6 EMBARASSING Mistakes I Made When Learning Guitar

We all have our ups and downs on our musical journey, and I believe that by discussing these mistakes, we can all learn and grow together. So, let’s dive into my top six embarrassing mistakes and how I overcame them!

Mistake #1: Blindly Following Tab

When I first started playing guitar, I relied heavily on tablature. I would print out tabs and try to play songs note by note without understanding the underlying chords. It wasn’t until a friend pointed out that I should try playing the actual chord shapes and then pick the notes that I realized my approach was flawed. While tablature is useful, it lacks important information like hand placement, rhythms, and more. I eventually learned that learning by ear was faster and more effective for me, allowing me to truly understand and play the songs accurately.

Mistake #2: Not Trusting My Ear Soon Enough

Related to relying on tabs, I didn’t trust my ear and attempt to play by ear early on. I could have started sooner and developed this valuable skill. Playing simple melodies and traditional songs by ear helps refine your ability to recognize pitch and find the right notes on the guitar. It may be challenging at first, but with practice, you’ll improve and gain more confidence in your playing.

Mistake #3: Putting Too Much Focus on Learning Scales

I made the mistake of diving headfirst into learning scales and modes before mastering the basics. I spent a considerable amount of time learning all the scales and modes without realizing that I couldn’t apply them musically. Instead, I should have started with the minor pentatonic scale and explored its possibilities. The minor pentatonic scale serves as a foundation for mastering the guitar and can be expanded upon gradually.

Mistake #4: Not Marrying Chords to Scales Soon Enough

I failed to connect chords and scales in my playing early on. Rather than simply playing scales in a given key, I should have learned the chords for the song I was soloing over and incorporated their shapes and tones into my playing. By aligning the scales and chord shapes, I was able to create solos that truly fit the changes and progressions, giving my playing more depth and musicality.

Mistake #5: Underestimating the Importance of Tone

Tone is often overlooked, and I made the same mistake. I was more focused on playing cool stuff than refining my tone. However, as I gained experience, I realized that tone plays a crucial role in music. It’s not just about the notes you play but also how you attack the guitar, adjust your gear, and make micro-adjustments to achieve the desired sound. Good tone can make a simple part sound amazing, while poor tone can undermine even the most impressive chops.

Mistake #6: Neglecting Dynamics and Feel

In my earlier years, I primarily focused on pitch and rhythm, neglecting other important aspects like dynamics, feel, and groove. It wasn’t until I read “The Music Lesson” by Victor Wooten that I fully grasped the significance of these elements. To become musically fit, you need to work on all the supporting aspects of music, just as you would train all your muscles at the gym. By practicing dynamics, groove, and other musical elements, you can make significant improvements in your playing.

There you have it—the six embarrassing mistakes I made when learning guitar. Each mistake taught me valuable lessons, and I hope that by sharing them, I can help others on their musical journey.