As a guitar coach, I often encounter students who struggle with motivation. They want to play like their favorite guitarists, but the road to getting there feels daunting. The key to overcoming this hurdle is finding small, manageable tasks that you can accomplish today—something you’re willing to do right now.
What Is Motivation?
As a guitar coach, I often talk about motivation—it's that inner drive that pushes you to pick up your guitar, practice, and improve. But what exactly is motivation? At its core, motivation is the desire to achieve a goal. It's the spark that fuels your commitment to learning new songs, mastering techniques, and pushing through challenges. For guitar players, motivation often comes from the love of music and the satisfaction of progress, no matter how small.
But motivation isn’t always a constant. It can ebb and flow, which is why it's important to nurture it. Whether it’s setting small, achievable goals or simply enjoying the process of playing, finding what excites and inspires you is key. Remember, motivation is personal—what drives you might be different from others, but it’s the fuel that keeps your guitar journey alive.
Start Small, Aim Low
One of the most effective strategies to stay motivated is to start with the smallest, most achievable task. Let’s say you’re working on a challenging lick or riff. Instead of trying to master the entire piece in one go, break it down. Focus on just the first part—maybe it’s a pull-off or a particular strumming pattern. Your goal isn’t to perfect the whole song but to make progress on that tiny section.
For example, if you're struggling with a pull-off technique, dedicate today to just getting comfortable with that. Forget about the rest of the lick for now. Once you’ve got that down, you’ll have built a small win, which fuels your motivation to keep going.
If you're working on learning a new song, begin by mastering just the first few chords. Let’s say you’re tackling “Wonderwall” by Oasis. Focus on getting the chord transitions between Em and G smooth before moving on to the next section. Another example is if you’re working on improving your fingerpicking. Rather than trying to nail a full pattern in one sitting, dedicate a session to just practicing the thumb movements on open strings.
These small goals are easier to achieve, which boosts your confidence and keeps you motivated to tackle the next challenge. Over time, these small victories accumulate, leading to significant improvements in your playing. Start small, stay consistent, and enjoy the journey of becoming a better guitarist.
Lower the Bar If Necessary
What if even that feels too challenging? It’s okay! Just lower your bar to help you work on what you need to. Ask yourself: “Can I pick up the guitar and sit with it for five minutes?” Sometimes, just holding the guitar and noodling around is enough to reignite your passion. You don’t have to play anything specific—just strum some chords, pick a few notes, or experiment with sounds. The important thing is that you’re engaging with the instrument, which is a step in the right direction.
For instance, one of my students felt overwhelmed by a new piece we were working on. Instead of pushing through frustration, I suggested he simply pick up the guitar and strum open chords for a few minutes. That small action helped him reconnect with the instrument, and soon he was back on track with the lesson.
Keep Moving Forward
The essence of motivation lies in these small victories. Every time you achieve a minor goal, no matter how insignificant it may seem, you build momentum. This momentum is what keeps you coming back to the guitar day after day.
Remember, it’s not about playing the entire song or mastering a complex technique in one sitting. It’s about finding that one thing you can accomplish today, no matter how small. Over time, these little steps add up, and before you know it, you’ve made significant progress.
So, if you’re feeling stuck or unmotivated, ask yourself: “What’s the smallest thing I’m willing to try today?” Whether it’s mastering a single pull-off, strumming for five minutes, or just sitting with your guitar, that’s where you start. Keep pushing, keep playing, and most importantly, keep it fun. The journey is just as important as the destination, and every step forward is a step worth celebrating.
Professional Guitar Players Who Struggled with Motivation
Even the most iconic guitarists have faced periods of low motivation in their careers. For instance, Eric Clapton, often hailed as one of the greatest guitarists of all time, admitted to struggling with motivation during his career. After the success of his early bands, Clapton faced personal and professional challenges that led to creative blocks and a lack of drive to continue playing.
Similarly, John Frusciante of the Red Hot Chili Peppers also struggled with motivation, particularly after leaving the band in the early 2000s. Frusciante found himself questioning his purpose as a musician, leading to a period of introspection and a break from the spotlight.
These stories remind us that even the best guitarists experience struggles. What sets them apart is their ability to reignite their passion and push through those difficult times, eventually emerging stronger and more inspired in their playing.
Learn More With Fender 1:1
Fender 1:1 coaches are accessible and flexible, designed to make learning the guitar as convenient and helpful as possible. Struggling to find a coach who fits your busy schedule? Fender coaches work on your timetable, ensuring they are there for you when and where you need them. Plus, you can rewatch your sessions as many times as you need without the extra fees other private coaches often charge, offering the convenience of learning at your own pace.
The pain of high costs and inflexibility are a thing of the past with Fender 1:1 Powered by Blayze. Our lessons typically cost 30% less than standard in-person coaching, providing you with top-tier instruction without breaking the bank. All lessons, sessions, and learning drills are personalized to you. Fender coaches listen to your goals and help you develop a pathway to accomplishment. The Fender 1:1 partnership with Blayze requires all coaches to go through an extensive application process, so you know you are getting the best out there.
Explore more details on our coaching sessions here. Start on your musical journey today for FREE! Make learning the guitar a convenient and supportive experience with Fender 1:1.
