By Ben Makes Music

We’ve all been there. You’ve been learning guitar for weeks (or even months), but no matter how much you practice, it feels like you’re not getting anywhere. The frustration builds. Maybe you’ve had enough of sore fingers, tricky chords, or that one song you can’t quite master. You start thinking, “Maybe guitar just isn’t for me.”

Hold up. Before you put down your guitar for good, let’s take a deep breath and look at some things you can do to push past that frustrating wall. Because guess what? Almost every guitarist feels like quitting at some point. It’s normal. The key is knowing how to get through it.

1. Celebrate the Small Wins (Even the Tiny Ones)

When you feel stuck, it’s easy to forget how far you’ve come. You might be focusing on the things you can’t do yet, but what about the progress you’ve made? You learned your first chord, nailed your first song, or figured out how to play a riff you thought was impossible a month ago. That’s progress!

Start a practice journal or make a habit of reflecting on what you’ve accomplished. Even if it’s just a small step forward, celebrate it! Whether it’s playing your first barre chord or strumming along to a simple song, these little wins add up.

2. Take a Break (But Don’t Quit)

Sometimes, the best thing you can do is step away for a bit. Feeling frustrated doesn’t mean you need to quit—it might just mean you need a breather. Taking a few days off gives your brain and fingers a chance to recharge. When you come back, you’ll feel more refreshed and ready to tackle the next challenge.

But here’s the key—don’t take too long of a break. A week off can turn into a month, and before you know it, your guitar is collecting dust. Keep a small connection to the guitar, even if it’s just listening to music or watching a tutorial. You’ll be back at it before you know it.

3. Reevaluate Your Goals and Expectations

Have you set your goals too high? Are you expecting to be playing like a pro in just a few months? It’s easy to get discouraged when your expectations don’t match reality. Guitar is a journey, not a race.

Set realistic goals that reflect where you are in your learning process. Instead of saying, “I want to play like Jimi Hendrix,” try something like, “I want to learn how to play five new chords this month” or “I’ll be able to play this song from start to finish by next week.” These smaller, achievable goals will keep you motivated, and when you hit them, you’ll feel accomplished.

4. Change Up Your Routine

Sometimes, you hit a plateau because your practice has become stale. If you’ve been practicing the same thing over and over, it might be time to shake things up. Try a new song, focus on a new technique (like fingerpicking or scales), or challenge yourself with a different style of music.

Mixing things up will keep your practice exciting and help you see progress in new areas. Plus, it keeps things fresh, so you won’t burn out.

5. Remember: Every Guitarist Has Been There

The feeling of stagnation is a rite of passage for every guitarist. Even the pros hit a wall from time to time. When they do, they push through it with patience and persistence. Remember, it’s not about how quickly you can play—it’s about enjoying the journey and staying consistent. Think of all the famous guitarists you admire. They didn’t get to where they are without facing obstacles. It’s all part of the process!

6. Take Some Time to Watch, Listen, and Get Inspired

When you’re feeling low, it helps to get inspired again. Watch videos of your favourite guitarists playing live, listen to songs that motivate you, or even take a class. Hearing how far guitar playing can go, or watching someone play a difficult piece, can reignite your passion.

Sometimes, all it takes is seeing someone else’s progress to remind you that you’re on the right track. And who knows? You might pick up a new tip or trick that helps you break through your own plateau.

7. Talk to Other Guitarists

If you’re stuck, talk to someone who’s been there. Whether it’s a teacher, a friend, or someone online, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Other guitarists can offer advice, encouragement, or even just share their own struggles. Chances are, they’ve experienced the exact same thing.

Guitar is a community, and it’s okay to lean on others for support. Plus, hearing someone else’s experience can help you realise that everyone goes through tough times. You’re not alone in this!

8. Focus on the Fun, Not Just the Progress

Let’s be real—guitar isn’t just about getting better. It’s also about having fun! Play for the joy of it. Play a song that makes you smile, mess around with new sounds, or try something completely offbeat. Sometimes, focusing too much on progress can make playing feel like a chore.

So, pick up your guitar, forget about the “next milestone,” and just enjoy playing. When you do this, the progress will come naturally.

The Bottom Line

If you’re feeling like quitting because you don’t see progress, remember that it’s part of the process. Take a break, adjust your goals, and most importantly, be kind to yourself. Everyone gets frustrated from time to time, but that doesn’t mean you should give up.

The road to success on the guitar is full of ups and downs, but every down is just a chance to bounce back stronger. Keep going, stay positive, and remember that every guitarist goes through this. The key is to keep playing.

Feeling Like Quitting Guitar? Here’s What You Can Do When Progress Feels Slow