Frustration

[Petertherock]

I guess I just need to vent about getting frustrated at trying to learn how to play. I pretty much got the a minor pentatonic scale down although with no speed. I know just a few chords...the D major and D minor, the E major and E minor, The A major and A minor but I can't switch between chords to save my life.

I know parts to some songs but can't play them that great.

Of course I know the reason why I am not improving and it's because I don't spend the time I need to practice. Honestly, I am only spending 15 minutes to maybe 30 minutes some days and that's not nearly enough. I know I need to spend at least 1 hour a day and preferably 2 or more hours a day practicing and only I can make that happen.

I have some challenges that a lot of people don't have but I am sure a lot of other people have become good players with more challenges than I have. First is my age, I just turned 40 last Sunday but that's only a mental block and has nothing to do with having an ability to learn. Then I have Attention Deficit Disorder that makes it hard for me to spend a lot of time repeating the same drills over and over...but that's the only way to build accuracy and speed. Again, it's a challenge but not something that's impossible to overcome.

I think the biggest thing is just to get off this computer which I spend hours on a day and pick up the guitar. As for my equipment, I got one of those cheap Fender Squier strat packs but at least it's something to get me going. I keep looking at new guitars and amps wishing I could afford them but even if I could...a new guitar and a new amp isn't going to make me get better. The only way I can get better is making time for more practice and then once I do get better, then I can think about new equipment.

Does anyone have any suggestions other than to just get off this damn computer and pick up the axe?

[Who]

Goals. Short term and long term. WITH DEADLINES.

Make the goals realistic (achievable).

10-15 minutes a day is fine, but BE CONSISTENT. Don't skip a day, even if that means picking it up for 10 minutes, and doing nothing new.

If you like to watch TV, plop the guitar on your lap, and just make chord-shapes (don't even strum).

Don't spend every day working on your goals. Just have fun with it.

Originally Posted by Petertherock

....a new guitar and a new amp isn't going to make me get better....

Wise. I've been playing for less than a year, I've had over 20 guitars! Did the collection make me a better player... not at all.

[fsenseman]

Ask yourself "why do I want to do this", "how important is it to me". I'm 54, just started learning in earnest a couple of years ago. So age shouldn't be a factor. But you need to know that you'll only get out of it what you put into it. If your motivation is high enough, you can do it. If it's not, then you won't get far.

One of the hardest parts of beginning is that it's not easy to get some instant gratification because you don't have the skills yet to do common chord changes quickly. We've all been through this. If you really want to do this, you will get to a point where you can fall back on some easy songs using, for example, G C &D chords. So you practice and when you think you're getting nowhere fall back on those for some positive feedback. Check out some of Bob Dylan's tunes (I don't know your preferences) but they can be pretty easy to play.

Again, you must have the motivation to persevere until you reach that point where you can fall back on things you do know how to play just for fun.

Maybe check out finding a teacher who can help guide you.

I always think of the pyramids. I imagine looking at the empty space that was once there. If I looked at the entire finished pyramid as my goal I would give up with the attitude that it was unobtainable. However, if I looked at thinking all I had to do was put this one block over there. Then think and work on the next block. Rinse repeat. One day I'd be looking down from the top going "wow"! (Of course I know most of it was built by slave labor but the point is to look at the small picture for now. Do that enough and the big picture will follow.)

And finally, it's not the destination. It's the journey. If you don't enjoy it you won't get to where you want to go. There is no end in sight for me, only milestones. This road I'm traveling on will go on longer than I will live.

Kind Regards,
Fleet

[Donnie]

fsenseman, I also started to learn to play two months ago. I know 8 chords so far, and I am pretty good on the minor blues scale. I'm up to 4 patterns down the neck. I practice about two hours a day. I am no expert but I can tell you the xbox and the game rocksmith is pretty cool. its not a teacher by any means ,but its a motivator. the games to teach you chords is very fun and works pretty well. it lets you start out slow, build your finger strength and toughness up. One thing really helps is to play along with a song, backing track etc. feel your way into the guitar so to speak. lets your fingers connect to your ears!! I appreciate the encouragement you've shown petertherock. After reading your post I too dont feel so alone. Thanks.

[Petertherock]

For me Joe Perry and Brad Whitford of Aerosmith are the reasons I wanted to learn the guitar. I hope at some point in time to be able to play just like them. I just can't believe how easy they make the best solos look. But they had to start out somewhere too right? They weren't born knowing how to play the guitar even though it looks like they were!

