5 Mistakes To Avoid While Learning Guitar

“These mistakes are so huge that people quit playing”

Most people who enjoy music have wanted to learn an instrument at one time or another. The most popular instrument over the last half of the century has been the guitar. There were many influences along the way from Robert Johnson to Jimi Hendrix that have inspired people to want to learn. However, there are many mistakes that people make when trying to learn guitar that can be avoided. These mistakes are so huge that people quit playing because they believe it is just too difficult rather than just avoid the mistakes that cause them to quit. Here we’ll go over those mistakes to give you the best shot at becoming a great guitarist!

Mistake #2 Buying A Cheap Guitar

“Get the highest quality guitar you can afford”

I know I know! You’re saying “I can’t afford a good guitar!” Well, I say: Get the highest quality guitar you can afford. The guitar is difficult enough to learn without it going out of tune all the time because it’s cheap! This is where most beginners quit. They just plain think they don’t sound good. When in actuality…. Their guitar just sounds bad. Stick with the major brands. Many major guitar manufacturers have guitars that are made overseas that are of great quality. They’re just less expensive. Notice I said “less expensive” not cheap! Don’t mess with this one. You’ll play a lot longer if you have a quality guitar.

Mistake #3 Not Playing With A Metronome

“You must learn to play with a metronome at very slow speeds”

 Timing is everything! I can not stress this enough. I’ve heard some of the sloppiest guitar playing as far as precision goes. But, if they’re in time? It sounds great! Jimi Hendrix was very sloppy in his playing (his sloppy playing actually contributed to his fame). But, he had perfect rhythm. You must learn to play with a metronome at very slow speeds. Speed will come. Learning to play guitar is not a race. Take things slow and learn your timing. You can find many free metronomes online as well a less expensive ones at your local music store. Tip: If you don’t have a metronome? Tap your foot to keep time.

Mistake #4 Not Having A Set Schedule

“15 min/day is a must or you might risk quitting!”

This is a big one. You must set a side a time that you will practice everyday. I said everyday! Don’t skip a day or you might fall into giving up. I used to set aside at least 15 min/day when I was first learning. This is about the time your fingers start to hurt and you should take a break. You can practice longer as you become better. However, at least 15 min/day is a must or you might risk quitting!

Mistake #5 Playing An Out Of Tune Guitar

“if you play it out of tune…. You will suck!”

This one is very easy to do. Especially in the beginning. The guitar can be very difficult to tune for beginners. Ear training takes time and you don’t always have an electric guitar tuner available. When you play an out of tune guitar it just sounds awful for everyone. You can actually be a great guitar player. But, if you play it out of tune…. You will suck! So, practice this ear training often. Eventually you will hear the notes and you will be able to tune your guitar without a tuner.

Well, I hope this helps? You must avoid these mistakes if you actually want to learn how to play guitar.

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