Chapter 1: My Self-Taught Journey

The importance of seeking guidance in learning guitar cannot be overstated.

I took the initiative to teach myself the guitar at one point. As a 14-year-old, about 20 years ago, I was influenced by online resources like MXtabs, PowerTabs, GuitarPro, and Ultimate Guitar, which made self-teaching seem feasible. The abundance of song tabs available online led many to believe that formal instruction was unnecessary. I was swept up in this idea, convinced that if Eddie Van Halen could learn on his own, so could I—neglecting the fact that he had a classical piano background that undoubtedly aided his musical journey.

Using tabs, I mastered various theme songs, treating them as finger exercises. I tackled pieces from The Simpsons, Lord of the Rings, and Star Wars, then progressed to beginner rock anthems like "Seven Nation Army" and "Smoke on The Water." Fortunately, my father, a seasoned guitarist, introduced me to essential chords, which were crucial for my development. Without his guidance, I might still be fumbling with basic techniques.

After some practice, I dedicated myself to mastering "Chapter Four" by Avenged Sevenfold, playing it repeatedly until I perfected it. I'm sure my parents grew tired of hearing it on repeat.

However, as a self-taught player, I soon reached a plateau. I could only learn songs that matched my existing skill level, choosing the path of least resistance. Despite my years of practice, my progress stagnated because of my stubbornness; I refused to seek lessons, believing they would be a waste of time.

As I entered my 20s, I joined a band, but quickly realized that my skills were lacking compared to the other guitarist. He had composed songs with complex rhythm parts, forcing me to modify sections just to keep up. Thankfully, our group was more about fun than seriousness; otherwise, I might not have lasted long.

Eventually, I decided to take lessons, but they proved to be unhelpful. The instructor struggled to connect with someone who already had foundational knowledge. It was clear he was more suited for beginners, so I quit, convinced I could improve on my own. Despite minor improvements, I plateaued once more and took an extended break to focus on university.

After a few years, I found myself stuck again. Although I began tackling songs outside my comfort zone, my progress was limited, and I struggled to play pieces I once admired.

Now in my 30s, I knew it was time to approach lessons differently. I sought instructors who specialized in teaching those with prior experience. I found a place that offered group lessons, which was a refreshing change.

After a year and a half of dedicated learning, I have seen tremendous growth in my skills. I can now improvise confidently and sound cohesive alongside other musicians. The tailored exercises I received helped me focus on my specific goals instead of randomly selecting techniques.

I can finally play songs I struggled with years ago. It took me a while to find the right instructor, highlighting that choosing the wrong teacher can be as harmful as learning in isolation. Looking back, I truly wish I had started these lessons much earlier.

If you enjoy my journey, feel free to connect with me on social media or subscribe for more content!

Chapter 2: Lessons Learned

The first video titled "10 Things I Wish I Had Known About Guitar EARLIER!" offers valuable insights for aspiring guitarists, emphasizing the lessons learned from early experiences.

The second video, "What I Wish I Knew Before I Started Playing Guitar," provides a reflective take on the common pitfalls and essential knowledge for new players.