Guitar playing is as much a mental journey as it is a physical one. While the allure of mastering your favorite songs or jamming out with friends is powerful, the path to becoming a skilled guitarist is often obstructed by a familiar enemy: excuses. These excuses, though seemingly harmless, are the melodies of doubt and fear playing in the background, keeping you from reaching your true potential.
Whether you're just starting out or have been playing for years, it’s crucial to recognize these excuses for what they are—barriers to your growth as a musician. In this blog, we’ll explore some of the most common universal excuses guitar players use and how to challenge them.
“A Wrong Note Played With Authority is an Interpretation"
This famous saying is often used to justify mistakes, but it can also serve as a reminder of the power of confidence in your playing. However, confidence should not be confused with complacency. While it’s important to play with conviction, it’s equally important to strive for improvement. Hiding behind the idea that mistakes are simply "interpretations" can be an excuse to avoid addressing technical flaws or to skip the necessary practice needed to refine your skills. Instead, use this mindset to push past your fears of making mistakes, knowing that every note—right or wrong—is a step towards becoming a better guitarist.
Challenging Excuses in Guitar Playing
Excuses are easy to make, and they often feel justified in the moment. But the truth is, these excuses are holding you back from achieving your goals as a guitarist. By identifying and challenging these common excuses, you can break free from the mental barriers that are keeping you from progressing.
Universal Guitar Excuse 1: "I Don't Have Enough Time"
One of the most common excuses among guitar players is the lack of time. Life is busy, and between work, family, and other responsibilities, it can feel impossible to squeeze in time for guitar practice. However, the truth is, you don’t need hours of practice each day to improve. Even just 10-15 minutes of focused practice can make a significant difference over time. The key is consistency. Instead of waiting for the perfect block of time to open up, incorporate short practice sessions into your daily routine.
Whether it’s in the morning before work, during a lunch break, or before bed, those small increments will add up.
Universal Guitar Excuse 2: "I Am Too Tired"
After a long day, it’s easy to feel too tired to pick up your guitar. Fatigue is a common excuse, but it can often be overcome by simply starting. You might be surprised to find that once you begin playing, the fatigue starts to fade, and you become more energized. Playing the guitar can be a great way to unwind and de-stress after a busy day. If you’re truly exhausted, consider doing something lighter, like reviewing chords or playing through familiar songs, rather than tackling a challenging new piece.
Universal Guitar Excuse 3: "My Hands Are Too Small"
Many guitarists, especially beginners, worry that their hands are too small to play certain chords or reach certain notes. While hand size can present challenges, it’s rarely a true barrier to learning guitar. There are countless successful guitarists with small hands who have developed techniques to overcome this. Consider adjusting your hand positioning, using a capo, or choosing a guitar with a smaller neck.
With practice, your hands will become more flexible, and what once seemed impossible will become second nature.
Universal Guitar Excuse 4: "I Am Too Old"
The belief that you’re too old to learn guitar is a common excuse, but it couldn’t be further from the truth. Learning guitar is a lifelong journey that can begin at any age. In fact, many older beginners find that they have more patience, discipline, and focus than they did when they were younger. It’s never too late to start, and the benefits of learning guitar—such as improved cognitive function, stress relief, and the joy of making music—are available to anyone, regardless of age.
Universal Guitar Excuse 5: "I Can't Afford It"
Financial concerns are a valid reason to hesitate, but they shouldn’t stop you from pursuing your passion for guitar. Today, there are many affordable options for learning guitar, including online tutorials, free instructional videos, and budget-friendly instruments. You don’t need the most expensive guitar or the best gear to start playing. Begin with what you can afford, and as your skills develop, you can invest in better equipment over time.
Remember, the value of playing guitar is in the music you create, not the price tag of your instrument.
Universal Guitar Excuse 6: "It's Too Hard"
Learning guitar can be challenging, especially when you’re faced with new techniques or difficult songs. But labeling something as "too hard" is often just an excuse to avoid pushing yourself out of your comfort zone. Every guitarist faces challenges and overcoming them is part of the growth process. Break down difficult tasks into smaller, more manageable steps. Instead of trying to learn an entire song at once, focus on mastering one section at a time. With persistence, what once seemed impossible will gradually become achievable.
Universal Guitar Excuse 7: "I Am Bored"
Boredom is often a sign that you’re stuck in a rut or not challenging yourself enough. If you find guitar practice boring, it’s time to mix things up. Explore new genres, learn a song you’ve always wanted to play, or try improvising. Setting new goals and experimenting with different styles can reignite your passion and keep your practice sessions exciting.
Universal Guitar Excuses: "I Am Tone Deaf," "I Am Not Musically Inclined," "No One in My Family Plays," "I'm a Perfectionist," "I'm a Sports Guy"
These excuses all stem from self-doubt or a fixed mindset about musical ability. "I am tone deaf" or "I am not musically inclined" are common beliefs that can deter people from even attempting to learn guitar. However, studies have shown that musical ability can be developed through practice and exposure. If you feel you lack natural talent, remember that persistence and hard work are far more important than innate ability.
Similarly, the excuse "No one in my family plays" implies that musical talent is hereditary, but this is simply not the case. You can be the first in your family to pick up an instrument and start a new tradition. "I'm a perfectionist" often masks a fear of failure, which can prevent you from making progress. Accept that mistakes are part of the learning process, and allow yourself to grow through them.
The excuse "I'm a sports guy" suggests that interests are mutually exclusive, but many athletes also find joy in playing music. In fact, playing guitar can improve coordination, discipline, and mental focus—skills that are valuable in sports as well.
Conclusion: Overcoming the Excuses
Excuses are the whispers of fear, telling you that it’s easier to stay where you are than to push forward. But every excuse can be challenged, and every barrier can be overcome. The journey of learning guitar is filled with highs and lows, but it’s a journey worth taking. By recognizing and addressing these universal excuses, you can break free from the mental blocks that hold you back and unlock your full potential as a guitarist.
Remember, the only thing standing between you and your goals is the belief that you can achieve them—so pick up your guitar, silence those excuses, and start making music.
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