My goal here is to shorten your path to mastery and save you as much wasted time as possible so you can get to the music, be free, and create beautiful sounds faster. One of the most important things with guitar and music is understanding the learning process in our minds – how are we going about advancing our skills in the most optimal way possible to accelerate progress?
Sign #1: You’re Feeling the Sounds More
You’re feeling the sounds more. It’s simple but actually very, very powerful. That means that you have an emotional connection to the sounds, to the music, which means that you’re basically able to tag the information faster and recognize between different colors, between this sound and that sound.
Now it sounds simple but that is what music is all about – tension and release, colors and sound. So the more we’re emotionally invested, the more we’re emotionally connected and feeling, literally just feeling the sound, that means that we’re doing the right actions at the end of every day.
Sign #2: You Can Articulate Something Specific Learned Daily
Say one thing you learned today, one thing you can do right now. It could be singing the notes on the sixth string, learning a new chord, understanding the chords to a song, anything! This creates a “ball of information,” a “ball of light” connecting you to music. Something you can do today that you couldn’t yesterday.
The idea is learning every day, little by little, percentage by percentage, getting better. That’s huge! If we can do that, if we see it and feel it, it means we’re on the right track.
Sign #3: You’re Focused on What You Love
Focus on what you love. That means forget thinking “oh I need to play jazz and blues and rock and all these things.” Don’t be overwhelmed by what you think you need to learn.
Do what you love, learn the information you love. If you love blues, go for it! It can be anything you want it to be.
The point is, work on and practice the things that truly excite you. That means you’re emotionally invested, it’ll be fun, easier. You’re not trying to conquer the whole music world, just saying “wow, I want to learn this line,” that’s where you’re at. Focused and clear on your intention.
Sign #4: When I Started Playing Guitar: Learning by Listening
I remember diving into guitar. Tabs, online chords, trying to understand songs… felt like shortcuts, and often those chords weren’t quite right. But hey, that’s not the key!
Here’s what matters, a sign you’re on the right track: go to the music. Love Jimi Hendrix? Listen to his songs, feel that beautiful sound. But dig deeper, go to the source. Listen to BB King, it’s soulful, it speaks volumes.
Instead of grabbing a solo transcription, work on it, learn it yourself. Embrace the process, the effort. I know the beginning is tough, overwhelming even. “Where are the notes? How do I find them?” But trust me, you’ll see, as you’re doing it right now, step by step, it gets easier, more beautiful.
You understand these sounds again, they move you emotionally, you want to absorb them. Go to the source, that’s where it’s at – the music itself! Remember, music is the art of listening. So the process of us actively listening, figuring things out, is a huge part of it.
Feeling you need more structure? I created a course just for that, check it out, it might be just what you need.
Sign #5: You’re Singing Musical Ideas Frequently
Another sign you’re doing things right? You start singing. Sing in the shower, sing when you walk. Why? There’s a strong connection between the vocal cords, the fingers, the ears. All these things start linking up. So instead of just playing guitar, you play guitar and all of a sudden, you wake up and imagine the sound. Or you dream about it, or you just walk in the street and you hear these chords. Almost like a process, but it’s a good sign you’re on the right path.
If it doesn’t happen automatically, you can also just decide. When you’re taking a shower, when you run outside, or walk to a friend’s house, you’re like, “I’m going to sing a little bit. I’m going to listen and sing along right, using my vocal cords, using this idea of sound that you can produce.” And this process will take you very, very far.
Embrace the Fumbles: Mistakes Aren’t Monsters, They’re Milestones
Music and guitar: a beautiful journey, but sometimes a bumpy one. We beat ourselves up for mistakes, feeling like failures. But hold on! Making mistakes is part of the craft, and actually a sign you’re on the right track.
Here’s the key: see the mistakes, but don’t self-destruct. You hit a wrong chord? No “worst human on Earth” monologue. Instead, it’s “Ah, not F sharp, it’s G. Let’s correct it, calmly.”
This isn’t about ignoring mistakes, but about understanding them: “This isn’t what I meant, but I can learn how to fix it.” That’s HUGE.
Remember, I used to be my own worst critic. Still am sometimes, but I’m learning: is self-blame helpful? No! It’s wasted energy.
Instead:
- Mistake made? Okay, I don’t know the song. Let’s learn it!
- Wrong note in a scale? No “worst human ever” drama. Listen, compare sounds, identify the mistake.
- No harsh self-talk! Mistakes are part of the path, even crucial.
It’s not about “right” or “wrong,” it’s about intention and reality. Accepting mistakes helps us learn faster. See it yourself, right? You make a mistake, think “not bad,” fix it, and move on. That’s a fantastic sign!
FAQ
Mistakes & Mindset:
- I keep making mistakes, am I doing something wrong?
- Absolutely not! Making mistakes is a natural and even crucial part of learning guitar. The key is to see them as opportunities to learn, not reasons to beat yourself up. Analyze what went wrong, adjust, and move on.
Practice & Learning:
- How can I learn from music without tabs or chords?
- Go straight to the source! Listen actively to musicians you admire, focusing on their sounds, phrasing, and emotions. Try singing along or humming melodies, internalizing the music through listening.
Additional Tips:
- Celebrate small wins, not just perfection! Acknowledge your progress, no matter how small, to stay motivated. Every mistake conquered and skill acquired is a step forward.
- Remember, learning takes time and dedication. Be patient, consistent, and enjoy the journey. The beautiful sounds you create will be worth it!
Visit my website: rotemsivan.com.
Join me on Patreon: patreon.com/Rotem/Sivan
See you guys soon! Peace Out
