Tension is who you think you should be. Relaxation is who you are. – Chinese proverb

Life presents us with plenty of stressful situations, many of which are beyond our control. In addition to those external stressors, you’re sure to have internal tensions—thoughts, beliefs, or behaviors—that may masquerade as unavoidable truths. Avoiding and managing tension in your body and mind can be exhausting!

One of the many great things about guitar is that it can provide refuge from chaotic or disturbing thoughts and circumstances. But sometimes playing guitar can bring the opposite of relief. Challenges that range from time management to finger strength and dexterity to doubts about your musical potential can emerge when you least expect them.

It’s normal to feel tension around these issues, but they don’t need to define your experience. With a little thought and a few simple practices, you can let that tension go!

Who Do You Think You Should Be?

The biggest sources of tension in guitar playing come from self-judgment and self-doubt. It’s helpful to examine those kinds of thoughts and beliefs around guitar, even if you haven’t noticed any that seem detrimental to your goals.

Do you think, for example, that based on the number of  hours you’ve invested in guitar you should be a better player? Or do you believe that you simply don’t have what it takes to go beyond a certain level?

Most people have some version of those thoughts at some time, but they have nothing to do with reality. (If that statement doesn’t make sense to you, read You & Your Guitar—or just talk to me!) If you choose to believe that you’re not good enough or you’re somehow below the norm, the quality of your playing and the enjoyment you experience will suffer. And, if you feel you’re doomed to remain at a certain level, what will be your incentive to reach a higher plane? On the other hand, when you feel good about yourself and your potential, you’ll naturally gravitate toward the practice room and be eager for new musical adventures.

Know that you have the power to change any belief you’ve acquired, consciously or unconsciously. And changing your beliefs is the key to achieving your goals.

Releasing Tension in the Body

In addition to limiting your learning, negative beliefs can cause physical tension, which will compromise your speed, fluidity, and expression and potentially result in pain in your hands, arms, neck, or back. These are common complaints among guitar players, and they are completely avoidable.

It’s possible to release tension each time you practice just by devoting a few minutes to centering, breathing, and stretching. Find out how in this pain-free article, then do it! It’s easy, it feels good, and it works!