I’ve been playing for almost 2 years now, and I’m really stuck. I can play a lot of things pretty well, but since the summer, I feel like I’ve hit a wall. I’m starting to wonder if I’ve already hit my peak and maybe music just isn’t for me.
Every time I release a string to move to another fret, it rings out a pull-off sound. I’ve tried different guitars, and it still happens. Any ideas on how to stop this? Is it just an issue with my technique?
I’ve been stuck on this solo for 6 months, and no matter how many times I try, I mess up the same part. I’ve played it slowly, tried it with the song, but nothing works. Should I have already gotten it right by now?
I can’t play very fast. I can trem pick but not well enough to keep up with a metronome. I’ve memorized one scale shape, and honestly, I feel like I’ve gotten slower.
I’m feeling really down because this is the only thing I do at home. I’ve already asked for expensive gear for Christmas, but now I’m thinking of quitting. Will I get better? What should I focus on next? Sorry for the long post, I’m just really struggling.
Don’t give up! Keep at it! You just need to work on your fretting technique when changing frets. Maybe watch some videos to see if you can fix it or get some advice from a more experienced player.
Have you tried lessons? You might really benefit from working with a teacher. I was stuck in a slump for a while, but once I signed up for one-on-one lessons, I actually started looking forward to practice again!
If you want to work on soloing, try practicing scales over backing tracks instead. I’ve been playing for years, but I’ve never bothered learning full solos. I find it boring. Just have fun with it, stop stressing about mistakes!
Two years is nothing in the grand scheme of things. I’d say it takes about 5-7 years of consistent practice to really get comfortable. Also, remember to mute the strings with your picking hand to stop those pull-off sounds. By the way, what gear are you getting?
The pull-off issue could be due to playing too hard or using too many unnecessary hand movements. Try to slow down and focus on playing with a lighter touch. If you’re using a lot of gain, try lowering it. And make sure your guitar is set up properly. A good setup can make a huge difference.
As for the solo, are you learning other solos as well? It helps to learn a variety of solos to improve your overall skills, not just focus on one. It can get you out of that slump.
And if you’re feeling down about quitting, remember that it’s okay. Not everyone is meant to stick with the same thing forever. Guitar might not be your thing, and that’s totally fine.
Guitar naturally rings, so you’ll need to learn how to mute the strings. As for the solo, learning something for 6 months without progress can feel frustrating. I suggest working on shorter sections, making sure each part is perfect before moving on.
Focus on rhythm first. Sync your limbs to the metronome before trying to play faster. And remember to relax; tension can really slow you down.
If you want to get better, try to figure out what specific skills you need and work on those. Some people go the route of getting a teacher, while others learn by copying teachers’ techniques themselves.
It sounds like guitar might just be your thing. If not, that’s totally fine too. I used to play trumpet in school, but I struggled with it. Once I picked up the guitar, I learned so much faster. It’s all about what you connect with. If guitar is still your passion, keep at it! If not, don’t be afraid to explore other instruments.
It sounds like you’re going through a tough patch, but every player hits plateaus. Even after 18 years of playing, I’ve had times where I didn’t want to pick up the guitar, but I always come back because I love it.
My advice is to take a break from that solo for now. Focus on other things and come back later with fresh eyes. If you haven’t had lessons yet, maybe ask for that instead of gear. It could help you build a solid foundation.
If you’re not enjoying it anymore, there’s no shame in taking a break. Guitar is a passion, not a competition. It’s not about learning that solo—it’s about the joy of playing. I’ve been playing for over 25 years, and if I ever stop loving it, I’ll put it down.
I really hope you’re not the same person who posted a video of this issue elsewhere and was told to quit. Guitar will get better for you! It’s okay if progress feels slow; a lot of long-time players have been there too. It’ll pay off if you stick with it!
The scale thing is all about personal preference. You can keep practicing scales, or learn major and minor scales since they’re connected. Practice them with a metronome to build your speed. Just be consistent with your practice.
If you’re playing just for fun, don’t compare yourself to anyone else. In 40 years, you’ll look back on this and laugh about how you felt in your second year of playing!
I’ve been playing flamenco guitar for 20 years, and some songs still take me years to master. But I keep at it because I love it. Don’t give up—it’s the small progress that counts!
You might need to learn how to mute both your left and right hands when playing. It takes about three years to get to an intermediate level if you’re practicing actively, not just playing mindlessly.
If you feel like your knowledge is lacking, get some lessons. You should learn all five major and minor scale shapes if you’re into melodic playing. And focus on rhythm. Understanding the songs you learn is key to improving.