Rome and Jimi Hendrix Weren't Built in a Day

We get it: Sometimes it’s tough to find the motivation to practice guitar.

Fear not! To help you on your quest to becoming a real-deal player, we’ve compiled some simple solutions to keep your practice routine on track.

Set Musical Goals

Make sure you have a clear idea of what you want to accomplish-and not big-ticket items like pulling off Yngwie Malmsteen-esque runs after only a year with a guitar in your hands.

First, start with learning basic chords. Got those? OK, maybe there’s a specific song you want to learn? Break it up into chunks that you can practice before stringing them together in the full piece.

Accomplishing the short-term goals allows you to feel a sense of accomplishment more often.

Go With the Flow

Goals change. Perhaps what you originally set out to accomplish becomes irrelevant. If you get stuck in a rut, refocus and right the ship towards something else that interests you.

Seek Out Your Inspirations

Seeing great musicians perform live or listening to your favorite artists do their thing are huge sources of inspiration. It may be hard to believe, but even Hendrix and Van Halen didn’t know how to play the guitar when they first started. Nobody begins as a master of their instrument, but cueing up "Bold As Love" or “Eruption” is proof positive that it can be done.

Build Habits

Create a routine that is so simple, you’d be crazy to skip it-say, 15 minutes in the morning and 15 minutes in the afternoon. Perhaps put it on your calendar and set a reminder, so when you hear that little “ping” from your phone, you pick up your guitar like a Pavlovian dog.

Stay Focused

Put on your blinders when you sit down to play. It’s easy to get distracted from the task at hand. Put your phone in a drawer and power down your computer so your eyes are set squarely on the prize.

Take Time Away

What? Yes. It might sound counterintuitive, but taking a break every so often is a way to rest those aching fingers and clear your mind. Maybe use that time to reflect on your improvements--it’s those moments when you step away when you can really notice growth and change.

Jam with Others

Sharing your experience with others who are learning guitar can help in a lot of ways. When getting together with like-minded musicians at a similar level, you’ll likely realize that the challenges you’re facing aren’t unique. Share your frustrations and vent! You can even make it a little competitive--set goals with friends and see who can master them first. Making music with others is the best way to get your skills up to speed.