How Long Will It Take To Get Good At Guitar

[@sansat251]

Knowledge.its limitless.there is no begining or end to this.if we start earning it .just goes on.the more you get .its good for you.we keep earning it ,all throughout our life.

[@darkomtobia]

I'm at 3 years. I can handle open chords, work up to the 12-15th fret on improving licks. I'm just now starting to really want to start with Barre chords, which I've avoided. I recently discovered how little pressure I need to make open chords ring out. I for SURE know that there is an ocean of unknown skills before me. The biggest thing is the recent purchase of an Alvarez guitar that makes me feel like I HAVE to learn more, because it would be a shame to play something like it poorly. (ADE90CEAR model). Good video, thank you!

[@TomasMichaud]

You're welcome Op. Congratulations on your new guitar.👍

[@bobmansfield1226]

I first started playing Guitar over 60years ago playing in pubs with a fellow guitarist and a drummer.The funny thing is we played mainly rock and roll and Skiffle music using only One String chords.We thought we were the bees knees and people used to applaud us all the time.Eventually I stopped playing Guitar and took up golf. I now, aged 81, decided to go back to learning Guitar again and am at present at the 2 finger chord stage and enjoying this.I can play 3 finger chords but not clean enough yet.Being so old I am more patient and duly understand what you have said about taking things slowly and am surprising myself.Thanks for all your U-Tube videos they are a great help to me and hundreds more I bet.

[@TomasMichaud]

Glad to hear you are back at it! I have some great online courses you could sample. I have a 14-day free trial and a wide variety of classes to dabble in at your pace :) Feel free to check it out here. realguitarsuccess.com

[@TomasMichaud]

Glad to hear you are back at it! I have some great online courses you could sample. I have a 14-day free trial and a wide variety of classes to dabble in at your pace :) Feel free to check it out here. realguitarsuccess.com

[@joshuagodinez5867]

In my 50's and 2.5 years into learning guitar I've started finding ways to enjoy practicing. I still want to be able to do all those aspirational things that started this journey, but I'm no longer anxious about my progress. I chafe at not being as precise as I want to be, but I'm learning how to handle my skill gaps with trying different things or moving to a different subject for awhile. I never thought I would be able to change between two chords and now I can. I could quit guitar and call it a win at this point, but there's still so much I want to accomplish.

[@TomasMichaud]

You're doing it right! Just keep at it little by little, and you will be surprised how quickly you reach your guitar learning goals :)

[@fred4664]

Good advice. This is the first time I have seen an instructor present a timeline applicable to improvement. I can relate to your comments as to different stages of guitar. Learning guitar has become part of my daily routine. Been playing for 14 months.

[@TomasMichaud]

Glad it was helpful Fred! Keep up the good work.

[@Diasporaliving]

I agree. The learning curve is a big Q mark, in a way. As it is true of many other pursuits in life, when it comes to getting good at the guitar, you get out exactly what you put in; no more and, most certainly, no less. Tomas is right when he says that asking yourself how long it will take to get good is the wrong question. Practice should become (be) a way of life. Thank you, Tomas. Cheers, Dave

[@TomasMichaud]

Thanks for commenting, Dr. David Walter Aguado. It's nice to hear from you.

[@bmsmeets]

Tomas, it’s great you put the learning curve in perspective and somewhat of high level timeline what to expect. I think that’s encouraging and helps to stay motivated over time. I am now at 1 1/2 and still progressing. And once in a while you realize that certain things go easy now, which were soo difficult in the beginning. That’s what I call making progress. It just doesn’t happen overnight, it happens gradually. Thanks for all your lessons and advice. Much appreciated.

[@TomasMichaud]

Absolutely Ben! Keep up the good work.

[@Bopsterjazz]

I took 2 different guitar courses, 1 in middle school, and 1 in high school and both taught me largely the same things. I still have the books and I am just getting into picking it up again and I realize I have retained a lot of that beginner information so this video was really good at helping me to gauge where I am on the guitar playing spectrum. I still struggle with barre chords, so my goal right now is to get more comfortable with those!

