Updated 2024
Estimate time to read: 4 minutes

Learning to play the guitar, or learning anything for that matter, isn't just about understanding how it works (like music theory) or mastering complex techniques. It's about immersing yourself and being present and focused on what's in front of you. This concept extends beyond the fretboard and into every aspect of life. Here’s how focusing on the moment can transform both your guitar journey and your everyday experiences.

Sections:

• Immersion Works for Guitar Too

• Distraction is the Real Enemy of Progress

• The Value of Patience and Persistence

• Applying These Lessons to Life

• Wrapping it up

Immersion Works for Guitar Too

When I started learning guitar, I was excited to become a rock star as soon as possible. I watched every music video I could find, hoping that I could learn through just watching live performances. I bought a lot of entry level guitar books, hoping they would hold the "secret" to becoming a good guitarist.

I soon realized that there wasn't an easy answer, I had to actually put in the time playing guitar to get better at guitar (aka. immersion).

I spent hours playing one song, really getting into its nuances rather than jumping from one song to the next.

I would play my Reliant K CD (yes, a CD) on repeat for hours at a time while I sat with the chord print-outs and tried my best to play along. I could have given up after a few takes, but I didn’t. I stuck with it, spending hours and hours playing along.

Week after week went by, turning into months. But I was determined to be a guitarist.

I kept at it, improving the timings of chord changes, repeating specific parts of songs to make sure I actually was playing the right strum patterns.

Once I decided to immerse myself completely in the songs, practicing daily and truly listening to each guitar part in the tracks, I started to see improvement.

Immersion allowed me to understand the flow and rhythm of the song, which in turn enhanced my overall guitar skills.

Distraction is the Real Enemy of Progress

Distraction is a silent killer of progress, whether you're trying to master guitar or achieve personal goals. Early on I didn’t have a cell phone, so the biggest distractions for me was dinner time. I would be in the zone, mentally focused on getting a part just right, that I wouldn’t want to stop my practice time without finally getting it right.

Fast forward years later. Everyone has a cell phone, complete with emails and notifications that are seemingly important.

I was on a youth worship team and was having a hard time actually focusing long enough to learn the songs. My focus was constantly shifting and as a result, my improvement was slow.

At the direction of my worship leader, I made a conscious effort to make time (distraction-free) for learning and playing guitar at home.

This allowed me to concentrate fully on my practice and really engage with the music.

I started to practice with intention, focusing on specific techniques or sections of a song (just like I did when I first started), rather than just strumming away mindlessly.

The Value of Patience and Persistence

Patience and persistence are crucial in any learning process, and learning guitar is no different.

I vividly recall the frustration of trying to perfect my barre chords. My thumb would cramp up, and my progress seemed minuscule. It felt like I would never figure it out.

But sticking with it eventually paid off. I kept playing along to those Reliant K songs, even when it was difficult, and even when I didn’t sound that good.

I want to emphasize this last part, I kept playing even when I didn’t sound good. It’s easy to give up after a few failed attempts, but like all good things in life, learning to play guitar takes a bit more effort than posting a quick pic on Insta.

Over time, the barre chords that once seemed impossible became second nature.

This multi-month-long experience taught me that mastery is a gradual process and that consistent effort, despite the challenges, is what leads to improvement.

Applying These Lessons to Life

The lessons I learned from focusing on the moment in guitar practice extend beyond the instrument. Immersion, eliminating distractions, and embracing patience and persistence are principles that can be applied to all areas of life.

Whether you’re working on a project, pursuing a new skill, or navigating personal relationships, staying present and fully engaged is the key to making meaningful progress.

For example, when working on a project at work, immersing yourself in the task at hand without letting distractions take over can lead to higher quality results and a sense of accomplishment. It also leads to mastery of the topic.

Similarly, practicing patience and persistence when facing challenges can help you overcome obstacles and achieve your goals.

Wrapping it up

In summary, mastering the guitar—or any skill—requires more than just technical know-how. It demands immersion, focus, and the resilience to push through difficulties. By applying these principles, you not only become a better guitarist but also enhance your ability to succeed in various aspects of your life.

So, embrace the moment, get rid of distractions as best as possible, and persist with patience. Your journey to mastery, both on the guitar and in life, will be all the more rewarding.