Thank you so much for publishing this video. I'm an intermediate player stuck in the burnout zone for some years. Unmotivated, bored with the same old same old, looking for a way to get out of that rut. I needed someone (you) to tell it like it is and get me rolling again. Thanks.
I was a one year quitter statistic at 21. Now in my 60’s I’ve been going strong for 3 years and will never quit as long as my fingers work. I keep it fresh by playing songs I love every time I practice in addition to songs I’m struggling with. Eventually my struggle songs become my fun songs, but there’s always a new challenging song waiting in the wings. If I don’t feel like practicing, I tell myself to do 10 minutes….it usually turns into an hour.
Great advice for beginners to follow. Little and often is better than once or twice large weekly practice sessions. Remembering why you first wanted to learn the guitar by always playing fun and simple songs.
This is nonsense excellent advice. I can thoroughly recommend Justin Guitar to learn from. Justin's tutorials are thoroughly structured and extremely comprehensive. Your advice regarding giving yourself 'easy victories' - or going temporarily away from a course - is spot on - and sometimes needed to break and lift us. Comparison with sticking close to the coastline is so apt with so much out there to distract us! Being close to breaking free of the 'beginner cycle' and advancing to 'intermediate; this is just what I needed to re-focus before turning 63. Many thanks!
Jaxon, initially, I thought that you were just another pitch man. Eventually, I realized that you were giving sincere advice, and later, still, I realized that it is good sincere advice. With work demands -- including overseas travel -- my effort to play the guitar has been off and on, but it always calls me back. The key for me is realizing that I enjoy learning the guitar. I enjoy the process. I used to be so right-hand dominant that it was hard to fret certain notes with my left hand. Chords were really hard. But I have stuck with it where I have learned many notes and chords, etc. That is healthy and beneficial. . . . Anyway, for those in that 90%, give it another try. It's fun!
Love your attitude! If we can get to the point where we love the process we’ll stick with it forever. It’s harder to love the process when you’re lost or frustrated but there are always ways to keep enjoying. Glad to hear you’re still at it and having fun! Cheers
Started late (29), small hands, limited talent. Took me to amazing places-3 records, tons of live shows, several bands, played live on major commercial radio, wrote hundreds of songs, helped teach/shared it with my kid. One of the most important threads of my life. Honestly, for me it was a simple refusal to give up no matter what. Just keep playin’. At least 15 minutes per day. No (or exceedingly few) exceptions. But don’t beat yourself up if you don’t get there-just means it wasn’t your thing. There are lots of others. So yeah, what he says at the end. Period. One more thing: Start with an electric. Much easier to get the basics quick on electric than acoustic. You can even practice unplugged in an apartment.
To your last point you make here about starting with electric, only my personal opinion that I strongly disagree on that, and I'll explain why. When I first started, I had an instructor that got me through that beginner phase, and he told my parents he would only teach me on an acoustic because it is less forgiving than an electric. Any mistakes you make not pushing down on a fret correctly, or even buzzing caused by a finger incorrectly laying on another string, it's mich more noticeable. And teaches you better habits. Also acoustic strings tend to be slightly tougher to lay down on the fret, so when I ventured into an electric, it felt like a breeze to play. And I knew I developed good habits. Just my own opinion and laying that out there for anyone else to weigh out the options for themselves.
@@andrewgelwicks6936 That’s certainly a widely-held view, and it sounds like we’ve both had success regardless of our chosen learning paths : ) But I would cite the point in the video that 90% give up on guitar early. We appear to agree that acoustic is harder and much more unforgiving. So I’d argue that given the high drop-out rate, most learners should ease into it, make things as easy as possible. On top of that, cheaper acoustics (which most folks would start on) often have higher action and more challenging set ups. But a final point also really matters-the kind of music you want to play. Some genres are played more on electric, some on acoustic. If it’s metal, punk, or Chicago blues, electric. Folk, old school country, singer-songwriter-acoustic. Some other types work well with either. Playing the kind of music you love from the start is a big thing. So there’s a lot to consider, for sure.
@@greggorsag9787you and Andrew both make great points. I am two years into learning on a cheap but OK acoustic guitar. With a high action barre chords are a particular struggle and am thinking of getting an electric to do more rock repertoire and stimulate some more enthusiasm for playing.
I started and quit electric guitar aged 19. My second try came at 50 using UA-cam Yousician and Rocksmith. This time I got both an electric AND acoustic. I'd learn with the electric in front of the computer but would practice around the house with the acoustic. Previously the inertia of plugging in, switching on and fiddling with knobs and settings was enough to introduce inertia that stopped me practicing whereas with my acoustic now I can just snatch it up and play on a whim. Now I own a hollow body Casino Coupe (semi acoustic) and I can't help but feel that if I'd bought it first time around as the salesman had recommended I may well have stuck with it; it's perfect for quiet acoustic practice unplugged!
bad habits bro. fixing a bad habit is waaay harder than learning it right the first time. i kinda regret not getting a proper course with an actual teacher
So true! Especially with technique. That’s where I see the worst habits that are the hardest to undo. To fix a bad habit people have to go one step backwards temporarily and most don’t have the patience for it. Better to start off right!
