I’ve put together a list of 10 Guitar Playing Ideas on this page because almost every guitar player experiences times when they just don’t feel like practicing. The reasons may vary, but the results are usually the same. The first effect is that muscle memory and finger calluses quickly begin to disappear. When this happens it becomes even more difficult to play the guitar.
If the problem is allowed to persist, all progress that was previously achieved will likely be lost and the student might have to start over. It’s easy to become discouraged at this point and some may decide to quit rather than press on. I don’t want this to happen to you. Use some of the ideas below if you should ever begin to feel a little burned out about practicing guitar. Perhaps they will help rekindle the fire so you can keep learning, have fun practicing & stay motivated!
Idea #1:
Get together with a friend who plays guitar (they can play another instrument, or sing) and share your music with each other. Keep it informal. Offer each other encouragement and positive feedback. Being around other musicians is a great way to get inspired. Learn a how to play a song together on guitar.
Idea #2:
Consider what you want to achieve on the guitar. Write down your goals and put the list where you can see it when you are practicing. This will help you stay focused and feel motivated. Below is a brief example of some things you might want to include on such a list
I want to…
– Be able to play red hot licks
– Play rock guitar and be in a band
– Learn fingerstyle guitar techniques
– Strum and sing popular songs
– Learn how to play the blues
– Add your own…
Idea #3:
Think about your favorite guitar player. If you don’t have one, find one. Learn all you can about them. Read their biography and get familiar with any playing difficulties they encountered with their guitar playing along the way. Find out how they overcame their playing problems and got to where they are today.
Idea #4:
Listen to your favorite guitar music often. Watch music videos.
Idea #5:
Think of a song that you want to learn. If you’re a beginner, make sure it’s easy enough so that you are inspired to play.
Here’s a song to get you started…
Love Me Do
It’s easy to play and was The Beatles first hit song.
Idea #6:
Go to a concert where guitars are one of the main instruments played. It doesn’t have to be a big concert, or even your favorite kind of music.
Allow yourself to experience other genres because this can provide new and fresh ideas for your own musical inspiration.
Idea #7:
Record yourself or make a music video. Make it funny. Dress up. .Jump around. Play air guitar and lip sing if you want. The idea is to loosen-up and just enjoy the possibilities.
Idea #8:
Find a different place to practice your guitar- such as the living room, kitchen or outside in the fresh air. Watch yourself practice by playing in front of a mirror.
Idea #9:
Create your own sounds on the guitar. Make up anything you want, because no one is listening. Experiment and have some fun noodling around.
Idea #10:
Put an ad in your local newspaper and see if there are any people interested in forming a guitar group for the purpose of learning. You could meet on a weekly, bi-weekly, or even monthly basis to share ideas, experiences, and music. Meeting with other guitar players is a great way to pick-up free tips, have fun, stay motivated and find some new inspiration to fuel your passion!
Final Thoughts:
I hope you found these guitar playing ideas helpful. Print them out and keep them in your guitar case for a quick review whenever you need an extra boost of motivation.
Learn More:
The Revolution of Electric Guitars
Leave a Reply