[@TomasMichaud]

Thanks for sharing!

[@robertcanedo7607]

I started my guitar journey at the ripe age of 72, and now I can definitely see improvement! At first, I pushed myself at practicing two hours each day; NOW I'm more relaxed, and trying to avoid picking up bad habits. All in all; it's a blast!

[@TomasMichaud]

Rock on!

[@donniesavage2051]

It takes awhile trust me just keep practicing and you'll start getting it I'm 55 years old I'm doing okay takes years I don't care it takes years to learn this

[@MarkACroft]

After decades off/on with music, I’ve ended up working on the pieces that make solo live performance enjoyable. So the ‘how long?’ question has shifted. It seems to take me about 3 months from committing to learn / develop a song to have it at reliable performance level. I also worry about maintaining skills and songs, so that’s become a practice area. I now spend as much time on voice as on guitar - there was a lot of improvement there once I decided to focus on it. Lastly, I’ve been on a few music camps and realized it’s on me to work within my capabilities and improve - while trying not to compare to pro’s. Trying to master, say, a Doc Watson tune would be a huge long process and maybe never ‘finish’. Thanks for your videos - they are great!

[@TomasMichaud]

Well said Mark. Thanks for commenting.

[@adithya440]

Sir you are a cool teacher

[@TomasMichaud]

Thanks, Adithya. I appreciate it.

[@mikepeters5966]

Thanks So much Thomas 68 and playing for 3 years just love your videos.Love from South Africa Mike

[@shifteeninjee9641]

I’m just starting but honestly I ask this question to add structure and to set milestones. Yes there are a ton of variables that change the timeframe but I feel less adrift in the process

[@timc7720]

Thanks Tomas, it's great to hear this. I always question how I'm doing since we don't have "One on One" lessons. When I think my learning has stalled, I'll play this again :)

[@TomasMichaud]

Great idea Tim. Nice to hear from you.

[@markantonelli53]

Figuring out how to have fun is a big thing for me. I’ve found that it’s quite difficult to find it fun when you aren’t making any progress. However, whenever I ask this, those whom I’ve asked get mad at me, like I’m stupid because I had to ask how to make it fun, and they feed me some garbage answer instead of actually helping me. Still, I’m considering trying again, even though after 6 years I’m still at the same level of someone who is in their first 3 to 6 months of playing. Maybe this time I’ll find the right approach for me to actually progress, or I’ll find a teacher who will actually help me when I ask

[@TomasMichaud]

Hi Mark, sounds like you just need perhaps better guitar instruction. You can check out my online guitar school. I have a FREE 14-day promotion going on now that you could use to just. sample what I offer and see if it feels like a good fit for you. Best of luck! www.realguitarsuccess.com

[@HansCarlsten]

I firmly believe that one shouldn’t ask questions like that. One should “go with the flow” instead. If you’re interested in something you’ll eventually get good at it.

[@jamestunedflat8942]

I've been trying to play for right around 20 years now. I'm getting better all the time, but there are so many holes and gaps in my knowledge that I'm still amazed when someone who has had lessons for more than a few months can play beautiful music that I just don't know how to play (certainly not well). You are always going to be learning, but sometimes quickly progressing will lead to frustration when you hit a plateau. Just playing for the fun of playing and finding new goals to set us the proper spirit to have. As old as I am, I doubt I'm ever going to be a successful musician, but I'm loving the journey nonetheless.

[@TomasMichaud]

Don't get discouraged! You can devote as little as 15 minutes each day and see remarkable improvements.

