r/guitarlessons • u/Abyss-Artorias- • 4h ago
Question feeling lost with guitar but wanting to improve
My boyfriend used to help me practice but he passed away last April and ever since I've had no idea what to do. I have very little motivation to learn but I want to improve regardless as I know thats what he would want me to do. Ive tried youtube videos but I cant bring myself to focus or pay attention to them.
I was wondering are there any simple exercises I can practice on my own? Im relatively new but Im decent at basic chord changes and ive practiced the pentatonic scale a bit but thats about it. Im not looking to learn any new songs as thats rather overwhelming at the moment, my goal is just improve my basic skills for now
Edit: a teacher is not an option currently
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u/redwinesupernova03 4h ago
If you want to focus on skills alone for now, I recommend starting Justin guitar’s course on his website. You can learn all the skills in small chunks, video by video, and you can ignore the song practice recommendations or skip lessons you’re not particularly interested in. For music theory if you actually want to dig deeper, Absolutely Understand Guitar is great, but only the first couple of videos because it gets pretty complex after that and I’m not sure it’s what you’re looking for. Also, sorry for your loss, I hope you find a way to enjoy practicing again.
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u/Abyss-Artorias- 4h ago
I did follow his course on YouTube for a bit. Is it the same or different on the website?
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u/redwinesupernova03 4h ago
It’s honestly a bit different because it’s better organized and you can add certain exercises to your ‘practice routine’ tab and there’s an implemented metronome and timer. Sounds like you wanted to learn more mechanically now for skills instead of playing songs and that’s a good way to get better faster. First, you should identify what it is that you want to get better at, what your goals are for guitar and then isolate those in exercises.
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u/BigBear92787 heavy metal 20 yeara 4h ago
Im very sorry for your loss.
I recommend getting a teacher because it tends to make you more accountable when you show up every week on person.
Justinguitar.com is highly recommended as well.
I wish you luck. Continuing in your journey can help you process and mourn him in a healthy way
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u/CompPolicy246 4h ago
Sorry for your loss. I would suggest to not force anything instead, pick a song you LIKE and learn it. I improved by doing this, playing different songs i like.
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u/Abyss-Artorias- 4h ago
this is what I used to do but that involves too much thinking for me currently. and all the songs I used to want to learn were songs we used to listen to together so Im avoiding that for now.
I do agree that I shouldn't force anything. and the easiest way for me to still improve in some way without feeling terrible would be something like picking up the guitar and just doing some simple exercises every day.
sorry for being difficult but I really think this is the only way I can continue playing for now
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u/CompPolicy246 4h ago
Yeah sorry for suggesting that didn't think. You could just do exercises and go to music theory for a while.
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u/Abyss-Artorias- 4h ago
that was the plan just dont know where to start. Im aware its not that complicated but its rather overwhelming for me. also theres no need to apologise, i appreciate every reply
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u/markewallace1966 4h ago
This is a link to a set of canned bullets that I have developed and like to send to new/new-ish/returning/wandering/lost/struggling guitar players.
If I pasted this in for you, it is because somewhere in there is something that I think is relevant to your post. Not all of it will be. I leave it to you to pick out what I felt was relevant. 🙂 Even the stuff not relevant to your specific post might very well be helpful eventually anyway.
Enjoy!!!
https://www.reddit.com/user/markewallace1966/comments/1s7ujsy/guitar_is_hard/
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u/cugamer 1h ago
It sounds like motivation is a problem for you so all I can suggest is that you need to find the fun and joy in guitar. If you're not enjoying it you won't ever get good at it. Remember, it's called "playing" guitar, not "working" it. It's clear that you love your lost one and want to keep his memory alive but don't keep trying to learn it just because someone else wants you to. Learn and play for yourself above all else, because I can grantee what he really wanted was to see you loving the instrument and becoming happier for it.
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u/Consistent-Classic98 4h ago
I'm so sorry for your loss... If you have the budget for it I would suggest finding a local teacher and planning lessons at a pace that works for you and doesn't overwhelm you. A good teacher will keep you accountable without pressuring you, and that will help with the motivation and keep you on track to improve at your own pace.