Guitar Is Frustrating!!! (10 Motivations That Kept Me Going)

Now that I look back there was NO WAY I could have ever quit guitar. These 10 motivating factors seemed to come together to create the perfect storm, or a maniac. haha!

[BojanMadzarov]

You really stand out from all the guitar teachers on youtube. Please continue the good work man. It's clear that you really want your audience to learn.

[lennyserauskas]

I started playing after I retired from the military. I was a Vet who just got back from Afghanistan with multiple injuries to include dealing with the loss of 8 of my team mates. I was in a very dark place because I was used to being very active and couldn’t be anymore which led to more depression. I got my guitar and that was my escape and therapy. My goal was to be able to play a song for my fallen brothers. Well it happened and I can’t tell you how great a feeling that was because not only was I very emotional about it but I guess I touched a few other people also with my playing. Now that’s my whole goal and it keeps me practicing wanting to be able to touch people with music and allow them to feel again like guitar has done for me. That’s my motivation and I have definitely been using your practicing tips to keep myself improving thanks so much!!!

[andrewd]

I wish I had close friends who played guitar around my same level.

[okfanriffic]

I know I'm shit at guitar (30 years of playing) but I was inspired to never give up by BB King. He pointed out that 90% (probably much more) of his audience know nothing about guitar and think he is great. My non guitar playing friends think i'm great and that's enough but I know I'm sloppy and shit.

[schizophrenicgaming]

No matter how hard you try, there is always a 5 year old Asian kid who can do it better.

[pul]

Im really happy because ever since I started playing the guitar around a month ago I stopped playing league which was really toxic for me and everyday I come out of school I just wanna play and watch guitar videos and gear on the internet. Also I feel somehow my studies are going better and I just feel motivated all around :)

[milestrotter]

What keeps me motivated is listening to my favorite guitarists and knowing that I could be as talented as them with enough hard work and dedication

[INVERTEDBUKAKI]

A little more than 2 years ago I had the desire to pick up guitar at 39 years old. My wife said "this will be just like bass fishing" which I loved but I wanted to be home with my family and fishing with the guys all weekend isn't the best idea for a father. Mind you I hadn't fished in 4 years! I was so motivated just to show her! I was kind of also hurt by the words . A year later exactly her mother passed away and to motivate me I dedicated my second year to her and it worked. Now I am on year 3 and I'm loving it and have all the motivation I need. I'm doing it for me! Best of luck guys and gals. Great channel BTW your calm nature and honesty is very comforting method that some of us really need to get something. Thanks

[bigdogpete]

I learned basics from an old guy in church. He sat on the front pew with an old Gibson electric and I used to go sit by him and watch. The day he taught me "Amazing Grace" was something I will never forget. I was terrible, but the exhilaration of accomplishment has never left. I was only about 8, but that was a very important moment in my life.

[julien]

The main motivation that keeps me playing is money. I see you coming but let me explain:
My first guitar costed me $200, which means all my savings and knowing that I sucked at something I spend all my money on really helped me.
Give a $1000 guitar and I'd probably spend my lifetime trying to be worthy of it

[FilippaArendt]

Some days I'm tired, and don't feel like practicing. Then I practise anyway, but maybe only the homework from the music school. After playing a while I forget that I was tired :)

[BriddahOnFire]

Being in a band has always been a huge motivation for me to practice wayyy more than I would if I'm just playing all by myself. Unfortunately I haven't been in a band for over 6 years now, and guess what, since then I only picked up my guitar once in a while and only for a few minutes.. But I definitely want to change that right It's one of my biggest passions and I don't wanna let it die!!

[wizard]

if I practice every day and I listen, I can hear my playing gets slightly better every day, and thats motivating! I bet anyone if they listened could hear little tiny improvements if they practice continuously.

[mborel]

My biggest motivation now that I'm not much more of a beginner at 47 years old is my regret for not doing this while young and having all the time in the world. Even when I picked it up again in my early twenties, I had to sell my gear to make rent and buy christmas presents for my kid, I got so angry that I didn't pick it up again for over 15 years. All that time wasted. I may never be good, but I play because it makes me feel good.

[jade]

What frustrates me is, anyone I ask to help me, they say "This song is easy to learn, it's only tab, they're telling you the answers right there."
Yeah? Then why does my playing sound like I'm strangling a bird if it's easy to play????

[natalie-kjom]

The best motivation I have is to learn a song, that you absolutely want to play.

[johnhunter]

I find that best motivation is to pick up the guitar, every day, smile, and have a good time playing.

[Dravain]

What always helps me stay motivated is keeping in mind my achievements. I see a lot of people that play great stuff but they're so used to playing it that they think what they're playing IS easy. Appreciating achievements you make shows you that you're moving forward and that if you've come as far as you have, it's only a matter of time before you get where you want to be.

[og_paulsack]

Thank you for the constant encouragement and realness! You have helped me get through quite a few ruts and I greatly appreciate it!

[lw]

Mike - well said. Thank you for being so open. I like what you said about the guitar prodigy. Sometimes I hear one and think I''ll quit - what is the use and sometimes I am inspired and immediately reach for my guitar. So far, the reaching has won out over the quitting.

If it comes too easy maybe we won't appreciate it. On TV there was a special about a genius kid (age 12?) going to college. When asked what he wanted to do with his life - his goal was to become a game show host.

You listed good motivations. Others, for me, are satisfaction and stress relief. I can be upset about something and play guitar a while and be well again. When I try something new on guitar and finally learn to do it - it is so satisfying.

Another reason for me (spoiler alert - religious content to follow - bail now if you want to)
For me - playing my guitar is a way to worship. It is my belief that God created music and playing my guitar is a way to thank God for music and to praise God.