The Passion of the Guitar Player: How to Nurture Your Relationship with the Instrument.
The sweet sound of the strumming strings, the twinkle of the plucking fingers…For many, the guitar is more than just an instrument – it’s a source of passion. To own a guitar is to have an adventure with countless possibilities; it’s the perfect way to express emotions, explore ideas and take music-making to the next level.
But the journey of the guitar player isn’t always easy. From learning the basics to mastering advanced techniques, it takes time, patience, and dedication. It’s a journey that can be frustrating and challenging – at times, you may feel like you’re going nowhere. That’s when things get tough.
The key to success as a guitar player lies in nurturing a nurturing a relationship with the instrument. Here’s how you can do just that.
Be Inspired by Your Favorite Players
No matter where you’re at in your guitar journey, it’s important to remember that you don’t have to do it alone. There’s an entire world of guitar players of different skill levels, genres and techniques to draw inspiration from.
Start by listening to your favorite players — listen to their style and technique, and pay attention to what you like about what they’re doing. Then, start to emulate their style and incorporate it into your own playing. Not only will it help you to progress and improve, but it will also help to keep your playing fresh and exciting.
Challenge Yourself
It can be tempting to get stuck in a rut, playing the same licks and riffs over and over again. But to truly become a master of the guitar, you need to continually challenge yourself. Push your comfort zone and try to incorporate new techniques and play more complex pieces.
When you practice, switch up your routine. Instead of playing the same pieces you know, learn something entirely new. Or, if you’re comfortable with your level of skill, challenge yourself by playing the same pieces faster or with more complexity. Either way, it’s important to keep developing and challenging yourself in order to grow as an artist.
Have Fun
Remember that making music — even if you’re serious about it — is meant to be enjoyable. Yes, there will be moments of frustration, but it’s important to try and have fun with it. Turn on your favorite record, crank up the volume and just let loose. Turn up the energy and allow yourself to be immersed in the sound.
Take breaks. Go out and explore. Get yourself into situations in which you can write music and jam with different people. By exposing yourself to different styles and sounds, you’ll be able to add new elements to your own playing.
Get the Right Gear
Playing the guitar isn’t just about learning chords, techniques and other advanced techniques; it’s also about having the right gear. Make sure you invest in quality guitars, strings, amplifiers, effects and other supplies. This will ensure you have all the right tools to help make your playing sound great.
It’s also important to properly maintain and care for your gear. Change strings regularly, clean your fretboard and adjust the action according to your preference. This will help to keep your guitar in tune and sounding great.
Practice with a Plan
When you start tackling new techniques and songs, it’s important to practice with a plan. Set aside time for yourself each day and create a practice schedule that works for you. Be realistic about what you can achieve – if you have a busy schedule, don’t try to log hours and hours of practice time.
Focus on what you can do in that limited time, and figure out the techniques, skills and songs you want to target. This will help ensure you’re making the most of your practice time, so you can make bigger gains in your journey as a guitar player.
Your relationship with the guitar is unique and personal. It’s there to take you on a journey and help you express yourself, push yourself, and explore your potential. So, remember to nurture that relationship – stay inspired, challenge yourself, have fun, and practice with intention.
The possibilities are endless and it’s up to you to make the most of it. So grab your guitar, turn up the volume and let the adventure begin.
The Passion of the Guitar Player: How to Nurture Your Relationship with the Instrument.