How to Get Inspired to Play Guitar Again

Dusting off that guitar can sometimes feel like a monumental task, especially if it’s been a while since you last played. Life happens, interests shift, and before you know it, your guitar is more of a decorative piece than an instrument of creativity. But fear not! Getting re-inspired to play guitar again is totally doable. This article is packed with ways to reignite that passion, from exploring new genres to setting realistic goals, so you can dive back into the world of riffs and solos with renewed enthusiasm.

Rediscovering Your Favorite Bands

Think back to the very bands that got you into playing guitar in the first place. Was it the crushing riffs of Metallica, the intricate solos of Iron Maiden, or the dark ambiance of Black Sabbath? Revisiting the music that first inspired you can be a powerful way to reignite your passion. Put on those classic albums and let the nostalgia wash over you. Not only will this remind you why you fell in love with guitar, but it might also spark new ideas for your own playing.

As you listen, try to focus on particular songs or sections that really speak to you. Maybe there’s a riff you’ve never quite mastered or a solo that always seemed just out of reach. These can become specific goals to work towards as you get back into the groove. You might even discover parts of songs you hadn’t noticed before, now that you’re approaching them with fresh ears.

Exploring New Musical Territories

While revisiting old favorites is a great start, diving into new genres can open up a world of possibilities. If you’ve always played heavy metal, maybe it’s time to try your hand at djent, or perhaps experiment with some progressive metal. Each genre has its unique characteristics and challenges that can help you grow as a guitarist.

Exploring new styles can also introduce you to new techniques. For instance, djent often requires a precise, percussive picking style that can refine your overall playing. Meanwhile, progressive metal might challenge you with odd time signatures and complex song structures, pushing your musicianship to new heights.

And guess what? We at Riffhard offer lessons from some of the world’s top metal guitarists. Whether you’re interested in rhythm techniques or complex lead guitar work, our platform has a wealth of content tailored to modern metal genres.

Setting Realistic Goals

One of the biggest hurdles to getting back into guitar is feeling overwhelmed by where to start. Setting realistic, achievable goals can help overcome this. Instead of aiming to master an entire album overnight, focus on learning a single song or even just a particular riff or solo.

Breaking down your practice into manageable chunks makes it less daunting and allows you to see progress more quickly. For example, dedicate one week to nailing the intro of a song, the next to refining the verse, and so on. This method not only makes practice more enjoyable but also gives you a clear path to follow.

Remember, progress doesn’t happen overnight. Celebrate the small victories, like finally getting that tricky chord change or memorizing a new scale. These moments of achievement can fuel your motivation and keep you moving forward.

Join a Guitar Community

Connecting with other guitarists can be a huge motivational boost. Whether it’s a local group or an online forum, being part of a community provides support, encouragement, and feedback. Discussing your challenges and triumphs with fellow guitarists can reignite your enthusiasm and offer new perspectives on your playing.

Communities often share valuable resources, like practice routines or tips for tackling tough techniques. Plus, seeing others’ progress can inspire you to push yourself further. If you’re looking for a place to connect with like-minded metal enthusiasts, consider joining the community at Riffhard, where you’ll find fellow guitarists ready to share their journeys and insights.

Incorporating Technology into Practice

Technology can be a fantastic tool for reigniting your guitar passion. Apps and software can assist in everything from learning new songs to developing your timing and ear training. Tools like backing tracks and metronomes can elevate your practice sessions, making them more engaging and effective.

One of the most valuable tech tools we offer at Riffhard is our custom metronome, designed specifically for guitar practice. It helps you lock in your timing and develop the precision needed for tight metal playing. Additionally, our interactive video player allows you to slow down lessons and practice at your own pace, making those tricky passages more approachable.

Experimenting with New Gear

Sometimes, all it takes to reignite your passion is a change in gear. Whether it’s a new pedal, amp, or even just a fresh set of strings, new equipment can inspire you to experiment with your sound and playing style.

Consider trying out different pickups or effects that you haven’t experimented with before. A new distortion pedal might lead you to a heavier tone that pushes your creative boundaries, while a delay pedal could inspire ambient soundscapes and creative riffing.

Remember, gear doesn’t have to be expensive to be effective. Even small changes can have a big impact on your sound and motivation. Plus, the excitement of exploring new tones can rekindle your love for playing.

Creating a Dedicated Practice Space

Having a designated area for practice can make a world of difference in your motivation. A space that’s inviting and free from distractions encourages you to pick up your guitar more often. Set up a corner of your room with your guitar, amp, and any other gear you use regularly.

Personalize your space with posters of your favorite bands, inspirational quotes, or anything else that gets you in the mood to play. A clutter-free, organized environment makes it easier to focus on your practice and enjoy the process.

If space is limited, consider investing in a portable setup. Compact amps, headphones, and travel-size guitars can make it easier to practice in smaller areas or even on the go.

Recording Your Progress

Keeping track of your progress is a great way to stay motivated. Recording your practice sessions allows you to hear how far you’ve come and identify areas for improvement. Plus, it’s incredibly satisfying to listen back to recordings from months ago and realize how much you’ve improved.

Start by recording short clips of your playing, whether it’s a section of a song you’re working on or an original riff. Use your phone or computer to capture these moments, and label them with the date. Over time, you’ll build a library of recordings that showcase your growth as a guitarist.

Don’t be too critical when listening back—focus on celebrating your progress and using the recordings as a tool for growth. You might even find that recording yourself leads to new creative ideas and inspiration.

Keeping the Fun Alive

At the end of the day, playing guitar should be enjoyable. If practice feels like a chore, try to incorporate more fun into your sessions. Jam along with your favorite tracks, experiment with improvisation, or play with friends.

Remember why you started playing guitar in the first place. Whether it was the thrill of learning your favorite songs or the joy of creating something new, tap into that initial excitement. Keeping the fun alive ensures that you’ll stay motivated and look forward to picking up your guitar time and time again.

And if you’re ever feeling stuck, remember that Riffhard offers a wealth of lessons and resources to help reignite your passion for playing. From rhythm techniques to creative songwriting, our platform is designed to keep your guitar journey exciting and fulfilling.

Final Thoughts

Getting inspired to play guitar again is all about reconnecting with what makes music special to you. Whether it’s through revisiting old favorites, exploring new genres, or setting achievable goals, there’s a path to reigniting that passion. And with resources like Riffhard, you have access to lessons and a community that can support your journey back to the strings. So, grab your guitar, find what excites you, and let the music flow.