Learning anything new as an adult can be tricky and rewarding, all in one. Whether you are fulfilling a lifelong dream or seeking a new hobby, learning a new skill takes time and patience. While it may seem daunting at first, with the right approach and resources, anyone can become proficient at strumming chords and picking melodies.
In this blog, we will explore the best strategies and techniques for adults to learn guitar, accompanied by real-life examples to inspire and guide you along the way.
Set Clear Goals with Learning the Guitar
Before diving into your guitar journey, take some time to define your goals. Whether you aspire to play your favorite songs, perform in a band, or simply enjoy jamming with friends, having clear objectives will help you stay focused and motivated.
If your goal is to play acoustic folk songs around a campfire, you might focus on learning basic chord progressions and strumming patterns. Break down your overarching goal into smaller, manageable milestones, and set specific timelines for achieving each milestone.
Goal Example:
To confidently perform a solo acoustic guitar rendition of my favorite song at an intimate gathering of friends and family within six months.
Week 1-2: Song Selection and Initial Practice
- Choose a favorite song that is suitable for solo acoustic guitar performance.
- Gather chord charts, tabs, or sheet music for the song.
- Begin practicing basic chord progressions and strumming patterns for the song.
Week 3-4: Learn Chord Progressions and Strumming Patterns
- Focus on learning and memorizing the chord progressions of the song.
- Practice strumming patterns to match the rhythm and feel of the song.
- Work on transitioning smoothly between chords.
Week 5-6: Fingerpicking Techniques and Melody
- Introduce fingerpicking techniques for selected sections of the song.
- Learn the melody of the song and practice incorporating it into the guitar arrangement.
Week 7-10: Daily Practice Routine
- Establish a daily practice routine of at least 30 minutes.
- Dedicate time to refining chord changes, strumming, fingerpicking, and playing the melody.
- Record practice sessions to monitor progress and identify areas for improvement.
Week 11-12: Memorization and Rehearsal
- Memorize the lyrics, chord progressions, and melody of the song.
- Focus on playing the song from memory with confidence and accuracy.
- Practice transitions between song sections and anticipate any challenging parts.
Week 13-16: Performance Preparation
- Perform the song for family members or close friends to gain feedback.
- Fine-tune dynamics, tempo, and expression to enhance the performance.
- Practice playing through any mistakes or interruptions to build resilience.
- Increase practice duration and intensity as the performance date approaches.
Week 17-20: Overcoming Performance Anxiety
- Practice relaxation techniques, deep breathing, and visualization to manage nerves.
- Perform the song in front of a mirror or record yourself to simulate a performance environment.
- Visualize a successful performance and focus on positive outcomes.
Week 21-24: Final Rehearsals and Confidence Building
- Perform the song for friends or coworkers to build confidence.
- Receive feedback and encouragement from listeners to boost confidence and motivation.
Week 25-26: Final Preparations and Performance
- Fine-tune the performance based on feedback and personal preferences.
- Practice self-care and relaxation techniques on the day of the performance.
- Perform the song confidently and enjoy the experience of sharing music with loved ones.
By breaking down the goal into smaller steps with a timeline, you can effectively track progress, stay focused, and achieve your objective of confidently performing a solo acoustic guitar rendition of your favorite song within six months.
Find a Qualified Guitar Instructor
While self-teaching resources abound, enlisting the guidance of a qualified guitar instructor can significantly accelerate your learning process. Look for instructors with experience teaching adults and who can tailor their lessons to your specific goals and learning style.
A guitar teacher who specializes in teaching adults can give personalized lessons and constructive feedback. This will help you progress more quickly in your learning journey and help you gain more confidence in your guitar-playing abilities.
8 Ways to Find Your Next Instructor
Utilize Online Resources for Guitar Lessons
In addition to traditional lessons, online resources offer a wealth of instructional materials for aspiring guitarists. Platforms like Fender 1:1 provide tutorials ranging from beginner basics to advanced techniques.
By dedicating just 15-20 minutes a day to practice you can gradually build your skills and eventually master your favorite songs. Or even learn to write your own!