[revtime]

For me this is where rocksmith is invaluable. Its my teacher, my motivation, and my inspiration. That's going to sound crazy to a lot of you but it works for me. I just turned 43 and I have been playing since march 17. RS has been just what I needed. I practice at least 2 hours a night and can only remember 2 days that I didn't play. I am getting better everyday. I have also been looking for ways in my daily routine to help me learn. I have the basic chord shapes as my background on my work computer so it can help me memorize them. I use the techniques challenges in RS to help with basics like palm mutes, double stops, hammer one/pull offs etc. Some of these I have real problems with and I just grind through them with RS. When I get frustrated I go play songs. Mean Bitch by Taddy Porter is a blast to play, got it up to 65k now.
So you might try Rocksmith, its a completely different way to learn but its working for me.

[Malikon]

Practice, practice some more, then practice some more.

Less time on the computer, more time spent playing guitar.

There's no way to shortcut the practice time. You either want it badly enough or you don't.

Personally I'd really, really like to be buff and ripped like Rambo or something, but I don't want it bad enough and wont put in the time to lift the weights. So it'll never happen.

Guitar I wanted badly enough to put everything on hold while I practiced.

It's really that simple. If you want it bad enough, set some short term goals and practice your ass off. Say, "I WILL learn how to play 'Song X' this week!" And practice it until you have it down.

First 2 years are the hardest. After that everything starts to build on itself.

You've GOT to develop hand strength and muscle memory, there's no shortcuts.

[ll IrOn CiTy ll]

How Bad Do You Want It? (Success) HD - YouTube

How Bad Do You Want It? (Success) HD - YouTube

Nothing worth having can be given...atleast not for people like me.hope this helps a little..you can apply it to anything worth having.
want it like you want to breathe

[SoWhat?]

[QUOTE=Malikon;3804932] there's no shortcuts.[/QUOTE]


This^^^^^^^^^^^^^^!!!!!!!!!!!

It is sad but true. I have a friend that owns some of the best equipment money can buy, but he can barely string enough chords together to play a song.

He says he wants to. But I think he really just likes looking at, and shopping for guitars, better than playing them. That is fine. Many people collect things. Why not guitars?

But there is absolutely no short cut to learning to play. All the guys we consider "Heros" learned when they were young, and they spent hours practicing.

Also, you have to have realistic expectations. You can't go from not knowing the basic chords, to playing "Stairway..." overnight. WAAAAAYYYYY too many things regarding Music Theory and Technique that need to be learned first.

Stick with it, and good luck!

[Petertherock]

Thanks for the advice everyone. I had a good day practicing today. I am starting to practice more chords and going through the scale that I know and I am also trying to learn Same Old Song and Dance by Aerosmith. It's a pretty easy song to start with and I have the official tab book to help me along. I practiced for almost an hour today and I got my spirits lifted. I also practiced for almost an hour last night before going to bed. Just working on chords and chord changes without the amp plugged in last night while watching TV so hopefully I can get over this temporary frustration.

[Thumpalumpacus]

There's no way around putting in time on the instrument. Have fun, and keep at at.

[Nay]

How long have you been playing? The first 6 months or so (depending on the person) is always tough. Especially if you have never played an instrument before.

The key is to practice, practice, practice.

If your finding it difficult to start keep learning new riffs. Not necessarily songs, but just riffs and licks. Lots of them.

As you begin to get a bit better, and a bit more interested, moving onto repetitive scale runs, mechanical practices etc, things become easier.

Learn things like the main riff to smoke on the water, 7 nation army, rage against the machine riffs, AC/DC riffs etc.

Besides most of us will only spend 15-30 minutes doing the boring stuff a day at the most, unless your really dedicated. I usually put the guitar on my leg and just fiddle whilst watching TV or something. Every little helps, especially early on.

[Petertherock]

It's been about 7 months sense I started playing. So I am still relatively new at this.

[Mr.Draned]

Originally Posted by Malikon

First 2 years are the hardest. After that everything starts to build on itself.

I totally agree with Malikon on all the statements, but this one is very true. I'm a little over the 2 year mark, and while I'm still nothing special, the guitar and fretboard are all coming together.
Just the other week I set a goal to learn "All Right Now" by Free. 2 years ago it would have been real hard to play for me. Now, I've got most the song dialed in and am working on the solo.
Time and practice have helped me achieve that, without a doubt!
Keep at it, your skills will progress and one day you'll see the difference.
Oh, also, don't forget it's all about having fun!!!

