Guitar Article Written by “Friend Of Mike Walsh” 

 Natural Talent

By Brian Fish

To many people think that you must be born with the ability to play guitar or that you either have natural talent or you do not.  Many others believe that you must start playing at a young age to become good. Worst of all, at some point in their life some people have been told by others that they really do not have any talent and should pursue something else entirely. None of these statements are true. Anyone can learn to play the guitar. We are all born with very few, if any “natural talents”. The perceived lack of talent is usually a symptom of a lack of proper practice or just a case of someone giving up too soon. The key to unlocking your talent is to find something you really want to do. Once you make up your mind that you are going to do it no matter what, find a knowledgeable teacher to show you the quickest path and the best ways to practice. Not only can you learn to play, with the right amount of motivation and desire it will not take you a lifetime to achieve your goals.

Motivation

Why do you want to learn how to play the guitar? Make sure that playing the guitar is something YOU really want to do and that you are not following someone else’s dream. It is you who is going to have to put in the time, effort, and practice. Do you want to play because you are obsessed with the idea of playing the guitar and think about it all the time? Do you have music inside of you that is just waiting to come out once you know how to play? Do you have the desire and passion to play and you are willing to do it until you get good or even great? If you are being motivated by any of these reasons and have the right mindset you will be successful.  

Growth Mindset

Know that what ever you want to achieve is possible if you are willing to put in the time and effort. You must be disciplined and practice every day. Ignore those around you that have a negative mindset. and If someone tells you that you are crazy and it cannot be done, learn to block out their negative influence. Know challenges and frustration will get in your way but that you will persevere and overcome them. You need to have a passion for learning new skills even if it is not going well or easy at first.  Always remind yourself that you can be good at anything if you choose to belief it! Be ok with the fact that even consistent slow progress is better than not trying at all. The view you adopt of yourself determines your success in learning a new skill as much as the work you will put into accomplishing your goal. A growth mindset is a passion for learning and the ability to discount what anyone else thinks you can or cannot accomplish.

Commitment

Commit to learning the right way. There is a big difference between just playing your guitar and good methodical, effortful practice. Seek out the best teacher, coach, or trainer you can find. A good instructor will give you immediate feedback and correction and help you stay on the quickest path to success. They will help you learn how to refine your practice habits and teach you how to analyze and solve problems. People who are learning a new skill on their own do not know enough to determine if what they are doing is right or wrong.  A good instructor will be able to help you identify and eliminate the weaknesses in your playing. It is alright if your progress sometimes seems slow and unremarkable because if you stick with the it the “I Got it” moment is usually right around the corner.

Natural talent is a myth. Your ability to learn to play the guitar is really is up to you. How much you want it? Do you view learning something new as an exciting new challenge? Are you willing to seek out the best help available?

About the author: Brian Fish is a professional guitarist living in North East Ohio and is guitar instructor, trainer, and coach at Guitar Lessons Geauga.