Practice Your Guitar Consistently
Consistent practice is key to mastering the guitar. Set aside dedicated practice sessions each week and establish a routine that works for your schedule. Even short practice sessions can yield significant progress over time.
For instance, if you are a working parent, commit to practicing for 30 minutes every evening after putting your kids to bed. By staying consistent and focused during your practice sessions, you can see steady improvement in your playing ability.
Learn Music Theory
While not essential for every guitarist, understanding music theory can greatly enhance your playing skills and musical comprehension. Music theory is the study of the principles and concepts that govern music, including harmony, melody, rhythm, form, and structure. It provides a framework for understanding how music works and enables musicians to analyze, compose, and perform music with greater proficiency and creativity.
Concepts such as scales, chords, and rhythm patterns provide a foundation for improvisation and songwriting.
Explore Different Playing Styles
The guitar is a versatile instrument that lends itself to a wide range of musical styles, from classical and blues to rock and jazz. Experimenting with different genres can broaden your musical horizons and keep your learning experience engaging.
If you are a fan of rock music, challenge yourself to learn fingerstyle acoustic guitar. By exploring new techniques and styles, you can discover a newfound appreciation for other varieties of music and other guitars in different genres.
5 Types of Playing Styles
Here is a short list of different playing styles you may want to explore playing…
- Fingerstyle Guitar: Fingerstyle guitar involves plucking the strings directly with the fingertips or fingernails, rather than using a pick. This style allows for intricate fingerpicking patterns and simultaneous melody and bassline playing. Examples of fingerstyle guitar include classical guitar, folk fingerpicking, and percussive fingerstyle techniques.
- Blues Guitar: Blues guitar is characterized by its soulful, emotive playing style and distinctive chord progressions. Blues guitarists often use techniques such as bending, sliding, and vibrato to express themselves musically. Blues guitar can encompass a variety of substyles, including Delta blues, Chicago blues, and Texas blues.
- Rock Guitar: Rock guitar is known for its high-energy playing, aggressive distortion, and virtuosic solos. Rock guitarists often use power chords, palm muting, and techniques like tapping and shredding to create dynamic and intense performances. Subgenres of rock guitar include classic rock, hard rock, heavy metal, and alternative rock.
- Jazz Guitar: Jazz guitar is characterized by its complex harmonies, improvisation, and sophisticated chord voicings. Jazz guitarists often use techniques such as chord melody, comping (accompanying), and single-note improvisation to navigate jazz standards and compositions. Jazz guitar can encompass styles such as bebop, swing, gypsy jazz, and fusion.
- Acoustic Guitar: Acoustic guitar encompasses a wide range of playing styles that emphasize the natural sound of the instrument without amplification. This includes strumming chords, fingerpicking patterns, and percussive techniques like tapping and slapping. Acoustic guitar styles can vary from gentle folk ballads to lively bluegrass picking to contemporary singer-songwriter arrangements.
Join a Community for Guitar Players
Connecting with other guitarists can provide valuable support, encouragement, and opportunities for collaboration. Whether through local meetups, online forums, or social media groups, joining a guitar community can enhance your learning experience and inspire you to keep pushing your boundaries.
Conclusion
Learning guitar as an adult is a journey filled with challenges, rewards, and endless possibilities for growth. By setting clear goals, seeking guidance from qualified instructors, utilizing online resources, practicing consistently, learning music theory, exploring different styles, and joining a supportive community, you can embark on a fulfilling musical adventure.
Remember, the key is perseverance, patience, and a passion for making music. So, pick up that guitar, strum a chord, and let the music begin!
Learn More With Fender 1:1
Fender 1:1 coaches are accessible and flexible. They work on your schedule, so they are there for you when and where you need them. You can rewatch your sessions as many times as you need without the added fees other private coaches add on. Fun fact - lessons with Fender coaches typically cost 30% less than a standard in-person coach.
All lessons, sessions, and learning drills are personalized to you. Fender coaches listen to your goals and help you develop a pathway to accomplishment. The Fender 1:1 partnership with Blayze requires all coaches to go through an extensive application process, so you know you are getting the best out there.
Explore more details on our coaching sessions here. Start on your musical journey today for only $29!