[@bravebeats-musicproducer1173]

I guess what he’s trying to say is, you are the answer if you train and the right training you will get good faster. I’ve been playing guitar for around 3 months I’m obsessed, I no where every letter is on the threat board every string. Pentatonic Scales in minor and major and know like e em am a d g chords and can switch good not brilliant but good. And play to backing tracks with the pentatonic scale, so work hard guys you will get there quicker than you think 👍🏻 keep learning one thin till you master it then move on

[@rustyl.6358]

I'm 16 months into guitar. No music background. I'm up there in age.I now have two time consuming hobbies. Golf and guitar. I'm questioning if I can really have two time consuming hobbies as I am married with kids. The time commitment for "getting good" at guitar and music theory is vastly more difficult than I expected. (Like everyone else.) I also have arthritis. Part of me really wants to sell all my guitar gear and walk away. Stick with my other hobby. Though I also don't like to give up. If it were easy everyone would do it. Since I'm dealing with pain, I'm off to find your video about hand positioning you mentioned in another video, though no link was provided. Maybe I'll become a true musician, or maybe I'll say "I tried that once, but walked away."

[@TomasMichaud]

You sound like a wise person Rusty. I find some stretches help with hand pain. Check this out: www.tomasmichaud.com/wrist-thumb-hurt-playing-guitar/ Also good hand position: www.tomasmichaud.com/left-hand-position-guitar/

[@DaRealAP99]

I just started playing electric guitar and I wish I could learn every acdc and zz top zone there is lol but it's going to take hard work and dedication

[@AndrewUnruh]

Thanks for this. Getting a little discouraged reading about how an intermediate guitarist should be able to play the electric version of Layla at full speed flawlessly.

[@UmarKhan-iw8md]

This worked as a motivation ❤

[@TomasMichaud]

I'm so glad Umar!

[@nicolen.9642]

Very helpful video. Reassuring Thanks Tomas 🎶🎶🎶

[@TomasMichaud]

My pleasure Nicole!

[@Sandesh13]

This video deserves more views and like🤗❤

[@TomasMichaud]

Thanks Sandesh.

[@blessingshenjere484]

He speaks well

[@shadowhawk320]

I played when I was younger about 10 years ago, i was never really any good at anything more than campfire chords. coming back and playing every day for 5 months. Now im pretty solid at what you just described would take 2 years.

[@shadowhawk320]

Coming back to this comment now that I have been playing 2 years is strange. I still practice every day, and I have picked up skills I never thought I would be able to do. But at the same time using them musically is difficult. It would seem that getting through the intermediate stage is much slower and requires more dedication than ever.

[@josephrizzo6157]

great communicator Tomas thank you for your input . it clarifies many things that were in my mind

[@TomasMichaud]

You're very welcome Joseph.

[@bowercor]

Thanks Tomas! I will soldier on.

[@TomasMichaud]

There's nothing else to do Bower ;)

[@TM_Ultra97]

Thanks for the motivation!

[@TomasMichaud]

You are so welcome Ty!

[@RUSTY-A-L]

I read somewhere that to master a physical skill it takes 10,000 hours. So if you practiced 40 hours a week for 5 years you should be proficient, like an apprentice learning a Trade.

[@TomasMichaud]

Sticking to any kind of a practice routine is key!

[@robertbrawley5048]

I think the goal of a music should be to teach music and in the rare instance shoot for a solo position . Teaching music is a good income stream . Consistent as a side gig or full time Soloing is for the superstars How many majored in college for a musical instrument and now work in a government topography office . Probably a lot

[@butterflymoon6368]

I started in 1998 and I am still a beginner. I just do not have discipline. Haven't even tried for years.

[@TomasMichaud]

It's never too late, even just 15 min. a day of practice can make a huge difference.

[@goldengloves8284]

Damn😳

[@ernigee]

Tomorrow is my first day for my guitar lesson. I can’t wait but kinda pessimistic because I’m already 31 years old 😅

[@TomasMichaud]

It's never too late to learn!

[@serrato.]

Incredible. I will continue.

