Why am I sucking at guitar?

Question

I've been playing about 5 months now. My style is mainly metal. I play hours on end every single day. (up to 8-9 hours daily). I'm quite sick of it now however....

Some of my friends think I'm insane for playing this long. I have really dedicated my heart and soul to becoming a better guitar player, but to be honest, I'm not improving!

Is there anything that can help? DO NOT say practice, because believe me, that's ALL I'VE DONE this summer. I barely ever go outside! I confine myself to my room for weeks on end, my mom is even seriously worried about me!

Is there anything I can do? I would do anything in the world to get better! I can't even do the pentatonic acale without making a mistake!

Thank you, but Ultimate guitar IS my homepage and I've read every lesson on it.

I would sell my left kidney to get better

Answer 1

Dude, I'm in the same position as you.... I would like to know myself...

Answer 2

well...
It's good that you are dedicated. To guitar, and such a bad *** genre of music!! But, what about guitar lessons? do you know somebody that could help you like a family member or a friend? if not, what about a music store that offers lessons. (check out prices, first) It's ok that you make mistakes! seriously. from what it sounds like, 5 months, 8-9 hours daily seems quite a lot... if you get frustrated, just stop for a while, take a break, and try again. I know you said "Do not say practice" but, other than lessons... I can't really think of anything else to do but practice, learn from your mistakes, and chill if you get mad. I hope this helps. Good Luck!

Answer 3

Agree with Michael H. I'm 45 and been playing music most of my life. And music IS a major part of my life. BUT. Its NOT my life. You have to get out and do other stuff. Get inspired by taking a walk, a hike, a trip to an art museum, whatever! Read a book (not about guitar).

And here's TRULY the deal: BE YOURSELF. Sounds to me like you are trying to be something that you are not. Just learn the guitar. Learn about various styles. Try a bit of everything, and work THAT into YOUR thing.

Guitar Techniques is a GREAT magazine that comes with a CD/DVD every month, full of TAB and stuff for almost EVERY guitar style imaginable! Its a GREAT "lesson" every month.

But again, get out, take a deep breath, exercise, live life, and play from a heart of CONTENTMENT.

Answer 4

It may sound odd but maybe you should cut back a bit, you could be overworking yourself and it sounds like your burning out before you ever get started. It takes PATIENCE and when you are learning something new, learn it slow and pick up the pace as you improve. Regardless of what scale or song you may be trying to learn, take your time and learn it correctly then play faster. If you practice it wrong, you learn it wrong! I play heavy metal/hard rock and that is basically how I've learned to play, all though I learn much faster and easier now.
Sometimes I have to put it down and come back to it later, but it works. Practice is the the key to learning so you may need to concentrate more on how you practice as apposed to how much you practice. Good Luck and hang in there

Answer 5

You are so into this thing that you don't see or think of anything
but guitar right? You need to back off. Give it a break for a few weeks or longer if it takes that. Have you ever heard the saying , You are so close to the problem that you don't even see it? You have just about burned yourself out. I don't know if this started out for a thing of enjoyment or what, but apparently
you are not enjoying it at this time. Take a break, come back
and try again. If you still can't get it, then try something else.

Answer 6

Dude 5 months...
I've been playing for 10 yrs now...
I remember when I started my college roommates would all leave the room b/c I sucked so bad. It took me at least 6 months to play any semblence of a song w/ halfway decent rhythm, and a lot longer than that to play scale/leadwork w/ any type of finesse.

It takes time. Give yourself a break and play 2 hours or so a day. Get some squeeze balls and strengthen your hands/finger/wrists and stretch them every day, this will help all aspects of your playing. Take one thing at a time and don't give up. Guitar takes some time to develop your finger coordination, picking skills, rhythm and timing.

Answer 7

I have been playing an electric guitar for...a year...I still suck at it. Try to relax, don't be so frustrated all the time, because you won't get anywhere with that. My first song on the guitar I played "Twinkle Twinkle litte star" and my first time I did it, I didn't make a tune, so I listened to the piano version and copied the notes. I did and played it again for a REALLY long time,until...maybe...5 months later I started to get the hang of it. I'm sure you will too.

Answer 8

ok brother. the words I am going to use are "are you insane?" 8 to 9 hours a day??? (that's 1200 hours of playing)

Here's my suggestion.

1. Take a break from it. 8 to 9 hours a day times how many days would just break me in 2. Give it a tad of a rest

When you come back

1. Get a good method book. There are lots of them out there and

2. Just practice for an hour. 2 at the most.

What you are REALLY suffering from is burn out. you need to step back and enjoy life.

Answer 9

can you take lessons so youre just perfecting one thing at a time instead of trying to cram everything all at once? obviously you love the guitar you might as well start playing it in a way that you enjoy. dont quit, and i bet youre better than you think.

i taught myself a lot from a book but when i took lessons the instructor showed me this really easy way to play a certain chord and it made all the difference in the world. theres nothing like experience i tell ya.

Answer 10

ya ive been playing guitar for a couple of years now, and when i first started playing guitar hero, it was pathetic. but now ive been a bit more at a friends house and im much better, there still isnt that satisfaction of being able to play a good song on a real guitar

Answer 11

you need more productive practicing. Productive as in solid 1 hour practices of good old theory. Focus on picking technique. You probably aren't getting better because you jumped into playing too fast and didn't get the foundation. Website below will help with every question. No joke.