How to Learn Guitar: An Honest and Practical Guide to Overcoming the Challenges

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 20 June 2023 9 min read

Learning to play guitar is a rewarding journey that requires patience, dedication, and the right guidance. If you're wondering how hard it is to learn guitar, the honest answer is: it depends on your goals and the effort you put in. With this practical guide, you'll discover how to overcome challenges and set yourself up for success on your guitar-learning adventure. Let's start by setting realistic goals.

Setting Realistic Goals

One of the keys to making progress while learning guitar is to set realistic goals. By breaking your journey down into smaller, achievable objectives, you'll stay motivated and see improvements over time. Here are some ways to set goals that will help you answer the question: how hard is it to learn guitar?

SMART Goals

When setting goals, make sure they are SMART: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. For example, instead of saying "I want to be a better guitarist," try "I want to learn three new chords in the next two weeks." This approach helps you focus on tangible progress and keeps you motivated as you work towards your goals.

Achievable Objectives

It's important to set objectives that are within your reach, especially when you're just starting. For example, if you're a beginner, don't expect to master complex solos right away. Instead, focus on learning basic chords, strumming patterns, and simple songs. As you improve, you can increase the difficulty and complexity of your goals, making it easier to gauge how hard it is to learn guitar at each stage.

Long-Term Vision

While setting short-term goals is crucial for motivation and progress, it's also essential to have a long-term vision for your guitar playing. Do you want to play in a band, write your own songs, or just jam with friends? Having a clear idea of where you want to be in the future will help you make decisions about what to focus on and how much effort to put into your practice sessions. Remember, learning guitar is a journey, and having a long-term vision will keep you moving forward.

Choosing the Right Guitar

Another important factor in determining how hard it is to learn guitar is the instrument itself. The right guitar can make all the difference in your learning experience. In this section, we will discuss some factors to consider when choosing the best guitar for your needs.

Acoustic vs. Electric

One of the first decisions you'll need to make is whether you want to learn on an acoustic or electric guitar. Both types have their pros and cons:

Acoustic guitars: These are generally easier to start with, as they don't require any additional equipment like an amplifier. They are great for learning chords, strumming patterns, and fingerpicking. However, they can be harder on your fingers due to higher string tension.
Electric guitars: These are often easier to play due to lighter string tension and a thinner neck. They are versatile and can produce various sounds, making them suitable for different music genres. However, they require additional gear like an amplifier and cables.

Consider your musical preferences and goals when deciding between acoustic and electric guitars. There's no wrong choice—both types can provide a fulfilling and enjoyable learning experience.

Budget and Quality

It's important to find a guitar that fits your budget without compromising on quality. While you don't need to spend a fortune on your first guitar, investing in a well-made instrument will make your learning experience more enjoyable and help you progress faster. Look for a guitar with a solid build, good sound, and comfortable playability. Remember, you can always upgrade to a better guitar as you improve.

Brands to Consider

There are many guitar brands on the market, some of which are known for producing quality instruments at affordable prices. Some popular brands for beginners include Fender, Yamaha, Epiphone, and Ibanez. When choosing a guitar, it's a good idea to visit a local music store and try out different instruments to find the one that feels and sounds the best to you.

Effective Practice Techniques

One of the keys to overcoming the challenges of learning guitar is developing effective practice habits. In this section, we'll discuss some strategies that can help you make the most of your practice sessions and progress more quickly.

Time Management

Managing your time efficiently is crucial for successful guitar practice. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your practice sessions:

Set aside dedicated practice time: Schedule regular practice sessions and treat them as a priority. Aim for at least 15-30 minutes per day, or as much time as you can realistically commit to.
Break up your practice time: Instead of practicing for long periods, try breaking your practice into shorter sessions throughout the day. This can help you maintain focus and avoid burnout.
Eliminate distractions: Find a quiet space where you can focus on your practice without interruptions. Turn off your phone, close unnecessary browser tabs, and do whatever you need to create a distraction-free environment.

Focused Practice

Focused practice is essential for overcoming the difficulties of learning guitar. Here are some strategies to help you stay focused and maximize your progress:

Set specific goals for each session: Before you start practicing, decide on one or two specific objectives to work on. This could be mastering a new chord, perfecting a strumming pattern, or improving your fingerpicking technique.
Concentrate on one thing at a time: Avoid the temptation to multitask during your practice sessions. Focus on one skill or technique until you've made significant progress before moving on to the next one.
Monitor your progress: Keep track of your achievements and celebrate your accomplishments. This can help you stay motivated and focused on your long-term goals.

Consistent Schedule

Maintaining a consistent practice schedule is crucial for learning guitar. Consistency helps to reinforce muscle memory and allows you to build upon your skills more effectively. Here are some tips for creating a consistent practice routine:

Establish a routine: Set aside specific days and times for your practice sessions, and stick to that schedule as much as possible. This will help you develop a sense of commitment and discipline.
Make it a habit: Practice at the same time every day to establish a habit. Over time, practicing will become a natural part of your daily routine, making it easier to stay consistent.
Be flexible: Life happens, and sometimes you might need to adjust your practice schedule. That's okay! Just make sure to get back on track as soon as possible and maintain your commitment to learning guitar.

Mastering Theory and Technique

Learning guitar involves more than just strumming chords and playing songs. It's important to understand the fundamental music theory concepts and master various guitar techniques. This will give you a deeper appreciation for the instrument and help you overcome challenges in learning guitar.