Plenty of amazing players have bad habits. It’s all about enjoying the instrument. I would almost argue there’s no such thing as a bad habit. Bad habits are still better than not playing.
Guitar is the one of the hardest instruments on earth. Part of the problem is new players getting gaslit into thinking it's an easy instrument. Shops want sales, instructors want students, and no one likes to tell you the truth. You picked an extremely difficult instrument. I tell my kids when they start out, don't be afraid to just make noise. Your ears will teach you what sounds right as you go. You can learn theory as you go. Just make noise, have fun, and practice one thing at a time as you start out. And BUY A GUITAR THAT IS COMFORTABLE. I've watched music teachers hand a 16yr old an acoustic with 15-70 steel strings on it...
I’m currently teaching myself guitar as a 16 year pianist. I can definitely say my background in piano has helped a lot with some of the guitar terminology for sure. I don’t necessarily feel like a “beginner” to a certain degree. Right now I’m learning all the notes on the fretboard taking it one string at a time. I honestly just want to be able to play every riff/solo in fade to black lmao.
I think a lot of people quit because they seemingly run into a dead end, where they accomplished their goal of learning their fav songs on guitar. The creativity it takes to create your own songs and be happy with them is a hard plateau to get through
Yeah that makes a lot of sense! And even if someone isn’t interested in writing music they can get lost after learning some songs and plateauing. That’s why I think going deeper into a specific style from that point is key. Then they have some clarity on how to keep improving and enjoying more.
The Beatles were self taught as were most of the 60s guitarists. The lucky few make it to a recording contract regardless of ability to actually play guitar.
"Learn songs first, ones you know and love" was advice I received at beginning but did not follow. 7 years later I focus on "learning songs". UA-cam videos very helpful but can lead you down rabbit holes such as crash courses on Music Theory, Nashville System, Fretboard Magic etc., MY advice.....learn songs, practice them daily, pick a playing style and role model to follow. 😎🎸🪕🎼🎶
Thank you so much for publishing this video. I'm an intermediate player stuck in the burnout zone for some years. Unmotivated, bored with the same old same old, looking for a way to get out of that rut. I needed someone (you) to tell it like it is and get me rolling again. Thanks.
I was a one year quitter statistic at 21. Now in my 60’s I’ve been going strong for 3 years and will never quit as long as my fingers work. I keep it fresh by playing songs I love every time I practice in addition to songs I’m struggling with. Eventually my struggle songs become my fun songs, but there’s always a new challenging song waiting in the wings. If I don’t feel like practicing, I tell myself to do 10 minutes….it usually turns into an hour.
Great advice for beginners to follow. Little and often is better than once or twice large weekly practice sessions. Remembering why you first wanted to learn the guitar by always playing fun and simple songs.
This is nonsense excellent advice. I can thoroughly recommend Justin Guitar to learn from. Justin's tutorials are thoroughly structured and extremely comprehensive. Your advice regarding giving yourself 'easy victories' - or going temporarily away from a course - is spot on - and sometimes needed to break and lift us. Comparison with sticking close to the coastline is so apt with so much out there to distract us! Being close to breaking free of the 'beginner cycle' and advancing to 'intermediate; this is just what I needed to re-focus before turning 63. Many thanks!
there is a lot of sense in what you say . I started in 2020 , at 55 . one of the best things I have ever done.
Thanks bro, amazing video
Jaxon, initially, I thought that you were just another pitch man. Eventually, I realized that you were giving sincere advice, and later, still, I realized that it is good sincere advice. With work demands -- including overseas travel -- my effort to play the guitar has been off and on, but it always calls me back. The key for me is realizing that I enjoy learning the guitar. I enjoy the process. I used to be so right-hand dominant that it was hard to fret certain notes with my left hand. Chords were really hard. But I have stuck with it where I have learned many notes and chords, etc. That is healthy and beneficial. . . . Anyway, for those in that 90%, give it another try. It's fun!
Love your attitude! If we can get to the point where we love the process we’ll stick with it forever. It’s harder to love the process when you’re lost or frustrated but there are always ways to keep enjoying. Glad to hear you’re still at it and having fun! Cheers
Started late (29), small hands, limited talent. Took me to amazing places-3 records, tons of live shows, several bands, played live on major commercial radio, wrote hundreds of songs, helped teach/shared it with my kid. One of the most important threads of my life.
Honestly, for me it was a simple refusal to give up no matter what. Just keep playin’. At least 15 minutes per day. No (or exceedingly few) exceptions.
But don’t beat yourself up if you don’t get there-just means it wasn’t your thing. There are lots of others.
So yeah, what he says at the end. Period.
One more thing: Start with an electric. Much easier to get the basics quick on electric than acoustic. You can even practice unplugged in an apartment.
To your last point you make here about starting with electric, only my personal opinion that I strongly disagree on that, and I'll explain why. When I first started, I had an instructor that got me through that beginner phase, and he told my parents he would only teach me on an acoustic because it is less forgiving than an electric. Any mistakes you make not pushing down on a fret correctly, or even buzzing caused by a finger incorrectly laying on another string, it's mich more noticeable. And teaches you better habits. Also acoustic strings tend to be slightly tougher to lay down on the fret, so when I ventured into an electric, it felt like a breeze to play. And I knew I developed good habits. Just my own opinion and laying that out there for anyone else to weigh out the options for themselves.
@@andrewgelwicks6936 That’s certainly a widely-held view, and it sounds like we’ve both had success regardless of our chosen learning paths : ) But I would cite the point in the video that 90% give up on guitar early. We appear to agree that acoustic is harder and much more unforgiving. So I’d argue that given the high drop-out rate, most learners should ease into it, make things as easy as possible. On top of that, cheaper acoustics (which most folks would start on) often have higher action and more challenging set ups. But a final point also really matters-the kind of music you want to play. Some genres are played more on electric, some on acoustic. If it’s metal, punk, or Chicago blues, electric. Folk, old school country, singer-songwriter-acoustic. Some other types work well with either. Playing the kind of music you love from the start is a big thing. So there’s a lot to consider, for sure.
@@greggorsag9787you and Andrew both make great points. I am two years into learning on a cheap but OK acoustic guitar. With a high action barre chords are a particular struggle and am thinking of getting an electric to do more rock repertoire and stimulate some more enthusiasm for playing.
I started and quit electric guitar aged 19. My second try came at 50 using UA-cam Yousician and Rocksmith.
This time I got both an electric AND acoustic. I'd learn with the electric in front of the computer but would practice around the house with the acoustic. Previously the inertia of plugging in, switching on and fiddling with knobs and settings was enough to introduce inertia that stopped me practicing whereas with my acoustic now I can just snatch it up and play on a whim. Now I own a hollow body Casino Coupe (semi acoustic) and I can't help but feel that if I'd bought it first time around as the salesman had recommended I may well have stuck with it; it's perfect for quiet acoustic practice unplugged!
bad habits bro. fixing a bad habit is waaay harder than learning it right the first time. i kinda regret not getting a proper course with an actual teacher
So true! Especially with technique. That’s where I see the worst habits that are the hardest to undo. To fix a bad habit people have to go one step backwards temporarily and most don’t have the patience for it. Better to start off right!
Plenty of amazing players have bad habits. It’s all about enjoying the instrument. I would almost argue there’s no such thing as a bad habit. Bad habits are still better than not playing.
@@MrJesse3030 You have a good point. Think: Wes Montgomery's thumb technique--wrong, wrong, WRONG! But his music? Mmmmm....❣🤩
Guitar is the one of the hardest instruments on earth. Part of the problem is new players getting gaslit into thinking it's an easy instrument.
Shops want sales, instructors want students, and no one likes to tell you the truth. You picked an extremely difficult instrument.
I tell my kids when they start out, don't be afraid to just make noise. Your ears will teach you what sounds right as you go.
You can learn theory as you go. Just make noise, have fun, and practice one thing at a time as you start out.
And BUY A GUITAR THAT IS COMFORTABLE.
I've watched music teachers hand a 16yr old an acoustic with 15-70 steel strings on it...
No instrument is an easy instrument, but some are easier to play basic things on.
I’m currently teaching myself guitar as a 16 year pianist. I can definitely say my background in piano has helped a lot with some of the guitar terminology for sure. I don’t necessarily feel like a “beginner” to a certain degree. Right now I’m learning all the notes on the fretboard taking it one string at a time. I honestly just want to be able to play every riff/solo in fade to black lmao.
I think a lot of people quit because they seemingly run into a dead end, where they accomplished their goal of learning their fav songs on guitar. The creativity it takes to create your own songs and be happy with them is a hard plateau to get through
Yeah that makes a lot of sense! And even if someone isn’t interested in writing music they can get lost after learning some songs and plateauing. That’s why I think going deeper into a specific style from that point is key. Then they have some clarity on how to keep improving and enjoying more.
Justin Guitar is fantastic, he got me off the ground.
The Beatles were self taught as were most of the 60s guitarists. The lucky few make it to a recording contract regardless of ability to actually play guitar.
"Learn songs first, ones you know and love" was advice I received at beginning but did not follow. 7 years later I focus on "learning songs". UA-cam videos very helpful but can lead you down rabbit holes such as crash courses on Music Theory, Nashville System, Fretboard Magic etc., MY advice.....learn songs, practice them daily, pick a playing style and role model to follow. 😎🎸🪕🎼🎶