How to Stay Motivated to Learn Guitar

Staying motivated to learn guitar can be challenging, especially when you're diving into intricate genres like metal, thrash, or djent. You might feel stuck when your fingers don't move at the speed of your favorite guitarists, or when your riffs just don't sound right. Let's get into some practical strategies to keep your passion alive and your practice sessions exciting.

Setting Realistic Goals

Setting the right goals can be a game-changer on your guitar learning journey. It's easy to dream of shredding like Zakk Wylde or composing the next great progressive metal epic, but biting off more than you can chew might lead to frustration. Instead, break down your aspirations into smaller, achievable targets.

Start with something simple, like mastering a specific riff or chord progression. Once you've nailed it, move on to the next challenge. This way, you’re building a solid foundation while maintaining a sense of accomplishment.

For example, if you're into metalcore, you might want to focus on perfecting your palm muting technique. Spend a week working on that, then assess your progress. Can you hear a difference? Feel the improvement? Celebrate it!

On Riffhard, we offer structured lesson plans that can guide you through this process. Our instructors, like Dean Lamb of Archspire, break down complex techniques into manageable steps, helping you set and achieve realistic goals that keep you motivated.

Embracing the Power of Routine

Consistency is crucial. Establishing a routine can turn practice into a habit, which is essential for improvement. Try to practice at the same time every day, even if it's just for 15-20 minutes. This regularity helps reinforce muscle memory and keeps the guitar in your consciousness.

Pick a time when you're least likely to be interrupted. It could be early in the morning before the day's chaos begins, or in the evening when you’re winding down. The key is to make it a non-negotiable part of your day.

If you need guidance on what to practice, Riffhard offers a bi-weekly lesson plan called The Shredule, which provides a curated practice routine to keep you on track.

Finding Your Community

Learning guitar doesn't have to be a solo journey. Engaging with a community of fellow guitarists can provide inspiration, support, and accountability. Join online forums, local jam sessions, or social media groups where you can share your progress and challenges.

There's something incredibly motivating about seeing others on the same journey. Whether it's discussing gear, sharing tabs, or simply chatting about your favorite bands, these interactions can reignite your passion.

At Riffhard, we have a vibrant community of metal enthusiasts. Members participate in riff-writing contests and livestreams, providing a platform to showcase your skills and learn from others.

Exploring New Genres and Techniques

Sometimes, stepping out of your comfort zone can reignite your interest in guitar. If you've been focusing solely on thrash metal, try your hand at black metal or explore different techniques like sweep picking or alternate tuning.

Each subgenre has its own unique challenges and characteristics, offering fresh perspectives and skills to learn. For instance, progressive metal often incorporates complex time signatures and intricate chord progressions, which can be a fun challenge if you're used to straightforward riffs.

Our lessons at Riffhard cover a wide range of styles and techniques. Whether you want to learn from Jason Richardson's incredible speed and precision or explore the atmospheric elements in Javier Reyes's work with Animals as Leaders, there's always something new to discover.

Tracking Your Progress

Progress can be difficult to see day-to-day, but tracking it over time can boost your motivation significantly. Keep a practice journal or use a digital app to record what you work on each day. Note any breakthroughs or challenges, and periodically review your entries to see how far you've come.

Video or audio recordings are also excellent tools for self-assessment. Record yourself playing a riff or song, and then listen back a few weeks later to notice improvements. This tangible evidence of progress can be incredibly rewarding.

At Riffhard, our interactive player allows you to adjust the tempo of video lessons, making it easier to track your progress as you gradually speed up your playing without sacrificing accuracy.

Breaking Through Plateaus

Every guitarist hits a plateau now and then. It’s a natural part of learning, but it can be disheartening. The key is to recognize it and change up your routine to push through.

If you’re stuck, try learning a new song that challenges different aspects of your playing. Alternatively, revisiting the basics can also be beneficial. Sometimes, the fundamentals can offer new insights that help unlock more advanced techniques.

Our instructors at Riffhard offer tips and exercises specifically designed to help you overcome these hurdles, ensuring continued growth and enthusiasm.

Rewarding Yourself

Incentives can be powerful motivators. Set up a reward system for achieving your goals. It could be as simple as a new set of strings, a guitar accessory, or even something non-guitar-related like a movie night.

Rewards provide a tangible acknowledgment of your hard work and progress, reinforcing your commitment to learning. Plus, who doesn’t love a good excuse to indulge in a bit of gear shopping?

At Riffhard, we celebrate our members' achievements with contests and opportunities to earn recognition within our community, adding another layer of motivation to your practice sessions.

Connecting Emotionally with Music

Finally, remember why you started playing guitar in the first place. Was it the thrill of performing? The joy of creating your own songs? The challenge of mastering a complex piece?

Reconnecting with your initial inspiration can help reignite your passion. Listen to your favorite tracks, attend concerts, or jam with friends to remind yourself of the emotional connection you have with music.

At Riffhard, our lessons are not just about technique; they focus on musicality and expression, helping you connect with the music on a deeper level.

Final Thoughts

Staying motivated to learn guitar involves setting realistic goals, establishing a routine, and engaging with a community. By exploring new techniques and tracking your progress, you can push through plateaus and continue growing as a musician. At Riffhard, we provide the resources and community support to keep your journey exciting and rewarding. Keep playing, stay inspired, and enjoy every moment with your guitar.