1. Learning To Play Guitar Takes Too Much Time
Myth: You need years of practice to play anything meaningful. Reality: With just a few chords, you can start playing songs in weeks. Modern tools and structured practice can dramatically shorten the learning curve. It’s about consistent effort, not endless hours.
2. You Have To Be Super Talented
Myth: Only people with natural talent can become good guitarists. Reality: Success in guitar playing comes down to dedication, practice, and guidance. Talent helps, but hard work, patience, and practice techniques trump talent any day.
3. Theory Isn’t Important, Tabs and Chord Diagrams Are Enough
Myth: You can skip music theory and just learn from tabs and chords. Reality: While tabs can help you learn songs, understanding theory (like intervals and scales) helps you grasp how music works, empowering you to improvise, write music, and play more confidently.
4. The Best Guitar Players Are Shredders
Myth: If you’re not shredding at lightning speed, you’re not a great guitarist. Reality: Some of the most iconic players (like BB King, David Gilmour and Eric Clapton) focus on feel, tone, and musicality, rather than speed. Sure, you will need speed if you want to play certain genres like Metal but all in all, music is about expression. And music played without expression, regardless of the speed, just plain sucks.
5. A Guitar Pick Is A Guitar Pick Is A Guitar Pick
Myth: All guitar picks are the same. Reality: The size, shape, and thickness of a pick dramatically affect your tone, control, and playing style. Experimenting with different picks can make a noticeable difference in your sound.
6. Tube Amps Are Better Than Solid State Amps
Myth: Tube amps are always better than solid-state amps. Reality: While tube amps are valued for their warmth, modern solid-state amps have made huge advancements in sound quality. Each type has its place, depending on your style, setting, and needs.
7. It’s All In The Wood
Myth: The type of wood a guitar is made of determines its sound quality. Reality: While wood can affect tone, elements like pickups, strings, and construction quality play a much bigger role in electric guitars. For beginners, it’s not worth obsessing over.
8. Expensive Is Better
Myth: A more expensive guitar will automatically make you sound better. Reality: A well-set-up affordable guitar can play and sound just as good as a high-end model. Skill and setup matter more than price for beginners and intermediate players.
9. Guitars Not “Made in USA” Are of Lower Quality
Myth: Only American-made guitars are high-quality. Reality: Many great guitars are made in countries like Mexico, Japan, and Korea. The quality depends more on the brand and craftsmanship than the country of origin.
10. Theory Is Only for Nerds
Myth: Music theory is for academic musicians, not guitarists. Reality: Music theory is a tool for unlocking your potential. Even basic knowledge of scales, keys, and progressions makes learning faster and playing more creative.
11. I’m Too Old to Start Learning Guitar
Myth: Guitar is something you need to start when you’re young. Reality: You can learn guitar at any age! Adults often have the patience and focus to learn more efficiently. Many great guitarists started later in life, and it’s never too late to enjoy music.
As the saying goes, “don’t believe the hype!”. So pick up your guitar and jamarama with me :0)