What To Do If You Feel Like Quitting Guitar
That guitar in the corner is starting to feel more like furniture than an instrument. Your calluses are softening, your progress has hit a wall, and you're wondering if some people just aren't meant to play guitar. Trust me - I get it. But before you give up, let's talk about what's really going on…
Why You're Really Stuck
That barre chord that's been fighting you for weeks? The rhythm that falls apart as soon as you try to sing? The YouTube "beginner" songs that seem to require eight fingers per hand? These aren't signs that you can't play guitar - they're normal hurdles that every guitarist faces.
Most players hit the wall when they try to run before they can walk. You see someone playing "Wonderwall" on YouTube, it looks easy enough, but then you try it and it sounds like a mess. Here's what's actually happening: you're trying to master three or four techniques at once. You're juggling chord changes, strumming patterns, and timing, all while trying to make it sound musical. No wonder it feels overwhelming.
Getting Back on Track
Instead of forcing yourself through another frustrating practice session, try this: pick just one thing to focus on. If it's that F chord that's been your nemesis, forget about strumming patterns for now. Just practice slowly moving to and from the F chord. No rhythm, no speed, just clean transitions.
Struggling with timing? Strip it back to basics. Use just down strums on each beat. Once that feels natural, then start adding the upstrums. It's better to play simple rhythms well than complex patterns badly.
Making Practice Work For You
You don't need hour-long practice sessions. In fact, three focused 10-minute sessions will do more for your playing than one frustrated hour. Keep your guitar on a stand where you can grab it easily.
- Play one thing you're good at…
- Then work on one thing you're not…
- End with something fun!
Record yourself playing the same song once a week. When you feel like you're not improving, look back at those videos. The progress might surprise you.
Taking a Smart Break
Sometimes you need a breather, not a permanent break. Give yourself permission to step away for exactly one week. But here's the key - set a specific return date. Put it in your calendar. Use the time to find new songs you want to learn or watch some tutorials…
… just don't leave it open-ended!
Remember: every guitarist you admire once felt like quitting. The only difference between them and those who quit? They picked up their guitar one more time.
Get in Touch to Book a Free Trial Session
Based in Stratford, East London, we offer expert guitar and bass tuition for all ages and skill levels.
Looking to improve your playing or master new techniques? Click below to book your free trial session.
Looking to improve your playing or master new techniques? Click below to book your free trial session.
Call us at 02031434809
Send an email to lessons@guitartuitioneastlondon.co.uk
Guitar Tuition East London
8-10 Penny Brookes Street,
London, E20 1BN
8-10 Penny Brookes Street,
London, E20 1BN
