With Regard to Playing guitar, What's the Best Single Piece of Advice You Ever Receiv

[whvick]

“Get a good set-up”. WHM

I would also say that an inexpensive guitar with a good set up is more fun to play than an expensive guitar poorly set up.
So don’t feel like you have to spend a fortune to enjoy guitars.

[KitKat1]

Listen. Then sing it. Then find it on your instrument.

[tippy5]

Record yourself. Rewind. Press PLAY.

[Lauren_WarEagle]

Many years ago, Jim Owen (fellow AGFer) told me that playing music with others—especially seasoned guitarists—helped him become a better player, and since then I’ve found this to be true for myself as well. Anytime I’m practicing or jamming with better guitarists in the room, I try to ask questions and come away with at least one new tip or skill to work on. And then I pass those tips on to others who are learning.

[ALBD]

Originally Posted by Gee Man

Be excellent to each other! It will come through in everything you do, including playing guitar.

Yes. A clear conscience is critical!

[PapaC]

When playing in front of others; “It’s better to play something you know well, and do it right, rather than try to impress them with a more difficult piece you don’t have nailed yet”.

[rllink]

Two actually. "Play the guitar, don't let it play you." "Don't take it so serious that it isn't fun anymore." Both from the same person who helps keep me grounded in the real world.

[JGinNJ]

I've been playing a long time, and don't remember any one-liners from my beginning days. Mostly I was told to learn everything up & down the neck (scales and chords). And, of course, practice.

There were a lot of things I had to figure out on my own, from watching others play, and playing with others.

[rstaight]

Let's face it, the vast majority of players aren't going to make a living at this. So the only person you have to satisfy is your self.

If you are happy and having fun with your playing, that is all that matters.

[pegleghowell]

Know your limitations.I have plenty.

[Twin Six]

Originally Posted by 6L6

Never put your guitar in its case unless you're taking it somewhere.
. . .

What's the best single piece of advice you ever got with regard to playing the guitar?

This advice was first given to me about the sitar, and later & independently, about the guitar. The reason given was that an instrument kept in a case doesn't resonate with ambient sounds and the tone suffers as a result. Being always ready to play is just an incidental benefit.

Originally Posted by MThomson

Learn it slowly first and then build up speed. And I have to re-learn it on a monthly basis.

This excellent advice applies to learning any musical instrument.

Originally Posted by maplebaby

develop a strong tolerance for repetition.

Develop a strong tolerance for repetition of tedious exercises & scales & rehearsing.

[raysachs]

Don't take it too seriously - always remember to have fun. They call it PLAYING a guitar for a reason. It's supposed to be PLAY. Yeah, there's a place for practicing to learn a song or to improve some aspect of your technique. But most of it should be fun. I don't remember who I first heard that from, but I've lived by it. I'll never be particularly good, but nobody will ever enjoy it more than I do...

-Ray

[Lockback]

"If I were you, I'd quit. You're lousy."









Just kidding.





Probably.

[ryanHD28]

From my uncle who is a great bluegrass player.
"Don't judge yourself by how far others have come but instead by where you were a week/month/year ago"
Works for more then guitar as well.

[Lauren_WarEagle]

Originally Posted by ryanHD28

From my uncle who is a great bluegrass player.

"Don't judge yourself by how far others have come but instead by where you were a week/month/year ago"

Works for more then guitar as well.

Yes, that’s a good one, too!