[imazerk]

just keep practicing man i have ADD asswel and i couldnt play the same riffs multiple times at first but if u just start thinking how bad do you want it than eventually things start to come, like multiple members said just grab your guitar when ur watching tv and practice chord shapes.

[lespaul01]

cold beer and that thing in my sig

[SteveGangi]

Originally Posted by Petertherock

It's been about 7 months sense I started playing. So I am still relatively new at this.

Then you should not expect to be rocking out like some guy on a record or the radio who does it for a living and has been doing it his whole life. That's just not realistic. You're just starting out, you're supposed to be "not good" at this point.

Take it slow, start with easy stuff, and relax. This is not a race. There is no prize for coming in first, and it's not school where failing to keep up results in a crappy grade. It's supposed to be fun.

And here's a tip that goes against how things appear to be... If you want to go fast, slow down. The less you TRY to go fast, the more relaxed and faster you will actually be.

[Petertherock]

Originally Posted by SteveGangi

Then you should not expect to be rocking out like some guy on a record or the radio who does it for a living and has been doing it his whole life. That's just not realistic. You're just starting out, you're supposed to be "not good" at this point.

Take it slow, start with easy stuff, and relax. This is not a race. There is no prize for coming in first, and it's not school where failing to keep up results in a crappy grade. It's supposed to be fun.

And here's a tip that goes against how things appear to be... If you want to go fast, slow down. The less you TRY to go fast, the more relaxed and faster you will actually be.

Thank you for this advice. But I do have to ask...does your cat really play that good???

[AngryHatter]

Two components.
Muscle memory - what Mal was saying - just keep playing as often as as long as you want.

And learning what the language of music is and its rules, syntax etc.

[Electroman67]

Not trying to be a smartazz,but spend more time playing vs being on the comp.,get on the comp and mess round while you take breaks to let your fingers/hands/wrist rest,then MAKE yourself go back and play more.If you dont already,play the scales you know backwards,practice the chord positions w/out actually playing them.Think like this,instead of worrying about fingering and strumming @ same time while building speed changin chords,just do the fingering of the chords and do ie. D,A,C,G,E. Practice the left hand while you look at the left hand,get it down to a moderate speed and add the strumming after your fingers get used to those chord positions.Another thing to try is just get used to changing the 2finger bar chords on 5th and 6th to the 2finger bar chords on 4th and 5th strings.That will get your hands used to moving faster w/out alot of fingering time delays.Good luck bro.

[mlconnell]

Darryl,

I'm right at 3 years today and I'm 46 will be 47 this month. I learned to play chords and pull off's and hammer on's when I was 15 but only played for a year or 2. Then I quit and never really picked it up again until I was 43. I always thought it was too hard even though I loved it so much. When I was 43 I got remarried and my new wife loved the guitar and gave me a Fender Strat for my birthday and a Fender AMP she had bought 7 years previous because she loved the guitar but was not able to learn it by her self and never really played it. That was the spark I needed. I started playing and about 3 months later she wanted to learn so I bought her an LTD EC-1000 and she started playing. 3 years ago and 6 guitars later, I have 4 she has 2. We are having a blast learning songs together. I always though if I just get a new guitar I can learn better... NOPE !! Not the case. Never happened. We are not professionals by any chance but were intermediate players. It took relentless practice and dedication. But we had fun doing it. We really both wanted to do it and were willing to give it 1st priority. I still get frustrated today because we are still learning and sometimes it feels like I was playing better a year ago than I am today. My brain get so over loaded sometimes I need to put it down and take a break. I did notice when I learned something I learned it real slow until it became engrained in my muscle memory until I was able to not even think about where I needed to play. I still am trying to learn to sing while I play and that killing me now. Hang in there Darryl and have fun. It all gets better. You will have up's and downs this is normal. Hope I was not rambling too much.

[fsenseman]

Originally Posted by mlconnell

Darryl,

..... I did notice when I learned something I learned it real slow until it became engrained in my muscle memory until I was able to not even think about where I needed to play.

Good advice, there. When I'm transcribing a solo, first, after transcription, I memorize it, with the timing as close as I can get it even though I'm learning at 50%, maybe more, maybe less speed. Not until I can play it without looking at the transcription do I seriously start on speed.

[Mixolydian182]

I'm 37 and just started a couple years ago. As a lifelong piano player I kept putting off learning the guitar because I'd get frustrated and just switch over to piano.

The thing that helped me the most was finding a good guitar teacher and taking lessons. Knowing that someone was going to be listening to my progress every couple weeks (and knowing that I was paying him) gave me a lot of motivation to practice.

