What If Guitar Practice Is Not Fun Anymore?

You pick up the guitar, but you just don’t feel excited about it.

It feels like work.

Nothing goes right.

If this happens for several days in a row, you start avoiding guitar practice.

You feel guilty for not playing more, but each time you play, you don’t enjoy it.

How do you overcome this?

Try these 7 tips:

1. Build anticipation.

Put your instrument somewhere readily accessible.

In between other activities, stop and play something fun for a few minutes to build your desire for a longer practice session.

2. Schedule unrushed time. 

If your practice time is always hurried, it’s likely to be stressful.

Schedule a block of time when you can savor the music.

3. Find your best time of day. 

Identify the part of the day when you have the most energy and focus.

It’s often best to practice in the morning when you are fresh.

If you practice right before bed at night, you may be tired, leading to unproductive practice and lack of joy in playing.

4. Take care of your instrument.

If your strings are old or your guitar needs maintenance, it’s hard to feel excited about playing. 

Get your instrument into great shape, and it will be more fun to play.

5. Move slowly at first.

If you have not played much for several days, don't jump right into the most difficult thing you could play.

Start with some easy pieces you can play without much effort.

6. Enjoy the music.

Play pieces you enjoy.

Pick a new piece that you can learn easily. Savor playing it for the first time.

7. Celebrate small wins.

Set achievable goals for each practice session.

Celebrate your progress.

Doing these things will help you recapture the fun of guitar playing.

What would you suggest to someone who is not enjoying their guitar playing?

To get your practice session off to a great start, do a simple Warmup Routine.

If you would like to get my Warmup for free, click here.