Feeling unmotivated to play the guitar lately? Is it the cold, the heat or perhaps your guitar gear? It can be anything, however lack of motivation is something you don’t want to face, especially if you are just on the beginner stage. BUT, motivation as you might know is like a cycle, it is like life in general, with ups and downs and the only thing you can do is to enjoy the ride and go with the flow.

Lack of motivation is something you will face at every step in your musical career. Do professional-famous musicians feel it too? Of course. Even the most dedicated, full time musos feel this way from time to time. Why does it happen? mmm… I am not a psychologist or anything like that but everything is in your mind and your feelings. Perhaps there is something else happening in your life that is affecting your motivation for playing the guitar. So how can you get motivated again? How can you fall in love with your guitar and your playing again?

Guitar lovers, 3 simple steps to revive the flame between you and your guitar playing:

1. Remember

Why did you start playing the guitar? Have you asked yourself lately? Do you know the reasons why you started learning/playing the guitar? This is the key to everything! Learning an instrument requires a huge investment of your time and effort so the reasons why you are playing the guitar have to be strong enough to keep you on the right track.

I know you have your own reasons, but let’s make a little chart with the right and not so right reasons that can get you into the guitar world.

I started learning to play the guitar because of these right reasons:

I love how a guitarist looks on stage and I knew since I was a kid that I wanted to rock like one of them.
I always had the dream of playing the guitar but wasn’t possible until now
It gives me chills everytime I listen to a guitar solo
I can feel the guitar solos
I love how a well played guitar sounds and I want to play like that
I love music and I would love to learn to play an instrument
I wanna be a rockstar because I love music

I started learning to play the guitar because of these not-so-right reasons:

My parents pushed me to learn to play the guitar but I don’t like it
I am learning to play the guitar so I can get to know some girls
I wanna be a rockstar cause I wanna be rich
I want fame no matter what costs…
I would love to be on TV
etc, etc, etc

So, what is the reason you started to play guitar? And of course, why do you practice guitar everyday? To achieve your goals! You have to keep in mind that practice is a must, so always think about why you started to follow your dream… write it down somewhere to keep it in your mind, never forget the reasons why you fell in love with this beautiful instrument and why you still are.

2. Inspiration

Tired of the same old guitar licks? Your source of inspiration is running out of stock? Get inspired with something new. Remember, inspiration can come from any source, not only music or guitarists. It can be out there, just around the block… it can be anything you feel a connection with. Going to an open area, like a river or a park, sit down, relax, enjoy the view, the sounds, the kids running, birds flying, anything.

If you ask me, and I think I have mentioned it before, my main source of inspiration is music, not rock, not pop or blues or jazz, music in general! All sorts of music. Another source of inspiration I have found lately is city noises, cars, cellphone ringtones, closing doors and of course, people talking. Try to find a new source of inspiration, something that whenever you feel it, hear it, see it or touch it, it makes you want to go to grab your guitar and play something.

3. Routine

Is your practice routine it boring? Are you tired of it? Is it the most efficient practice routine for your learning? This is a very common mistake. Are we trying to learn too many things too fast? Think about it. If you don’t have any idea about your practice routine check our the following blog posts, Zen guitar practice and organizing your practice routine.

If you are feeling unmotivated, send us an email, tell us about you and your practice routine… we might have the right answer for you or some sort of inspiration that might work for you to get back on the ride to reach your dreams!

I hope this helps and I really hope you are motivated to keep going with your guitar playing! If not, think about these 3 easy steps and put them into practice.

Learn more about Luis Tovar on his Google profile.