending on how hard you work at it. I think I believe this. I haven’t worked as hard at becoming a better guitar player over the last couple of years and because of this haven’t really progressed.
What can you take from this as a beginner guitar player?
Well if you’re just starting out I’d suggest you get the best guitar lessons product you can find, with as much content as possible. Forget anything that promises to teach you guitar in a weekend or over night. These are basically nothing but out right lies and fibs. No one has become a great guitar player over night and even the greats are learning new techniques and material each year.
Once you’ve got a good guitar lesson course or signed up for some private lessons commit to learning. I don’t mean going to the lessons but immerse yourself in the process of becoming a good guitar player. Practice, look for new ideas and techniques online. Get together with friends that play, really do all you can to push yourself as a guitar player.
To become great you must never stop learning. When we stop learning we become ignorant and stagnant. The guitar is a wonderful instrument and you have the ability to become a great player, just never give up!