Overcoming Early Hurdles

Hey there, aspiring guitar player! You've taken a big leap. You’ve invested in guitar lessons, ready to strum your way to greatness. Maybe you've bounced between teachers before. Tried to teach yourself, or are just starting. No matter the case, you're with a new guitar teacher, buzzing with excitement, dreaming of becoming the life of the party with your guitar skills or even jamming with your friends on weekends.

But let's be real - it's not just the excitement you're feeling. There's a bit of worry too. "Can I do this?" "Will my teacher guide me to where I want to be?" These are normal thoughts. We're all human, after all.

But sometimes, things don't go as planned. In their first few months, many students face obstacles that can derail their guitar journey. Some of these hurdles are in your control and can be tackled easily. Others, unfortunately, might be due to your teacher, and switching to a more capable mentor might be the answer.

Here are the seven common challenges you might face, in no particular order. Let's dive in and find out how you can overcome them for a rocking guitar journey.

A guitar teacher demonstrating a technique to a student

Common Challenge #1:

One big roadblock is not following your teacher's advice. You might spend money on lessons but then ignore their guidance, preferring to jump around online for new things to learn. Remember, your teacher is there for a reason. Stick to their plan until you've got it down, then feel free to explore the internet. This is what a great guitar teacher once told me…

Common Challenge #2:

Life happens, and suddenly, you're finding excuses to skip lessons. Work, family, even a sudden urge to repaint the shed – these are all excuses stemming from self-doubt or unrealistic expectations of instant success. Shake off these limiting beliefs. They're just obstacles in your mind. Start believing in yourself, maybe with a little help from motivational books like "The Power of Your Subconscious Mind" by Joseph Murphy.

Common Challenge #3:

Questioning everything your teacher says can be a setback, especially if you're self-taught. Remember, you're learning from someone who's been where you want to go. Be open to their guidance. Be coachable through every lesson - it’s the key to progress.

Common Challenge #4:

Not practicing is a surefire way to fail. Learning guitar is messy at first, but committing even just five minutes a day can make a world of difference. If your teacher isn't showing you how to practice effectively, it might be time to look for one who will.

Common Challenge #5:

Thinking you need a break to 'catch up' is a trap. Life will always be busy, but don't let that stop you. Just pick up where you left off and keep going. Taking a break won't help you catch up; staying consistent will.

Common Challenge #6:

If you're practicing but not seeing progress, it could be because your teacher isn't showing you how to practice effectively. A good teacher will give you a simple, stress-free practice routine that guarantees success. If that's not happening, consider finding a new teacher.

Common Challenge #7

Finally, if you're not having fun, that's a problem. Learning guitar should be enjoyable, not a chore. If your lessons are all theory and no music, it's time for a change. Remember, you picked up the guitar to play songs, not just exercises.

By understanding and addressing these common issues, you can transform your guitar learning experience. Keep it fun, stay committed, and you'll be playing your favourite tunes in no time.

About the author:

Allen Hopgood is a certified and innovative guitar teacher. He's dedicated to teaching guitar in a way that's different from how he learned, focusing on methods that get his students playing quickly, having fun, and actually playing music. He teaches in the Gold Coast area of Queensland, Australia.

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Allen Hopood's personal background and musical journey - Gold Coast School of Guitar

Allen Hopgood, the heartbeat behind Gold Coast School of Guitar, brings a wealth of experience as a guitarist and educator.

With 32 years in the industry, Allen has honed the art of nurturing musical talent in adults of all ages.

His passion for music and unwavering dedication to his students form the very core of Gold Coast School of Guitar's Strum Squad ethos.

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