[@TomasMichaud]

Go Serrato :)

[@Harsh-yg3cc]

hey , can you give / make a video on briefing what all concepts to learn , in order , Because for us who are in the beginner stage , there is so much information available on the web that you don't know which one to understand first and what is the foundation

[@TomasMichaud]

Thanks for the request. I'll put this on my "videos to make" list.

[@R.L.Humpert]

Hey Tomas I feel like you were spot on as far as I am with rhythm guitar. But now after about 3 years I do feel like I am in a rut. I can’t play solos very well if at all. I also am not great with barre chords and I can’t play finger style. So I need to learn finger style. So I’m not sure what is going on. Any thoughts Tomas?

[@TomasMichaud]

If you want a littler extra help, I have many different courses on my website that vary from working specifically on fingerstyle guitar (fingerstyle adventures), the Beginner's Journey, which just as the name states starts you form the beginning and goes from there, and then I have monthly guitar sessions that give structured lessons to learn songs, while each day learning a new chord, a new scale, etc. There is a lot on my website, and I have a free 14-day trial if you just want to take a peek and see if it's a good fit for you first! www.realguitarsuccess.com

[@R.L.Humpert]

I’m in a rut brother. I have been going hard for 16 months and I just can’t get barre chord transitioning down. I can’t advance to play more songs I like. I love rhythm guitar but like Mr. Jones had an F throughout and I love that song. Country songs have a lot of Bm in them and I’m stuck. What do I Do? Your message here was spot on! I even bought myself a Taylor 324ce and it’s awesome and motivating I just want to get better and sit here with my instructor playing beginner stuff like do re mi fa so latí da!! Help!! :) thanks Ryan

[@R.L.Humpert]

Tomas please reply and let me know your thoughts. I love guitar and my uncles are all musicians. I just feel stuck right now with my lack of barre chord skills. I can’t play riffs and solo stuff I’m mostly just trying to learn rhythm guitar at the moment and I have this nice guitar. I am about to buy a small amp as well the fishman mini loudbox. I just sit down and don’t know what to practice anymore to get better because I feel overwhelmed and I get bored doing slider activities but then my pinky drags. I struggle with my Pinky and I’m 48 and feel like pressure to learn faster since I am not 15 anymore. Thanks

[@MrGmooney]

Good stuff Tomas,are you playing bass guitar now, I see one behind you.

[@TomasMichaud]

I played bass for many years. Now I just pull it out once in a while for songwriting.

[@stevenbrennon9284]

Thomas how long before a player could play in a band?

[@TomasMichaud]

Dependent on mostly your comfort level, the skill level of the band, and what your current skill level is.

[@gr637]

When people ask how long it will take them to become good, I know that they will never become good players. The reason is because only those who can’t wait to practice because they enjoy every single minute with the instrument, will make it. And these people are so busy enjoying themselves that do not even think about asking the question.

[@madwolf8615]

Hey Thomas , how many time a week should I see a guitar teacher if i go a hour each time?

[@TomasMichaud]

I think once a week is good. You'll need time to practice between lessons.

[@madwolf8615]

@@TomasMichaud thanks alot

[@R.L.Humpert]

Hey Tomas I am two years in and playing songs but I’m no where close to using barre chords. I’m really struggling to transition between open and barre. When I go to do the barre my pinky and ring fingers never get to the spot. What do I do? It’s been a year trying to figure it out. Is it not possible because I don’t have huge hands? I’ve tried everything and I’m sad because so many country songs I like use the Bm and F major chords. Help? Thanks man! Any advice would be appreciated.

[@TomasMichaud]

I have a perfect blog article that I did that helps move between open chords and barre chords. Check it out! www.tomasmichaud.com/changing-chords-guitar-barre-open/

[@williammilauskas]

👍

[@chrispalacios_18]

5:23

[@blessingshenjere484]

I been practicing for about a month. Im loving it but new stuff got me wondering if im actually ever gonna make it to a pro fast. Thats what led me to these videos 🫡