Dissolve Creative Blocks for Guitarists
If you're a guitar player who feels like you're stuck in a rut, don't worry—you're not alone. Many guitarists go through periods where they feel like they're not making any progress.
The good news is that there are things you can do to get out of your funk and start making progress again. Before trying anything else, one of the best things you can do is to focus on your practice routine:
- Are you spending enough time practicing?
- Are you working on a variety of different skills?
- Are you taking risks with your playing?
If the answers to those three questions are all yes, then it's time to take a step back in order to start moving forward again.
Take a Break
Sometimes what you're playing just gets a little stale. Maybe you've been practicing the same old songs for too long, or perhaps you're just not feeling inspired.
Whatever the case may be, sometimes the best thing you can do is to take a break. Put down the guitar for a day or two, and just let yourself relax. Don't worry about practicing or getting better—just enjoy some time off.
After a few days, you'll probably find that you're itching to pick up the guitar again. And when you do, you'll likely find that your playing is refreshed and invigorated, or at least it will feel that way.
Listen to New and More Productive Music
By exposing yourself to different genres, you can broaden your guitar playing horizons. For example, classical music can teach you how to play with more precision, while chill waves can help you to relax and improvise.
In addition, listening to positive mood genres may help to keep you motivated and inspired, which may make you feel more creative. Studies have shown that this type of music can boost divergent thinking.
You might be surprised at the results, especially since you're trying to diverge from your current guitar playing.
Find a New Guitar Teacher
Another great solution is to find a guitar teacher who specializes in a different style than what you're used to playing. This can help you to learn new techniques and broaden your musical horizons.
For example, if you're a rock guitarist who's been stuck in a rut, taking lessons from a jazz guitar teacher can introduce you to new chord progressions and improvisation techniques.
Or, if you're a classical guitar player who's looking to add more excitement to your playing, Take lessons from a flamenco guitar teacher to add some spice to your music while still keeping you on nylon strings.
To learn more about guitar lessons and other tips for getting through a creative block, contact a music teacher in your area.
