What do you truly want to achieve with the guitar? This is one of the most important questions every guitarist should ask themselves. Whether your dream is to strum and sing around a campfire, jam with other musicians in your area, or play massive festivals with an incredible band, having a clear vision shapes your journey. Don’t worry if your goals seem impossible or unattainable right now; what matters is being honest about what you want. Your vision will guide your efforts and determine what you need to focus on to make meaningful progress.
Define Your Guitar Dream
Start by picturing your ultimate guitar goal. For some, it might be the joy of leading singalongs with friends and family. For others, it could be the thrill of improvising killer solos in a blues jam or composing original songs. Whatever your aspiration, write it down. Being clear about your vision provides direction and helps you avoid distractions.
Cut Out Unnecessary Practice
It’s a common misconception that as long as you’re playing your guitar, you’re improving. Unfortunately, this isn’t true. Aimless practice can waste time and leave you frustrated. Instead, focus on exercises and techniques that align with your specific goals.
For example, if your vision is to strum and sing your favorite songs, mastering a million scales or advanced jazz chords won’t necessarily help. Your practice should focus on rhythm, chord transitions, and a bit of ear training to recognize chord progressions by sound. On the other hand, if you dream of playing lead guitar in a rock band, learning scales, bends, slides, and other phrasing and improvisation techniques will be crucial. For aspiring jazz guitarists or theater musicians, sight-reading and understanding complex chord structures become essential.
To make the most progress, be deliberate about what you practice. Regularly ask yourself: “Is this helping me get closer to my goals?” If the answer is no, it might be time to reassess your routine.
Get Correct Information
We live in a time where there’s an overwhelming amount of information available online. From YouTube tutorials to blog posts and forums, everyone has an opinion on how to learn guitar. While this abundance of resources can be a blessing, it also comes with challenges. Sorting through conflicting advice can lead to confusion and stagnation.
To truly excel, seek guidance from someone who has a proven track record of helping others achieve similar goals. A skilled and experienced teacher can:
- Help you identify the most relevant skills and techniques for your vision.
- Provide feedback to correct mistakes and ensure efficient progress.
- Tailor a personal practice plan that aligns with your goals.
Learning guitar isn’t a one-size-fits-all journey. The right instructor will take your aspirations, strengths, and challenges into account, helping you chart the most effective path forward.
Make a Plan and Stick to It
Once you’ve clarified your vision, streamlined your practice, and sought expert guidance, it’s time to create a practice plan. Break your goals into manageable steps and set realistic timelines. For instance:
- If your goal is to strum and sing confidently, your weekly plan might include learning new chords, practicing transitions, and singing while playing.
- If you’re aiming to shred solos, dedicate time to mastering scales and sequences, increasing speed, and learning solos or phasing elements from your favorite guitarists.
The key is consistency. Even 20-30 minutes of focused practice each day can lead to significant progress over time.
The Road Ahead
Your guitar journey is as unique as your aspirations. By having a clear vision, eliminating unnecessary practice, and seeking the right guidance, you’ll be able to make the most of your time and effort. Remember, progress isn’t about perfection or speed; it’s about moving closer to your dream, one step at a time.
So, ask yourself: What’s your guitar vision? Once you know, start working toward it with purpose, focus, and the right support. Your musical dreams are within reach—all it takes is the right approach to make them a reality.
About The Author
Brian Fish is a talented professional guitarist, dedicated to helping guitar players in Northeast Ohio pursue their musical dreams since 1994. He’s passionate about guiding others on their musical journey! He is the head guitar instructor, trainer, and coach at Guitar Lessons Geauga.
Brian has also created the fantastic rhythm course, “Ultimate Rhythm Mastery,” which is available at MusicTheoryForGuitar.com.