Most guitarists fall into one of two categories.
Dabblers and Players.
Let’s start with the dabblers…
Dabblers are always learning—or at least, that’s what it looks like from the outside.
They:
- Jump from YouTube video to YouTube video
- Collect PDFs, chord charts, and “30-day challenges”
- Buy online courses (but never finish them)
- Have a folder full of tabs but can only play parts of a few of them
- Watch more content than they play
Their time with the guitar looks busy—but there is no meaningful growth. They’re always looking for the next hack, shortcut, or “secret trick” to finally break through.
But real progress? It never seems to come.
Then there’s the other group.
Players.
Players aren’t perfect. But they are consistent.
They:
- Show up and practice—even when they don’t feel like it
- Know the specific skills they need to improve
- Follow a clear path instead of chasing random advice
- Consistently work on the songs they love—and sound better each time
- Don’t feel “behind,” because they trust the process
They don’t try to master everything at once. They don’t panic because they can’t solo like Hendrix or sweep-pick like some YouTube prodigy.
They just keep going. Step by step. Day by day.
And that’s the secret.
Being a Player has nothing to do with talent or natural ability.
It has everything to do with commitment.
Ritual > Routine
The word “practice” makes a lot of people cringe. It feels like a chore. Something you should do, but rarely want to do.
That’s why Players treat their time with the guitar as a ritual—not just a routine.
Something that grounds them. Something that reminds them who they are.
They don’t wait until they’re motivated. They show up anyway—even if it’s just for 10 minutes.
And funny enough? That’s usually enough to build momentum.
You don’t need hours a day. You don’t need to quit your job and move to a cabin just to dedicate every waking moment to your guitar.
You just need to play today.
Here’s where most people get stuck
It’s not because they’re lazy.
They stay stuck because they’re overwhelmed.
There’s too much information. Too many options. Too many shiny objects. And no clear direction.
They want to be Players—but they keep ending up right back where they started.
And that’s exactly where the right teacher makes all the difference.
Not someone who teaches “on the side.”
Not someone who just shows you what they know.
What you want is someone who:
- Knows where you want to go
- Has helped others get there
- Loves teaching as much as they love playing
- Can break things down in a way that actually makes sense
- Gives you structure without killing your creativity
That kind of guidance is a game-changer.
Suddenly, you’re not guessing what to practice. You’re not wondering if you’re improving. You’re not wasting time on tricks and tips that don’t apply to you.
You’re just playing. Consistently. With purpose.
And guess what?
That’s when progress finally starts to show up.
The Shift You Might Need
If you’ve felt:
- Stuck in a rut
- Like you’re not “getting anywhere”
- Like you have all the tools—but still aren’t building anything
- Or like your love for guitar is slowly turning into frustration…
You’re not alone.
And you’re not broken.
You’re just missing one thing: A clear path.
Because when you know what to do next—and why—it changes everything.
You don’t need more videos.
You don’t need to relearn that thing you thought you had down for the 10th time.
You need clarity. You need direction. And most of all—you need to play.
Today.
Not next week. Not when your schedule opens up. Not when you finally finish watching that YouTube phenom play that impossible solo.
Just. Play. Today.
And then do it again tomorrow.
Because the truth is…
Dabblers stay busy. Players get better.
Dabblers collect information. Players collect wins.
Dabblers chase inspiration. Players build momentum.
Dabblers feel stuck. Players feel progress.
And the difference isn’t talent. It’s not time. It’s not some magical gear upgrade.
It’s the decision to show up—especially when it’s not convenient.
To commit—even when it’s not perfect.
To keep going—even when it feels slow.
You don’t need to know everything.
You don’t need to play flawlessly.
You just need to start acting like a Player.
Because that’s how things change.
Not all at once—but one intentional step at a time.
One focused session.
One tiny breakthrough.
One decision to show up—again.
And that’s when it starts to click.
Not because the guitar got easier…
But because you changed how you showed up.
You stopped dabbling.
And you started playing.
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.
