How to Get Back Into Guitar After a Long Break

Picking up the guitar again after a hiatus can feel like a mix of excitement and intimidation. Maybe you’ve been caught up in life’s whirlwind—work, family, or other hobbies—but the call of the strings is too strong to ignore. Whether you’ve been away for months or years, getting back into the groove doesn’t have to be daunting. This guide is here to rekindle your passion and get your fingers moving once again.

Reassessing Your Goals and Motivation

First things first, why did you start playing guitar in the first place? Reconnecting with your initial motivation can be a powerful way to reignite the passion. Maybe you wanted to shred like Kirk Hammett or compose epic prog-metal like Dream Theater. Whatever your initial drive, revisiting it can help set the stage for your comeback.

If you’ve outgrown your original goals or find your tastes have changed, that’s okay. Maybe you’re more into black metal or djent these days. The beauty of music is its ever-evolving nature. Setting new goals can be a refreshing way to get excited about playing again:

• Short-term goals: Learn a new riff each week or master a song you love.
• Long-term goals: Perhaps aim to write a song or perform at a local gig.

By setting achievable goals, you’re giving yourself a roadmap. It’s like a GPS guiding you back onto the musical highway.

Creating a Practice Routine That Sticks

One of the biggest challenges in getting back into guitar is establishing a practice routine. Consistency is key, but that doesn’t mean you need to practice for hours every day. Quality trumps quantity.

Start with short, manageable sessions. Even 15 minutes a day can make a difference. Gradually increase as your skills and schedule allow. Here’s a simple routine to kick things off:

• Warm-up: Spend 5 minutes on finger exercises to get the blood flowing.
• Technique: Use 5-10 minutes to focus on specific skills like alternate picking or sweep picking.
• Repertoire: Spend the remaining time working on songs or riffs you love.

Remember, the goal is to enjoy the process. If you need some structured guidance, Riffhard offers a bi-weekly lesson plan called The Shredule, which is perfect for getting back into a regular practice routine.

Refreshing Your Technique

After a break, your technique might feel a bit rusty. Don’t worry—like riding a bicycle, it’ll come back with practice. Start by focusing on the basics:

• Posture and hand positioning: Make sure your posture is comfortable and ergonomic to avoid strain.
• Picking technique: Pay attention to your picking hand. If metal is your jam, precise picking is crucial.
• Fretting hand exercises: Practice scales and chromatic exercises to regain dexterity and strength.

To dive deeper into technique, Riffhard has lessons from top metal guitarists, offering tips and tricks to refine your playing style.

Rediscovering Your Sound

Your guitar tone is your sonic fingerprint. If you’ve been away for a while, you might find your taste in tones has evolved. Experimenting with new gear and settings can be an exciting part of rediscovery:

• Amps and pedals: Try out different amp settings or explore new pedal combinations to find a tone that resonates with you.
• Guitar setup: Ensure your guitar is set up properly. New strings, a clean fretboard, and a proper setup can make a world of difference.
• Recording and effects: If you like to record, experiment with software effects and plugins to craft your unique sound.

Exploring new sounds can also be done through lessons on Riffhard, where you can learn how some of the best in the business achieve their signature tones.

Finding Inspiration in New Music

Music is a vast ocean of inspiration. If you’re feeling stuck, dive into new genres or revisit bands you used to love. The metal scene is rich with subgenres, each offering unique elements to incorporate into your playing:

• Metalcore and deathcore: Bands like August Burns Red or Whitechapel can inject fresh energy into your riffs.
• Progressive metal: Listen to bands like Tool or Opeth for intricate compositions and creative song structures.
• Djent: Periphery or Tesseract might inspire you with their rhythmic complexity and innovative sounds.

Let new music fuel your creativity and motivate you to explore different styles and techniques.

Jamming with Others

Playing with others is one of the best ways to improve your skills and keep things fun. Whether you join a local band, or just jam with friends, collaborating can bring fresh perspectives and challenges.

Here are a few ways to find people to play with:

• Local music shops: Check out bulletin boards or ask staff about local jam sessions.
• Online communities: Platforms like Reddit’s r/Guitar or Facebook groups can connect you with fellow musicians.
• Jam tracks: If you can’t find people to play with, use jam tracks online to simulate a band experience.

Playing with others not only improves your timing and adaptability but also keeps the experience social and enjoyable.

Setting Up Your Practice Space

Your practice environment can greatly influence your motivation and focus. Having a dedicated practice space can help you get into the right mindset every time you pick up your guitar:

• Comfortable chair and lighting: Make sure you’re sitting comfortably with good lighting for those late-night sessions.
• Organized gear: Keep your guitar, picks, and other essentials within arm’s reach to avoid interruptions.
• Inspiration items: Decorate your space with posters of your favorite bands or quotes to keep you motivated.

A well-set practice space can be your sanctuary, making each session something to look forward to.

Handling Frustration and Plateaus

Learning guitar isn’t always a linear journey. You’ll hit plateaus, and that’s perfectly normal. The key is to keep pushing through without getting discouraged.

Here are some ways to stay motivated:

• Break tasks into smaller goals: Instead of “learn this entire song,” focus on perfecting one section at a time.
• Record your progress: Listening to recordings from a month ago can be a great way to see how far you’ve come.
• Mix it up: If you’re stuck, switch to learning something completely different. A change can ignite new enthusiasm.

Remember, every guitarist faces challenges. Embrace them as part of your growth.

Using Technology to Enhance Learning

In our digital world, technology can be a huge ally in your guitar journey. From online lessons to apps, there are plenty of resources to help you improve.

• Online lessons: Platforms like Riffhard offer lessons from the world’s best metal guitarists, providing structured learning paths.
• Metronome apps: Timing is crucial in metal, and a metronome app can help you develop solid timing.
• Recording software: Recording your practice sessions lets you analyze your playing and track progress over time.

Using these tools can make your practice sessions more effective and enjoyable, helping you get back into the swing of things with ease.

Final Thoughts

Getting back into playing guitar after a long break is a rewarding journey that’s well worth the effort. With a bit of patience, dedication, and perhaps some guidance from the lessons we offer at Riffhard, you can sharpen your skills and rekindle your love for the guitar. Remember, it’s all about enjoying the ride and embracing the music. Welcome back to the world of strings and sounds!