how many other "guitarists"- I do use that term in inverted commas- are intimidated by the ability of others- to the point of embarrasment at the fumbling efforts of themselves (reqd "me") made to produce anything other than rudimentary chords and very slow note picking.I practice everyday- usually 1 hour , but often less due to frustration and have done for 2+ years and cannot get my left hand to liase with my right hand.
I have 2 loverly US guitars- LP standard and a strat 2009 standard with a Laney tube amp ,so, quality hardware is not the problem.
Are some people just born guitarists? I want to get a lot better but scales,following other suggestions from teachers just dosn't translate to better playing.
Iwatch drug/drunk people make their guitars "talk" and miy sober playing is nothing short of pathetic

I was not a natural guitarist. It did not come easy to me. When I was coming up I would frequently get frustrated by guys who had been playing 6 months and could do stuff I could not after years of working on it. Some times I still feel that way depending on the company I'm keeping. Some people are naturals and some are not. I've been playing guitar for 40 years and one thing I know for sure, if you want to improve there's really no substitute for practice. Time spent on the machine. Time spent. That's key.

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Just think of how awesome a guitar player you could have been by now if you had only spent the last 10 years practicing instead of obsessing over pickups and roasted maple necks.

when warming up: exercise your left hand, exercise your right hand, then use both together...SLOWLY. Speed and synchronicity are gradual, especially on a strat. If you just want to get away with a lot of left-hand trickery and tapping, buy an SG and crank the gain.

Francispj, all I can say is I'm right there with ya my friend. I've been playing for 3 1/2 years and I still can't believe how poorly I play. Honestly I spend less than 3-4 hours/week playing now, which is probably why I'm not really getting any better, whereas in my first 2 years I would play 2-3 hours most every day.

I have a lovely Taylor 310 solidbody acoustic, a superb '08 American Standard Strat, a very nice Vox amp and an entire room in my home devoted to my musical pursuits. So I have no excuses really. I also have a book shelf's worth of study aids and I took lessons for a year. Argh!

But, I've learned many things from a lot of smart musicians, both on this forum and others, and everyone seems to say the same thing: you get out of it what you put into it. If you play a few hours per week you likely aren't improving much. Also, playing guitar is a lifelong journey, not necessarily an end in and of itself. (If that makes any sense).

Keep practicing with a metronome and keep trying to learn new songs that interest you. I for one could not maintain any interest if all I did was practice chord changes and strumming patterns. Therefore make your daily practice routine varied so you don't get bored. I'll bet that if you do that you'll find that you've increased your abilities in a measurable way in a matter of months. Then think what you can accomplish by practicing consistently for a decade or more.

Keep up the fight my friend.

im a self taught "guitarist".
1-2 yrs, could do basic chords, basic songs.
1st song learnt and learned it well was metallica "nothing else matters"
then hotel california, between 2-3 yrs.
3-4 yrs i was in a slump. bored of my acoustic. started to learn scales.
it was a tideous task. found no use at 1st for the maj,min scales.
then i learned e minor pentatonic.
3/12 i bought my hwy 1 strat and GDEC.
honestly best purchase i could have ever bought.
the back trackings to the day are sharpening my solos, phrasing and progressions.

so dont get frustrated. before you know it youll be playing along to 1 song, then another.

take time to learn your scales and check out you tube for mini lessons.
all it took was a 6 min on how to apply blues scales to blues for a
to turn on. justin sandercoe, i give credit to the guy.
before him i was always asking musicians, how do i apply scales.
their answer circle of fifths.

Yes some people are born with more talent than others that is just a fact. But that is what I call the 1% bracket that is reserved for the best players in the world. Outside of that you have the ability to play as good as just about most people you see.

You practice 1 hour a day or a bit more. The bottom line is what are you practicing. When it comes to practice you should very slowly play mainly the things that are giving you the most trouble not things you can play with no problem.

If you cant play it slow you will never play it fast. You say you have some problems with scales and playing slow. First let me say one hour is not going to cut it. Try and make time for two one hour sessions. Focus one on scales and lead and the other on songs and rhythm.

