When You Feel Stuck: Finding Inspiration from Your Favourite Guitarist

Starting out on the guitar can be one of the most exciting yet frustrating experiences. You pick up your instrument, play a few chords, and you think, “This is it! I’m going to be a rockstar!” But then, the reality hits. Your fingers don’t move like the pros, your scales sound messy, and your progress feels like it’s moving in slow motion. I’ve been there too—feeling like I’m stuck in a loop, practicing every day and yet not seeing the results I want. But then, I thought about why I picked up the guitar in the first place. Who inspired me? Who made me believe that I could do it too? And that’s when it all clicked.

Who’s Your Guitar Hero?

For me, it was Jimi Hendrix. The moment I heard his raw, emotional playing, I knew the guitar was something I had to learn. But it wasn’t just his skill—it was the feeling he put into his music. Every note, every bend, every chord was an expression of who he was. Hendrix made it look effortless. I wanted to have that freedom too. I thought to myself, If Jimi can make it sound so easy, maybe I can get there too… eventually.

But let’s face it: when you’re a beginner, it’s easy to feel disheartened. You can’t make your guitar sing like Jimi (or any of your idols) overnight. It’s not just about technical ability; it’s about finding your voice—and that takes time. Still, remembering the inspiration behind picking up the guitar can reignite your passion when you feel stuck.

Finding Motivation Through Your Favourite Guitarist

When progress feels slow, remember the reason you started in the first place. For me, it was Jimi’s bluesy riffs and fiery solos. Every time I struggled to get my fingers around a chord, I imagined how he might have felt when he was learning. He wasn’t born playing guitar like a pro—it took time, practice, and the same determination I needed. That thought alone kept me going when I felt like throwing in the towel.

Let’s talk about you now. Who is your favourite guitarist? Maybe it’s Eric Clapton with his smooth blues lines or Eddie Van Halen with his lightning-fast tapping. Whoever it is, that guitarist was once where you are now. They probably stumbled through those first few lessons, too. Think about their journey. It wasn’t instant success—it was years of practice and perseverance.

How to Stay Inspired When You Feel Stuck

1. Remember Why You Started

When you’re struggling with progress, take a moment to think about why you began playing guitar in the first place. Whether it’s the sound, the freedom, or the dream of jamming with friends, reconnecting with your reasons will keep the fire alive.

2. Focus on Small Wins

When you can’t play like your guitar hero just yet, focus on small victories. Maybe you learned a new chord today. Maybe you nailed that one tricky scale. Celebrate those little steps—they add up to big progress over time.

3. Listen to Your Hero’s Music

Sometimes, it’s as simple as listening to your favourite guitarist’s music. Let their sound inspire you. Study their techniques, but also feel the emotion they put into their playing. That can reignite your desire to pick up the guitar again.

4. Practice, Practice, Practice

There’s no way around it—if you want to get better, you need to practice. It might feel tedious at times, but think of each session as a step closer to being able to play like your hero. Even when progress feels slow, each note you play is getting you closer to where you want to be.

It’s Okay to Feel Like You’re Not Progressing

We all hit roadblocks in our guitar journey. Sometimes it feels like the path is a bit too steep, or the destination is just too far. But trust me—this feeling of stagnation is temporary. Every guitarist, from Hendrix to Clapton, has gone through periods of doubt and frustration. It’s part of the process. They’ve all had moments when they thought, Am I ever going to get this? And yet, they kept going, and so can you.

The key is to keep playing. Even when you’re feeling down, when you think you’re not progressing, pick up that guitar. Play a few chords, strum your favourite song, or just play for the sake of playing. Little by little, it will click, and before you know it, you’ll look back and realise how far you’ve come.

Conclusion

Starting out on the guitar is tough. Progress can be slow, and at times, it might feel like you’re not moving forward at all. But remember, your favourite guitarist didn’t start out perfect either. They had their struggles, their breakthroughs, and their moments of doubt. The most important thing is to keep going. Find your inspiration, practice with purpose, and soon enough, you’ll be playing like you’ve always dreamed.

And one day, when you’ve mastered that solo or conquered that tricky riff, you’ll look back and realise that you did make progress—just like your guitar heroes.

FAQs About Guitar Lessons with Ben Makes Music

What is Ben Makes Music?
Ben Makes Music provides guitar lessons for all levels across Essex, including Rayleigh, Hockley, Hullbridge, and surrounding areas.

What types of guitar lessons are available?
Lessons cover a range of styles, including rock, blues, classical, and more. Whether you’re a beginner or advanced player, there’s a lesson for you!

How do I book a lesson?
Booking a lesson is simple! Contact us online or by phone to arrange your guitar lessons in Essex, including Rayleigh, Hockley, Hullbridge, and beyond.

Are online lessons available?
Yes! High-quality online guitar lessons are available for students in Essex and beyond.

Are the lessons suitable for beginners?
Absolutely! Whether you're in Hockley, Leigh-on-Sea, or elsewhere, step-by-step guidance is provided to help you get started on your guitar journey.

Where can I take lessons?
Guitar lessons are available in the following locations across Essex:

Guitar Lessons in Rayleigh

Guitar Lessons in Hockley

Guitar Lessons in Hullbridge

Guitar Lessons in Wickford

Guitar Lessons in South Woodham Ferrers

Guitar Lessons in Leigh-on-Sea

Guitar Lessons in Eastwood

Guitar Lessons in Benfleet

Guitar Lessons in Basildon

Guitar Lessons in Thundersley

Guitar Lessons in Rochford

Why choose Ben Makes Music?
Each lesson is personalised to meet your goals, ensuring fast progress and a fun, engaging learning experience.

Are guitar lessons worth it?
Definitely! Personalised feedback helps you progress faster than relying on free resources.

Can I try a lesson first?
Yes! Book a trial lesson to see if the approach works for you before committing.

Let’s get started on your guitar journey!