One of the more trying areas of playing the guitar is when you get to point where you are no longer showing any improvement in your playing. All guitarists run into this same problem regardless of their skill level and ask the same question, “why is my guitar playing not up to the level that I would like it to be, and what must I do to get there?”
To make matters even worse we see and hear our favorite guitar players almost everyday, and it seems as thought they are always coming up with new tricks and are constantly improving upon their skills. When we read about our favorite guitarists in magazines in order to learn how to do what they do this leaves us even more confused. Becoming a fantastic guitarist is no easy task. It is a lot harder then it looks.
What is the answer to becoming a successful guitarist? Although there is no single answer to solving every problem there are a lot of theories and concepts that may help you get through the sticking points that are holding you back from becoming the guitarist that you have always wanted to be.
One of the first things that you must understand is that you do not have to be a genius in order to become a fantastic guitarist. The top two things that you must posses if you want to be a great guitarist are commitment and desire. There is no such thing as a great guitarist that is not passionate about music. They did not get to be were they are by being lethargic and uninterested.
These guitarists took it upon their self’s to go ahead and continually learn new things.
It is guitarists that dare to challenge them self’s that take the chance of failure. This is where a lot of guitarist lose the fight with low self-worth and give up. The problem is not that they took the chance, but that they could not pick themselves up again. When you understand that failure is a part of the growing process, and that it takes a lot of practices to nail down some of the techniques, then you have just learned the first thing that you need to become a skilled guitarist.
I have put together a list of ideas that I believe every guitar player ought to try out.
This article is not like other articles in that they require you to take action and do rather then just read, because in the end all that counts is what you do.
Top 10 tips…
1. Learn something that is challenging and new – The very first step to becoming a better guitar player is self-education. When it comes to mastering the guitar there is always something brand new to learn. If you are presently learning music in school, college, at a conservatory, or with a private guitar instructor, you will find that mastering the guitar will come easier to you, then to those that are studying on there own. If you are not in a music program my advice to you is that you get into one, or find a private guitar instructor. I am all in favor of learning on your own, but I know from my own personal experience that support and motivation from a music teacher or a private instructor is priceless. Once you have mastered an area of interest, push yourself to learn something that is new and challenging, something that you are not comfortable with. If you keep on learning within your comfort zone you will continually be running in circles.
2. Time is valuable make it count – Do not waste your valuable time hacking around on your guitar. Get down to business and learn things that will help you reach your musical goals. Set musical goals and work towards attaining them. You can become a better guitarist just by managing your time properly and staying focused.
3. Listen to a lot of music – In order to become a great guitarist you have to listen to a lot of music. Listen to your favorite bands, and draw motivation from them. Listen to what the guitarists are doing and make up a list of the techniques that you would have to learn in order to play that particular piece of music. This will really motivate you to play your guitar more often, because you now have a clearer picture of what you are working towards.
4. Surround yourself with talent – Play guitar with people that are better than you, not only will you learn how to play better, you will also be motivated to push yourself so that you can keep up. When you first think about it this idea seems difficult to understand, you may be asking yourself “why would I want to expose myself to this kind of pressure?” The truth of the matter is that nothing will motivate you more then the fact that people are depending on you. Do not play with people who are rude and conceited. Humiliation doesn't promote self-worth and will only bring you down. You want to play with people that are considerate and patient. With time you will find yourself playing up to their level.
5. Creating a vision - Have a clear vision about what you want to do when you have achieved your goals. Do you want to create your own CD, or play in a band at local spots? Will you be playing cover songs or writing your own songs? Begin planning now and use the skills that you have at the present time. It’s all about setting goals and should not be underestimated, it is very important that you know how you are going to use your talent. Begin to create a vision now so that you know what goals you must achieve to get there, whether you just want to play for your own enjoyment, or to entertain others.
6. Teach another person – When you teach someone else how to play you will also be learning. Even if you only know one chord like the E chord then teach someone that. Why you may ask? Because when you teach someone else to play the guitar it solidifies what you already know and reaffirms your knowledge. Believe me when I tell you that I have learned more by teaching then I have by learning. Teaching takes you out of your own comfort zone, and when the questions star flying you better have the answers. I believe that every person that plays the guitar knows something that they can teach someone else. Give it a try and you will see the outcome for yourself.
7. Have confidence in your ability – I know that this may sound a bit cliché, but nonetheless it is important that you hear it. You can master anything that you set your mind to regardless of whether or not you have chubby fingers. Do not listen to what others have to say, stay true to yourself even thought we live amongst people who are critical and do not understand how much words hurt. Stay with it and surround yourself with people that will support you in your quest to become a guitarist.
8. You are unique – There is no one else like you and nobody can even come close to being like you. Use this fact to incorporate your own unique personality into your guitar playing and there will never be a shortage of stuff to play. Your guitar playing will become a reflection of you in style and tone.
9. Figure out what works for other guitarists – Whether you study the work of your favorite guitar player or speak to your guitar teacher, inquire of others what worked and didn’t for them. I do not claim to have all the solutions, but when everybody puts their heads together some very good ideas begin to emerge. Networking with other musicians allows you to both receive and give at the same time.
10. Work on your weak points – As a guitarist you know were your weak point are when it comes to playing the guitar. For me personally it is my speed picking technique, and that is what I spend the majority of my time working on, for you it may be something different. What ever your weaknesses are don’t ignore them while you celebrate recent victories. Keep working on your weaknesses and you will see dramatic improvements in your guitar playing. The answer to becoming a great guitarist is to never stop striving to improve upon your weak points, do this and you will never be at a lose for what to do next. Get out a note pad and write which weaknesses you currently have, and then find the resources that you need to improve in that area of your playing.
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