What It REALLY Takes For You To Learn Guitar

Are you an adult beginner guitar player over 40? Congratulations on taking the first step towards learning a new skill and embarking on a musical journey! Learning guitar can be a fulfilling and rewarding experience, but it's important to understand that it's not a quick fix or an overnight success story. It takes time, effort, and dedication to truly master the instrument. (Whatever that level of mastery is for you).

In this blog post, you will discover that there are skills you need to develop. Skills that are more important than knowing all the chords, strumming patterns and scales etc. Skills that will help you to see what it really takes for you to learn guitar so that you can stay on your musical path.
Perseverance - You Are Going to Suck for a While
Let's face it, when you start learning guitar, you're not going to sound like a rock star right away. It takes time and practice to develop the necessary skills to play the guitar proficiently. You may struggle with finger placement, chord changes, or strumming techniques in the beginning, and that's okay!

It's important to have realistic expectations and understand that you will make mistakes and have setbacks. But don't get discouraged! Perseverance is the key.

Keep practicing regularly, even when it feels frustrating, and don't be afraid to make mistakes. Embrace the learning process, and remember that every guitarist, even the most skilled ones, started as beginners too.
Discipline - Doing the Work and Taking Action
Learning guitar requires discipline. It's not just about picking up the guitar once in a while; it's about consistent practice and dedicating time and effort to improve your skills. Set a practice schedule and stick to it. (Even a small, daily practice session of 5-10 minutes will get you there).

Make it a non-negotiable part of your daily routine, - just like brushing your teeth or going to work. Be disciplined in your approach, and focus on the process rather than the outcome. Break down your practice sessions into smaller, manageable goals, and celebrate your progress along the way.

Remember, Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither will your guitar skills be. Discipline yourself to put in the work, and you will see results.
Patience - Riding Out the Times Between Results
Learning guitar is a journey, and it's important to be patient with yourself. It's normal to encounter plateaus or periods where you feel like you're not making progress. But don't let frustration take over. Keep going, and be patient.

Learning any skill takes time, and progress may not always be linear. Trust the process, and understand that growth happens even when you don't see immediate results. Be kind to yourself, and give yourself the time and space to develop your skills. Remember why you started playing guitar in the first place, and let that passion drive you forward.
Time for Skills to Develop - Fine Motor Skills Need Time
Playing guitar requires developing fine motor skills, such as finger dexterity and coordination. These skills take time to form and become second nature. Don't rush through the basics; take the time to practice proper finger placement, strumming technique, and chord changes.

Be patient with yourself and focus on building a solid foundation. As you progress, you will find that the skills you develop early on will become the building blocks for more advanced techniques. So, take your time and allow yourself to grow and develop as a guitarist.
Passion - The Glue That Keeps You Going
Passion is the driving force behind any successful endeavour, and learning guitar is no exception. It's important to have a genuine passion for playing the guitar, as it will keep you motivated and inspired, especially during challenging times.

Cultivate your love for the instrument by exploring different music genres. Listen to your favourite guitarists, and play songs that you enjoy. Go to music stores and talk to the staff and other customers. Go to concerts. Talk to other guitar players. Surround yourself with fellow musicians or consider joining a guitar club - a community of guitar players who share the same passion.

Having a sense of purpose and excitement about learning guitar will give you the determination to push through difficult moments and keep you going, even when you feel like giving up. And yes- we ALL have those moments.
To conclude, learning guitar as an adult beginner player over 40 requires perseverance, discipline, patience, time, and most importantly, passion. Embrace the process, be patient with yourself, and stay committed to consistent practice. Remember that progress may be slow at times, but with perseverance and discipline, you will improve.

Stay motivated by fuelling your passion for the instrument, and don't forget to enjoy the journey along the way. Learning guitar is a challenging but fulfilling endeavour, and with the right mindset and dedication, you can achieve your goals and become the guitarist you aspire to be.

So, pick up your guitar, embrace the challenges, and keep strumming towards your musical dreams.
Author: Allen Hopgood
Allen Hopgood is the founder of Gold Coast School of Guitar. A guitar community started to help adults play songs for fun.

You can find if his guitar lessons are a good fit for you here: https://www.goldcoastschoolofguitar.com/about
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