Anyone who starts learning guitar goes through a similar experience: a phase that feels, well, tough.

Your fingers hurt, frustration sets in as your hands struggle to follow your brain’s commands, and you might even question if you'll ever improve.

We’ve got some helpful tips to guide you through this challenging stage and set you on the path to mastering the guitar!

1. Practice Slowly

Don’t rush to play everything at full speed—yet. Start slow, and make sure you’re playing it correctly. Master a riff or strumming pattern at a slower tempo with proper rhythm before speeding up. Beginners often play the easy parts fast and slow down for the tricky parts. Avoid this! Play the entire song slowly and correctly, and as you become comfortable, gradually increase the tempo.

Pro tip: Practice with a metronome. It’s not the most exciting tool, but it’s essential for building solid rhythm—a key foundation in your guitar playing!

2. Practice Every Day

To improve on guitar, you’ve got to put in the work. Think about it—if it were easy, everyone would be playing! The reward of learning guitar is knowing that sticking with it lets you do something most people can’t. It’s a skill that takes dedication, and daily practice is a must. The more consistent you are, the faster you’ll get through that frustrating beginner stage. Stick with it for six weeks of solid practice, and you'll start seeing major progress.

3. Master Your Chords

Really learn your chords—inside and out. Even if you want to focus on lead guitar, understanding chords and harmony is crucial for becoming a well-rounded musician. Skipping over chords will leave gaps in your knowledge and limit your musical potential. Get comfortable with them, and you’ll unlock a new level of playing.

4. Invest in a Good Guitar

You don’t need to spend a fortune on a guitar, but make sure it’s one that stays in tune, sounds good, and feels comfortable to play. A decent instrument can make a world of difference when you’re starting out. We recommend Alvarez acoustic guitars—they offer great quality at an affordable price. Each one is hand-set up before it’s shipped, giving you the feel and sound of a much pricier guitar. If you're in the Birmingham area, come check them out in person at our studio!

5. Find a Great Teacher

Having a skilled teacher can accelerate your progress. A professional instructor can provide tailored guidance, keep you on track, and help you reach your goals faster. While there are plenty of online resources, nothing compares to personalized lessons with someone who understands your needs, gives feedback, and introduces you to new music. If you're ready to take your playing to the next level, let us help you connect with an experienced teacher for one-on-one lessons.

6. Don’t Give Up!

Learning guitar is tough. You’ll get frustrated, and there may be times when you want to quit. Don’t! Every great guitarist, from your teacher to legends like Jimi Hendrix, started somewhere—struggling with chords, sore fingers, and doubts. The difference between you and being a great guitar player is persistence, hard work, and plenty of fun. Once you push through the tough parts, you’ll fall in love with the guitar and never want to put it down.

Guitar Lesson 1 - Absolute Beginner? Start Here! [Free 10 Day Starter Course]

Video by Andy Guitar