Are You Aiming Too Low?
I’ve observed that most people who don’t achieve the level they desire in guitar simply haven’t aimed high enough. I’ve seen it time and time again with people who come to me for lessons. When I ask my students about the music they like and what they want to play, a lot of people will identify a favorite song or style of music, then quickly assure me that they realize that they’ll never be able to play it. (Still…they might like to play something like it?)
If you’ve ever thought something like this, it’s time to take a look at that belief. Sure, starting with a simplified version of a song is a good way to learn, and it’s a choice I make frequently in my teaching. But it’s not always necessary and it doesn’t mean you won’t ever be able to play what you want in the way you want.
The best way to enjoy your guitar is to go for what moves you. You don’t know what you’re capable of until you reach for something new. And why not let that something new be the thing that inspires you most?
Once you get to work, you’ll get an idea of how long it might take to achieve your goal. But remember, a long path is only that. It’s not proof that you can’t get where you want to go. You will always have the choice to persist or to press pause until you’ve gained more skills. But you’ll never need to abandon your goal altogether.
Your Faulty Assessment
In choosing music that you think you think you’ll be able to play with the skills you have, know that you’re likely to be incorrect in assessing your current ability. In fact, I’m usually able to help someone get started immediately on a song they think is out of reach. A lot of things that sound advanced are pretty easy to do, while others that seem less flashy may require more time and attention.
Before you begin figuring out a song, remember that everything hinges on a firm knowledge of the basics. Make sure you understand how to find notes on the fretboard and know your first position chords and at least one major scale pattern. With that information you can go a long way!
Check out the following two areas of guitar that fit into the category of impressive but doable for guitarists with basic skills.
Riffs and Leads
An impressive lead may seem like something you could never play. But you might be surprised to discover that a lead or riff you admire is something you can do, either now or later.
If you’ve never played single notes, you probably won’t be ready to jump into playing a long and speedy solo. But there are plenty of great solos that will be within your ability when you know the scale they’re based on and are able to manipulate it comfortably. Take your time, learning it one phrase at a time. And don’t forget to utilize the tips in this article when you’re working with a YouTube video.
Fingerpicking
A song with fingerpicking often sounds a lot harder than it is. Before you launch into learning that fingerstyle song you love, you may want to brush up on your right-hand technique and have a few patterns under your fingers. Then, slow the recording down and start finding the patterns that define the accompaniment. Try focusing on the beginning of the song, before the vocals enter and make the guitar parts harder to hear.
When It Seems Impossible
If you can’t find the correct notes or chords, spend more time looking. It takes time, and the more committed you are to discovery, the more you’ll learn about the guitar. If you’ve exhausted your patience and still can’t find them, you can contact me for help and I will guide you, not only in the notes and chords, but also in improving your ability to find them yourself.
If you can hear what you want to play but it seems physically impossible, go back and read or review this article. The seemingly impossible just might quickly become possible—and it all starts with aiming high!
