If you're learning guitar, it's easy to fall into the trap of thinking you need to learn everything.
One minute you're practising a few chords, the next you're watching videos about complicated scales, comparing pedals you'll probably never buy, or trying to play solos that are way beyond where you're at.
Sound familiar?
The truth is, you don't need to know every trick in the book to become a better player. In fact, most guitarists make the biggest improvements by focusing on a handful of core skills and getting really comfortable with them.
Sometimes, less really is more.
Start with the basics
It might not sound as exciting as learning flashy solos, but spending time on the fundamentals will get you much further than trying to learn everything at once.
Think about things like:
- Open chords
- Power chords
- Barre chords
- Basic pentatonic and blues scales
- Keeping solid rhythm and good timing
These are the building blocks of thousands of songs. Get these under your fingers, and you'll be surprised how quickly your playing starts to come together.
Don't rush ahead
We've all been there.
You see someone flying around the fretboard on YouTube and think, "I want to do that."
Before you know it, you're trying to learn advanced scales or techniques that feel impossible.
There's nothing wrong with having big goals, but don't skip the steps that get you there.
A guitarist with great timing, clean chord changes and a solid understanding of the basics will nearly always sound better than someone trying to play a hundred notes a second with no real control.
Spend more time playing... less time scrolling
Let's be honest, we've all lost half an hour watching guitar videos when we could've been playing.
It's easy to get caught up looking at the latest pedals, comparing amps or convincing yourself that a new guitar will magically make you a better player.
(Although... we do love a new guitar. 😄)
The best upgrade you can make is spending more time with the guitar you've already got in your hands.
Even twenty focused minutes of practice will do more for your playing than hours spent scrolling.
Play songs you love
One of the quickest ways to stay motivated is to learn music you actually enjoy listening to.
Every new song teaches you something, whether it's a new chord shape, a different rhythm or a fresh way of moving around the fretboard.
And let's face it... it's much more fun than practising the same exercise over and over.
Enjoy the journey
Every guitarist starts somewhere.
Don't worry about how fast someone else is progressing or whether you can play that impossible solo yet.
Focus on getting a little bit better every time you pick up your guitar.
Those small improvements soon add up.
And if you're ever unsure what to practise next, or you're thinking about your next guitar, pop into Austin Guitars for a chat.
We're always happy to talk guitars, help you find the right instrument, or point you in the right direction.
Now stop reading... go and have a play. 🎸