Are you frustrated with your guitar playing? If so, you may find practicing to be a chore rather than the fun experience you had imagined. Don’t get me wrong, becoming a skilled musician does involve time, effort, focus and commitment; no matter what instrument you’re learning. But, practice will become nothing but drudgery if you don’t have a love for the music you’re making.
Every musician will experience periods of frustration from time to time. This is normal and part of the learning process. The question is, what do we do with it? Do we give up because it’s just too hard, or we’re too busy? Some do. But others keep going because they have discovered that the guitar, and guitar music, provides them with a sense of fulfillment and joy. This is the fundamental difference between a true musician and a wanna be- love for the music!
Frustrated Blues Guitar Players Click Here!
Recently I have learned a little more about the lives of John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Ian Anderson (of Jethro Tull), and members of the Moody Blues. The common thread they all shared was their love for the music; often to their own detriment. By that I mean, they weren’t primarily focused on the business end of things, or being famous. Consequently, they were often ripped off. There was even a point in time when the Moody Blues were told that their band sounded terrible and they should give it up! But, in spite of that, they kept going and now most of us recognize the genius behind their music.
MOODY BLUES MUSIC VIDEO:
“RIDE MY SEE-SAW” – Guitar Tab
I find that a change of environment works wonders when I’m feeling frustrated with my guitar playing. Rather than practicing in my music room, I might play in the living room while I look out the window, or just go outside and play in the sunshine. Instead of practicing a difficult classical guitar peice, I may play something I’ve memorized and really enjoy listening to. I also find it refreshing to experiment and create new sounds just for fun without worrying about the chord callings or scale structure. Who really cares about that anyway? Chords and scales are merely tools to help you achieve the sound you’re after. It’s the music that matters in the long run. Never forget that!
Until next time…
Keep practicing!
-or should I say playing :0)
guitarcoach
March 13, 2008 at 4:44 pm
Good post! Just found your site – very good stuff!
Lack of practicing (or lack of just playing) is the most common problem with my guitar students. Nobody will ever become a great player without playing A LOT! The hard part is usually motivation – how do I get motivated to play for hours? That depends on the person – what works for one may not work for another.
March 17, 2008 at 4:55 am
Nice site and great topic. Changing environments or even practicing different music definately helps motiviate for many, particuarly more experienced players, but the real bottom line is whether or not the student wants to learn. I can remember when I was learning it was rarely a chore. I just kept playing and playing and each little stride was so exciting to me. Many new players want to get to their destination as fast as possible and truly do not enjoy the trip getting there. I think the folks who enjoy the journey are the ones who are most successful, and that is something that just “is” and cannot be forced or taught. That’s my 2 cents worth anyways. Ray
March 19, 2008 at 6:30 am
I don’t really get frustrated with practicing as much as I get frustrated by playing the same stuff over and over. I just get stuck in a rut and am not sure where to turn. The thing that has helped with that the most is learning how to transcribe songs, that is always an enjoyable challenge.