Music Theory Fundamentals

Music theory might sound intimidating, but it's an essential part of learning guitar. Here are some fundamental concepts you should know:

Note names: Familiarize yourself with the names of the notes on the guitar fretboard. This will help you understand chords, scales, and melodies more easily.
Chord structure: Learn how chords are built using intervals and how different chord types (major, minor, etc.) are formed.
Keys and scales: Understand the concept of keys and how scales are constructed. This will help you grasp the relationship between chords and melodies, and it will also make improvisation easier.
Rhythm and timing: Develop a solid sense of rhythm and learn to play in time with a metronome. This is crucial for playing with other musicians and performing songs accurately.

Guitar-Specific Techniques

There are various guitar techniques that you'll need to master to become a skilled player. Some of these techniques include:

Strumming: Learn different strumming patterns and techniques to add variety and dynamics to your playing.
Fingerpicking: Develop your fingerpicking skills to play more intricate patterns and explore different musical styles.
Slides, bends, and other embellishments: Master these expressive techniques to add character and emotion to your playing.
Barre chords: Learn to play barre chords, which will allow you to play a wider range of songs and create different voicings for chords.

Learning and Applying Scales

Scales are an important part of guitar playing, as they provide the foundation for creating melodies and solos. Here are some tips for learning and applying scales:

Start with basic scales: Begin by learning the major and minor pentatonic scales, as they are easy to understand and widely used in many styles of music.
Practice scales in different positions: Learn to play scales in various positions on the fretboard to increase your versatility and improve your finger strength and dexterity.
Apply scales to real music: Practice improvising solos and creating melodies using the scales you've learned. This will help you internalize the scales and understand how they can be applied in a musical context.
Expand your scale repertoire: Once you're comfortable with the basics, explore more advanced scales such as the major and minor modes, blues scale, and harmonic minor scale.

Using Online Resources

One of the best things about learning guitar today is the wealth of online resources available to help you along your journey. From websites offering guitar lessons to helpful apps and supportive online communities, there's no shortage of resources to help you overcome the challenges of learning guitar.

Websites for Guitar Lessons

There are numerous websites offering guitar lessons for players of all levels. Some popular options include:

Justin Guitar: A comprehensive site with free video lessons, covering everything from beginner to advanced topics.
Guitar Tricks: A subscription-based site offering structured courses, video lessons, and interactive tools to help you learn guitar.
JamPlay: Another subscription-based site with a wide range of video lessons, covering various styles and techniques.

These websites can help answer the question of "how hard is it to learn guitar?" by providing structured lessons, practice exercises, and feedback to help you progress at your own pace.

Guitar Apps

There are several useful guitar apps available for your smartphone or tablet that can help you practice more effectively and stay motivated. Some popular guitar apps include:

Ultimate Guitar: Provides access to a vast library of guitar tabs and chord charts for thousands of songs.
Yousician: A gamified learning app that offers interactive lessons and exercises for guitar, bass, and other instruments.
Anytune: A powerful music slowing-down app that allows you to practice along with songs at different speeds and pitches.

Online Communities

Connecting with other guitar players online can be a great source of support, motivation, and inspiration. Some popular online communities for guitarists include:

Reddit's /r/Guitar: A large and active community of guitar players sharing advice, resources, and experiences.
Ultimate Guitar Forums: A long-standing forum with a wealth of information and discussions on various guitar topics.
Facebook guitar groups: There are numerous Facebook groups dedicated to specific guitar styles, techniques, or even specific brands and models of guitars. These groups can be a great place to ask questions and learn from other players.

By tapping into these online resources, you'll find it easier to overcome the challenges of learning guitar and continue making progress on your musical journey.

Finding Local Support

While online resources are fantastic, sometimes there's no substitute for in-person support. Connecting with local guitar enthusiasts, teachers, and music stores can offer valuable guidance, advice, and camaraderie as you learn to play the guitar.

Local Music Stores

Local music stores can be a treasure trove of information and support for guitar players. They often offer:

Advice on gear: Get input on choosing the right guitar, strings, and accessories for your needs.
Instrument maintenance: Learn how to care for your guitar, like changing strings or adjusting the action.
Workshops and clinics: Attend events to learn from experts and improve your skills.

Developing a relationship with your local music store can be a valuable resource in overcoming the challenges of learning guitar.

Guitar Teachers

Working with a guitar teacher can provide personalized guidance and support tailored to your unique needs and goals. A good teacher can:

Assess your strengths and weaknesses: Help you understand what areas to focus on for improvement.
Provide structure: Offer a clear plan and practice routine to follow.
Offer feedback: Give constructive criticism to help you refine your technique and musicality.

Finding the right teacher can make a significant difference in how hard it is to learn guitar, as they can help you progress more efficiently and enjoyably.

Community Groups

Joining a community group or club dedicated to guitar players can offer additional support and motivation. Some examples of community groups include:

Local jam sessions: Casual gatherings where guitar players come together to play and share music.
Guitar clubs: Organized groups that meet regularly to discuss guitar-related topics and share knowledge.
Meetup groups: Online platforms like Meetup.com can help you find local groups of guitar enthusiasts to connect with.

Engaging with your local guitar community can help you stay inspired, learn from others, and make playing the guitar a more enjoyable and rewarding experience.

If you're eager to improve your skills and take your work to the next level, don't miss the workshop 'How to Get Better at What You Do - Go from Good to Great!' by Debbie Knox-Hewson. In this workshop, you'll learn valuable techniques and strategies to help you elevate your craft and become the best version of yourself. Don't miss out on this opportunity to grow and achieve greatness!