Another thing that helped me is buying my first guitar. I hesitate to mention this because I see a lot of guys with really nice guitars who have clearly never put the work in. I started learning on my wife's Fender Squier. It's a nice guitar, but once I bought my LP studio it inspired me to practice for two reasons: 1. I liked playing it! and 2. I felt like I needed to do it justice. That feeling of having to justify owning such a beautiful instrument by playing it well was quite motivating to me. I'm currently GASsing for my second guitar and I'm channeling that energy into practicing more.

I feel like now, at two years playing, I have got past the early hump, so I agree with the "first couple years are hard" comments above. I can now sit down with a song and learn it - at least the rhythm parts - in a couple days. A year ago it would have taken AGES. I still have to watch my right hand a lot because I hit the wrong strings (especially when string skipping), I still struggle to learn solos that use the lower frets because I have small hands, and so on. But I feel like a guitarist finally. Good luck and I hope you get there too.

[straycat113]

There are no short cuts and to be brutally honest 15 minutes to a half an hour is not going to cut it. The problem I see that most older guys have learning is making tim in their day to practice. When you are teenager you have all day and no responcbilities and can put in marathon practice lessons! I would say work out a schedule where you can get at least two hours a day in even if they are broken up where you have a free hour in the day and one at night. The more your hands are on the neck the more proficient you will become.

[Joe Dirty]

Some great advise has been posted here and I see some common traits between a couple of posters. I'm 42 and played a little when I was 16. Never picked it up again until about 38 or so. Got some DVD's and utlized the internet and was making some good progress but put it down again.

Got the bug again and pretty much starting over again. I'm a little more proficient now but still struggle with chord changes. Getting finger tips calloused again also. I'm sticking with it this time and it helps to hear other people in our age group with some of the same struggles. Probably the most important thing I can offer like others have also, is to practice and more practice. As time goes by you will get better without noticing it.

[2themax]

I'm like so many posters here and end up doing a lot of computer time, but because I'm at work a lot and taking some classes which keeps me here longer. I'd be playing if it were different (when I wanted to be a rock star I kind of forgot to finish college, and it sucks doing it at 55).

One thing that I thik will really help is to find a few easy songs so that you are practicing things that sound like something and you can notice improvement. Find a few songs you like, 90% of rock and R&B are 4 chords or less and just work on the rhythm and strumming in time. Just making chord changes will build hand strength.

Start simple, there's all kinds of time to get fancy - keep up with the scales and learning the fretboard but that gets really boring. If your OK with a little country flavor it's great place to start because the basic rhythms aren't too hard to pick up.

Marshall Tucker - Can't you see (3 chords)
Free - All right now - (3 chords)
John Prine - (all 4 chords or less, mostly G, C, D, and Em)
Jimmy Buffet - Margaritaville
Van Morrison - Wild Night
CSN&Y - 4 & 20 super ez

I'm 55 and have learned more in the last 5 years than when I was in a band in my 20's. So it's never too late if you have the interest, music is pretty magical stuff...

Old Man In Nursing Home Reacts To Hearing Music From His Era - YouTube

Old Man In Nursing Home Reacts To Hearing Music From His Era - YouTube

[gem12]

Patient Grasshopper

Are you on these stage of frustration ?

The Angriest Guitar Player In The World!!! CRAZY! - YouTube

The Angriest Guitar Player In The World!!! CRAZY! - YouTube

The RETURN Of The Angriest Guitar Player In The World!!! - YouTube

The RETURN Of The Angriest Guitar Player In The World!!! - YouTube

If you are.....COOL DOWN

[josebcn]

If you can take some classes!

[Petertherock]

I love this guy....I know it's all power chords but bands like AC/DC have made a good living off power chords...

Beginner guitar rock power chord rhythms AC DC classic style - YouTube

Beginner guitar rock power chord rhythms AC DC classic style - YouTube

[nutsauce]

Originally Posted by lespaul01

cold beer and that thing in my sig

Funny how that seems to motivate us to play... I think one big thing you've already done is indentify what is keeping you from playing...the computer. I had the same issue, and still do to some point, with video games. When I had just been playing a few months and not making much progress, I realized one day while gaming that the stats for the current game I was playing said I had played 300 hours. 300 hours that I could have been practicing. I mean you have to have other interests also, but I realized being decent at guitar was far more important to me than being decent at Fall Out 3. Good luck and hang in there. You are just about to reach the point where playing gets much more fun.