Learning to play the guitar is an exciting and rewarding journey that opens the door to endless creativity and self-expression. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your skills, the experience can be incredibly enjoyable when approached with the right mindset and habits. By following a few simple tips, you can make steady progress, stay motivated, and get the most out of each lesson.
Arrive 5 Minutes Early
Arriving early for your lesson allows you ample time to find a comfortable seat, get your guitar out of its case, tune it, and begin to warm up. This ensures you are relaxed and mentally prepared when the lesson starts at the scheduled time.
Why it matters: Starting on time maximizes your learning and shows your commitment to the process. A little preparation goes a long way!
Be Organized
Staying organized is essential for tracking your progress and making the most of your practice time. Use a 3-ring binder with tabs to separate sections like exercises, songs, and notes from your lessons. This will enable you to quickly locate and refer to specific material whenever you practice or require it for your classes. Keep a running list of what you’re working on and your weekly goals. As you improve, revisit earlier exercises or songs—you’ll be amazed at how far you’ve come!
Why it matters: Having all your materials in one place saves time and lets you focus on playing rather than searching for scattered papers. It also creates a tangible record of your growth as a guitarist.
Take Notes
As you progress in your guitar lessons, you will receive a lot of information. This can include technique tips, guidance on what and how to practice, and explanations of lesson content. It’s impossible to remember everything, so bring a notebook or use an app to jot down key points. Write down anything that clicks during the lesson or any questions that come to mind while practicing later.
Why it matters: Taking notes not only helps you retain what you’ve learned but also gives you a personalized reference to revisit when practicing independently.
Listen And Watch When The Instructor Is Demonstrating – Do Not Play!
It’s tempting to keep your fingers moving while your instructor is demonstrating but resist the urge. Instead, focus entirely on listening and watching. Make sure to maintain eye contact and observe what your teacher is presenting. Pay close attention to their hand position, picking motions, and any tips they give you to make the material easier. Take mental notes or ask questions if you notice something you don’t understand.
Why it matters: Observing your instructor without distraction ensures you’re picking up on details that might otherwise be missed. It also shows respect for their teaching and that you are not distracting to others.
When Assigned A Task – Keep At It
When your guitar teacher assigns you a task or exercise during your lesson, it’s essential to not just play it once or twice. Make sure you continue playing until your instructor gives you the go-ahead to move on. There’s a specific reason why your instructor wants you to repeat what has been assigned, even if it’s not immediately clear to you. The key is not to practice until you get it right but to practice until you can’t get it wrong. This repetition helps to build muscle memory, improve technique, and solidify your understanding of the material.
Why it matters: Practicing until it feels effortless ensures your progress is solid and lasting. This level of dedication will lead to faster overall improvement.
Ask Questions
If something isn’t clear, speak up! Guitar lessons are a collaborative process, and your instructor wants to help you succeed. Be sure to actively engage in any scheduled Q&A sessions, as this gives you the chance to thoroughly understand the material and clarify any doubts you may have. Whether you’re unsure about finger placement, technique, or the theory behind a concept, asking questions shows that you’re engaged and committed.
Why it matters: Clearing up confusion early prevents frustration later. Plus, your questions might even lead to tips or insights you hadn’t considered.
Practice
The key to improvement lies in consistent, focused practice. Even if you’re short on time, just 5–10 minutes of daily practice can make a difference. Use your practice time wisely by focusing on the specific tasks your instructor has assigned. If you’re not sure how to practice efficiently, don’t hesitate to ask for advice.
Why it matters: Regular practice reinforces what you’ve learned and helps you progress steadily. Consistency is more important than long, infrequent sessions.
Communicate With Your Instructor
Feel free to communicate any specific songs, artists, or musical styles you want to learn with your instructor. It is essential to keep your instructor updated if your guitar-playing goals have evolved or changed. Additionally, don’t hesitate to share your feedback about the classes you enjoy and any areas where you feel less engaged. Communication is key to ensuring you have a positive and productive learning experience.
Why it matters: Open communication creates a supportive learning environment and keeps your lessons aligned with your goals.
Be Patient With Yourself
When progress appears to be moving at a snail’s pace, patience is essential. Acquiring and developing new skills takes time and dedication. While it may not be immediately obvious, consistent effort is crucial in forming new neural connections, which is how things become automatic. Perseverance is key to achieving your goals. Celebrate small victories, and trust the process.
Why it matters: Patience and persistence are crucial for long-term success. Over time, you’ll be amazed at what you can accomplish!
Get to Know Your Fellow Students
Playing music together enhances the enjoyment of lessons and makes the experience much more enjoyable. Making music is way more fun when you’re doing it with other people! Sharing tips, playing together, and celebrating each other’s progress fosters a sense of community and motivation.
Why it matters: Music is meant to be shared. Playing with others not only boosts your confidence but also helps you grow as a musician.
About The Author
Brian Fish is a professional guitarist who has been dedicated to helping other guitar players in Northeast Ohio pursue their musical dreams since 1994. He’s passionate about guiding others on their musical journey! He is the Guitar Playing Transformation Specialist, instructor, mentor, trainer, and coach at Guitar Lessons Geauga.
Brian has also assisted people from around the globe in developing a solid sense of timing and enhancing their creativity through the fantastic rhythm course, “Ultimate Rhythm Mastery,” available at MusicTheoryForGuitar.com.
If you live in Geauga County / North East Ohio, Guitar Lessons Geauga can help you become the player you’ve always wanted to be.
Click below to book your free intro lesson!
