The 5 People You Need on Your Guitar Team

It took years of practice and a strong support system for all of the athletes competing in this year's Olympic games in Pyeongchang, South Korea, to get to the pinnacle of their sport.

Whether it was coaches, family, friends or fellow competitors, having a team of people around you will help push you to the top of whatever mountain you want to climb (or snowboard down).

The same can be said for learning how to play the guitar.

Yes, practicing by yourself is paramount to picking up a new skill, just like Shaun White logged thousands of solo hours on his snowboard before he won his first gold medal. You've got to put in the work by yourself to make a hobby a habit.

But there are a few key people that could help take you to the next level in your guitar journey.

As such, here are five roster spots you should consider when building your guitar support group:

1. Your Coach

Many of the most accomplished artists have learned how to navigate those six strings by their lonesome, with nothing more than a guitar and some records to crib from.

Still, if you're just starting out, a solid instructor who can create a lesson plan that caters to your specific skill level and desires will give you a leg up over other beginners. Do you think current Olympic bronze medalist figure skater Adam Rippon got to where he is without a coach?

Music teachers pass along the right information you need, from simple chords and scales to theory and composition. Your coach/instructor will tell you what you need to know and quickly work to eliminate bad habits, taking away the frustrating guesswork that comes with searching for answers on the Internet. Luckily, Fender Play offers a guided curriculum put together by a team of professional instructors accessed from your desktop or the iPhone app.

2. Your Jam Partner

Playing with others is crucial to your guitar journey, because no two people play guitar the same way, just like no two people downhill ski the exact same way.

With a partner in crime, you can learn new tricks, get feedback in a pressure-free environment, learn how to listen and improvise, and explore your creativity. Not only that, jamming with others will build your confidence as your skills build.

3. Your Bandmates

Just like a curling team needs a curler to slide the heavy stone across the ice and sweepers to guide it towards the target, you can round out your musical team with a bassist, drummer, keyboardist and even a singer.

Expanding your jam sessions with diverse instruments could unlock new ways to be inspired. Maybe a song comes out of it, and maybe it doesn't, but it's undeniable that you'll grow as a player.

4. Your Gear Guru

You might get to the point where you can set up your guitar by yourself, and kudos if and when you do, but it is certainly a foreign item when you first hold it in your hands.

Whether it's a Fender Play instructor, a friend down the street with that knowledge or a tech at a music retailer, having a guitar that is properly intonated and maintained is key to making sure you are sounding your best at all times.

5. Your Muse

Muses come in many forms. Olympic athletes compete for their country, for personal pride, for their families and sometimes to prove the doubters wrong.

In the world of music, it's often been said that there are songs living inside the guitar. Maybe it's a song from a favorite band like the Rolling Stones or U2 that spurs you write something of your own. Inspiration comes from life experiences, as well. Wherever you find that inspiration, keep it close.

When you build your support squad, you'll simply have more people in place to help you reach the finish line. And they'll be cheering when you cross it.

If you haven't started your guitar journey yet, click here for a free trial of Fender Play. It's the easiest way to learn and will be a great member of your team.