Also try and find someone to play with especially if they are more advanced than you. The bottom line is takes a lot of hard work and dedication, the more the guitar is in your hands the better you will be. I dont know your age and situation but find the time and dont ever give up as every player here no matter how good will all say they hit a wall at one tome or another. There are tons of good DVDs ,Books web sites or teachers to help. I never had lessons or really had anyone teach me a thing the first few years of playing. But I wanted to play so bad that I got where I had to go and so can you.

You just need to play! It will come to you. Play, enjoy, learn and the most important...make it fun!

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"If you're on a path that's beaten, it's not your path." Joseph Campbell

"Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me."

"All that is impossible remains to be achieved."
Jules Verne

www.stratcollector.com

Don't feel bad about that.

I know exactly what u mean.
The fact that most people are better player doesn't bother me at all.
Nah, it only makes me want to go further and get better than I am right now.

The main problem is posers ( not sure if it's the right term , french is my native language) , you know people who plays great but with ego and
superiority complex or just to show off their killer setup and guitar.

I just can't stand people like that, i've seen much of these human beings
over youtube that I'm kinda afraid of typing keywords for searching about
gears preview or guitars test drive, I'm often dropping on ego-trip players who posted vids just to show the world they are "hot".

Sometimes, the whole thing is going the other way : One guy post a vid with some very nice playing/shredding without any intention of bragging or proving something and peoples leaves some stupid comments like : "Yeah
right, you play fast and stuff but you don't put any feelings" and blah blah blah ...

Yes, practice is the way to go but you must have fun ... if not what's the whole point of this anyways ?

My 0.2 cents

Ray.

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1998 American Standard Strat MIA
2008 Fender Strat Road Worn 50's Sunburst
1993 Fender Standard Strat MIM (MY BABY)

Don't worry so much about it. As long as you're having fun that's all that counts. I was playing in a band when I was 12 or 13. I'm 54 now. I was barely playing a year when I got into a band. I play with all kind of players with all kinds of skills. No one has ever said I played poorly and I never say anyone else plays poorly. It doesn't matter, If you play with someone with more skill, ask them to show you a couple of things. I still learn lots of great stuff. I never hesitate to answer anyone's questions. You gradually see it's not a contest. Don't over think everything, you'll stand in your own way. I know guys that can shred like crazy, but can't play slowly and are blown away by blues guys. Problems start when you compare yourself to other players and get self conscience.

You need to practice more than an hour a day. Spread it out. I'll get up play a little while, work, then play some more, walk away and play a little more before I get some sleep. You don't need to plug the guitar in. Just pick it up and play it. I have guitars all around the house just so I can pick one up if the mood strikes. Don't set a special practice time, do it when the mood strikes. Just hang in there.

I'm always intimidated.

The WORST is when you go see one of your heroes play live and they make you feel like running straight home to your guitar, and you try busting the sick licks you just saw/heard, and you feel so LIMITED. Ughh, I hate that feeling.

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-Kc
"Payin' dues."

No worries, my friend, but I do feel your frustration. If a t all possible find a buddy or two to play with. You will be surprised how fast you will pick up by doing so. It certainly is a lot more fun as well.

Good Luck and don't give up

Bill

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Hey, Boy Blue is back!

This is by far the best and most fun way to get better. If you feel a bit intimidated playing with your friends, just buy some beer, and be honest that you are learning. In my experience the only time people get harsh criticism jamming for fun, is when they talk a big game, but then can't meet their boasting. Most musicians remember starting out, and quite frankly it is fun to show people new stuff.

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I'm not an expert, but I play one on the internet.

Thanks for all you imput. I am 60 years old and appreciate the non judgmental comments - almost makes me feel normal.I still am working and what with grandkids etc etc I don't have much more time than 1 hour a day but will try to weasel a bit more guitar time
I do have a friend who loves to jam but I'm worried he would be bored with me trying to keep up but I'll ask him for some patience

I have only been playing a full 10 months and I have been through several little periods where it was all clicking and then a few where I was so frustrated I almost bailed but I just keep practicing every day and finally I'm starting to come around with being able to improvise and put together some easy blues licks I have learned with a few improvised turn arounds. I have been focusing on playing a little slower and really feeling the progression and it has helped.

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Blues with a feeling.

GUILD GUITARS: MADE TO BE PLAYED!