This is for anyone that can really break out on a guitar

[ox82606]

Andy, anyone else able to help me out with this,

I've been playing for 3 years consistantly, practicing every day for 3 hours and maybe another 2 if i have nothing else to do with my night. I have taken lessons at 2 different places, the first place lasted about 4 months and the second place i went to for maybe 7 months or so.
I have jammed with buddies of mine who can really play very well and are in bands and know what theyre doing.
Me on the otherhand, i see NO progress anymore.
I can play, i can make it sound like something, but i cant make it sound Good.
I can hit the strings without hitting 2 at a time, i can palm mute, i can move up and down the neck....none of that is a problem.
Im not even sure where to start with this, i spend time learning a song but no matter how many times i play it i cant make it sound like the actual song.
Theres always something or numerous things wrong with everything i play, and i want to be able to actually play the guitar, not play a few songs from bands and know nothing else, i want to really be able to play and make my own stuff up.
I have long skinny fingers, i know its possible, i just dont know where to start or how to learn well, any help with this would be appreciated....its very frustrating, i know things take time but 3 years and no progress is a bit drawn out

[Jared]

I know this feeling. I was even there, myself. Here's what I would suggest, take it or leave it, up to you:

Pick a completely new song, one that you've never tried before, but one where you have access to the tab, or a dvd or both. Then record yourself on that first day, preferably on camera, and put it aside. Practice this one song, and only that song for a couple of days, a week. Start slow, and practice it in parts. Next, take a couple of days off from playing, like 2-3. Then practice the same song, again for a couple of days. Now, go ahead and find the areas where you are having difficulty (getting the bridge right, or that last part of the solo, or whatever) and only concentrate on these parts. Practice them for a couple of days, only those parts. Then, take another day or two off and practice those parts again. Now, go back and work on the whole song, incorporating those parts into the rest of the song. Every time you sit down, try to play the whole song, and play along with the recording as much as possible. Lastly, when you think you're not getting anywhere, go back and watch the vid. You'll see the progress.

Guitar playing has a steep learning curve, where you realize your progress for the first year or two, then don't see it too much. But what will happen is that in another year or two, you will have a breakthrough and realize your playing has gotten way way better. Tape yourself now, put it away for a year and watch what you can do in a year, you'll astound yourself. It's happened to most of us. Just keep playing. Play with others as much as possible, and play along with the songs as much as possible. You'll get better, whether you realize it or not. Good luck!

[cgrane89]

Thats great advice man, i've gone through the same stuff, the first 3 years of my playing i was really aware of my progress then i hit a plateu for a while so i took lessons for a couple months improved a bit and then the last couple years i didnt really notice that much improvement, its all about sticking with it. you have to have that attitude like "i am going to improve" just work on it im sure youll do fine

[xxxRip DEATHxxx]

Just hang tough. Guitar isn't easy. But, time and practice will pay off. You don't have to learn entire songs, but practice parts you really find interesting until you can pull it off like they did.

I have a practice spreadsheet outlined for 12 months and each day of the year for you to practice with some structure. I have this out on this board a couple of years ago and a lot of guys liked it. Basically, I outlined many of the main exercises guys like patrucci, etc, have on their DVD's and put it in an order.

PM me with your email address if you want it.

[acguitar84]

was there any reason you stopped lessons? did you like your instructors? A good instructor can help you break through barriers and help you progress faster.

[theearthblues]

Sounds like too much work and not enough fun to me. Try "practicing" less..and just having more fun. I get the impression you are so frustrated with it, it's becoming far too technical where you have to think about it when you play. Just have fun man.

[1990xyphos]

Just hang tough. Guitar isn't easy. But, time and practice will pay off. You don't have to learn entire songs, but practice parts you really find interesting until you can pull it off like they did.

I have a practice spreadsheet outlined for 12 months and each day of the year for you to practice with some structure. I have this out on this board a couple of years ago and a lot of guys liked it. Basically, I outlined many of the main exercises guys like patrucci, etc, have on their DVD's and put it in an order.

PM me with your email address if you want it.

Dude, I've thought about constructing my own practice sheet based on lessons from the pros,
but still could you send it to me? thanks :
diegocacique14@hotmail.com