The Journey of Musical Discovery: What I Wish I Knew When I Started Playing Guitar

Many people share similar feelings about starting an instrument; I feel incredibly lonely and stressed. At one point, I even considered quitting, as if my mind would give up on me. But whenever I pick up my guitar, my worries fade away, and I am filled with a sense of happiness and contentment.

However, being a beginner and not knowing how to play guitar can be frustrating. I often wish I could play as well as those I admire and listen to. If someone—be it a teacher or an experienced player—had told me earlier, ‘you will only ever sound like you’ when I started playing, it would have saved me from worrying for years over my abilities.

Adaptation and Personal Growth

We are all unique, and being influenced by the playing styles of others means that each individual will develop a sound and style that is uniquely their own. It took me a long time to fully grasp this concept. Early on, I thought I needed to sound like those players I looked up to, but the realization that being myself is enough came with time.

Setting Realistic Expectations

To those just starting their guitar journey, I would emphasize the importance of setting realistic expectations. One commonly held misconception is that you can ‘just learn’ how to play an instrument. While you can certainly pick up the basics, mastery of the craft takes much longer than a few lessons. It’s crucial to treat your instrument as a great hobby and not to expect it to make your living. If playing guitar eventually does become your profession, that’s a bonus, not an expectation.

Another key piece of advice is to avoid following the expectations of others. It’s important to stay true to your own feelings and to find your own type of music and focus on it. You cannot be good at everything, and trying to be all things to all people is counterproductive.

Technical and Theoretical Knowledge

While mastering the instrument can be a lot to take in, it is essential to take the time to learn the theory behind music. Understanding the fretboard can be much easier with a solid grasp of music theory, intervals, scales, and chord construction. Additionally, learning to read music is a significant skill that can accelerate your progress and deepen your understanding of music.

Practical Tips for Beginners

Learning from Theory: Spend some time learning the theory of music, as it will make understanding the fretboard a lot easier. Knowing scales, chord construction, and even reading music can be incredibly helpful.

Practice with a Metronome: Consistent practice is crucial. Use a metronome or practice along with songs to develop your timing and to improve your playing.

Leverage Online Resources: Take advantage of the many free resources available online to learn guitar. Websites, YouTube tutorials, and online courses can be incredibly helpful.

For many guitar players, technical “aha” moments are common. These moments often come when you realize how a specific technique is performed. However, these realizations, while beneficial, don’t significantly impact your ability to play the guitar if you already knew them when you started.

Conclusion

To conclude, while there are no many ‘secrets’ to playing guitar, the journey itself is a continuous learning process that requires dedication, patience, and the right mindset. Playing guitar can bring immense joy and personal growth, but it is important to approach it with the right attitude and realistic expectations. With time, practice, and a focus on self-discovery, the sky is the limit for any guitar player.

Whether you are a beginner looking to start or an experienced player seeking new insights, the advice outlined above can help navigate the challenges and joys of playing the guitar. If you have any further questions or need more detailed guidance, feel free to reach out!