Guitar playing has a reputation for being difficult, but the reality? It’s much easier than most people assume!
Let’s begin by covering some of the reasons why the guitar seems so complicated:
There’s So Much To Learn: Part of the guitar’s tricky reputation comes from the fact that there is so much to learn, which is true, but you don’t need to learn everything at once: scales, theory, fast solos, etc. However, it’s more about steady progression.
DIY Learning Can Cause Frustration: Many beginners go down the DIY route, thanks to the abundance of free online resources. While it’s great to have so much information at your fingertips, it can also be overwhelming.
Chord Changes Seem Daunting: Beginners struggle with smoothly transitioning between chords, especially with barre chords that require more finger strength and positioning.
There’s So Much Theory: Scales, modes, and advanced techniques can make the guitar feel like an overwhelming academic exercise.
Physical Coordination: Using both hands independently for chord shapes and picking/strumming can feel like a coordination challenge.
It Hurts: As the saying goes, no pain no gain. You don’t get muscle and cardio gains without pushing yourself to the limit, but most important of all, you have to take time to regenerate. Like everything, it gets easier over time, and if you want it bad enough, it will happen.
Here are a few reasons why we think learning guitar is easier than you might think:
Accessibility: You don’t need fancy gear to start. Unlike the trombone or violin, you can start making music with a guitar almost immediately. Plus, guitars are easy to find at different price points, so starting your journey doesn’t require a huge investment. And not to mention, you can pretty much take a guitar anywhere.
Basic Chords Unlock 1,000s of Songs: With just 7–8 essential chords, you can play a massive range of songs, making the guitar beginner-friendly right from the start.
You Don’t Need to Master Theory Right Away: You can start making music without diving deep into theory. In fact, some of the greatest guitar players are self-taught with minimal theoretical knowledge. But a little never hurt.
Small Wins Build Confidence: With guitar, small progress can sound amazing! The ability to play recognizable tunes early on boosts motivation.
Online Resources: There are endless online tutorials, apps, and resources tailored for beginners. With a bit of guidance, it’s never been easier to teach yourself how to play guitar in a proficient manner.
Muscle Memory is Key: The physical nature of guitar playing is similar to riding a bike—once your hands learn the positions, it becomes second nature. Consistency in practice develops muscle memory, making what initially seems difficult (like switching between chords or playing barre chords) easier with time.
The key is to start small, focus on a few basics, and let your skills naturally develop through consistent practice. Soon enough, what once seemed complex will feel second nature.
And last but not least, you have Guitar Jamarama to help along the way! Enjoy your guitar journey.