Should You Give Up Guitar After Two Years of Stagnation?

Deciding whether to continue with guitar after two years of feeling stagnant can indeed be challenging. This article explores various points to consider before making a significant decision.

Assess Your Goals

Reflect on your initial motivations for starting to play the guitar. Have your goals changed over time? If your goals have shifted, it might be worthwhile to redefine them. Setting new goals can provide a fresh perspective and direction for your music journey.

Evaluate Your Progress

Progress in music, especially with the guitar, is often not immediately visible. