Guitar Player Frustration

A common thread between all guitar players is their determination (to a point). When they hear a new tune they like, they will work long and hard to learn it. This is a great attitude to have, but it needs to be applied correctly.

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Often, a guitarist will misjudge the technical abilities required to play a new song. They have heard it played, they want to learn it, and they jump right in. However, after too much struggling, they still are unable to play it the way it should be played, or they only know the first few measures. When other tunes come along that interest them, they move on. The tune that was once something that they had to learn is now put aside.

The technical ability of each guitarist varies, and pieces need to be chosen that match these abilities. Pieces that are slightly above your abilities are good, because they will provide gradual changes into more difficult arrangements without being so hard that you become discouraged or give up.

Longer pieces are usually harder pieces, if only because they take more physical exertion and mental attention. Pieces with a lot of harmony or rhythmic elements also tend to be more complex. Beginning players need to limit themselves to short and simple songs, moving very gradually to slightly more complex arrangements to increase their playing ability. You need to be careful not to chose a tune that is beyond your abilities. Your goal should be to play the tune all the way through, at a steady tempo. If you can do this, you have matched your abilities, and should look for something just slightly more challenging next time.

Players that have repeatedly chosen pieces that are too hard may find it difficult to go back to easier songs. You will have to really work at limiting yourself to songs you can play well, or are just slightly above your abilities. Maybe you could find an easier version of what you are playing, or shorten it a little by not playing all the sections. You can always add parts back in when you have mastered the basics. Leaving the more difficult songs for the time that your abilities are equal to their challenge will give you more confidence and be more satisfying in the long run.

If you find that your playing causes your body to feel muscle strain and fatigue, or your mind is wandering and you feel frustrated or bored or your playing is sounding harsh, there is a good chance that you are trying to play something beyond your ability. Go back and master something easier. Put your practice into pieces that are just above your abilities, so you can build your technical knowledge and be ready for the next level.

The really great guitar players make it all seem so easy, but it is not. They have practiced very long, building their abilities slowly to the point that they can play as they do. You will have much better luck and much faster progress if you can learn various easier tunes and limit your choices of new material to something at or just above your playing ability.

Get more information to help you on your guitar adventure and get a free copy of our ebook The Guitar Solution at http://www.thegreatguitaradventure.com/sp.html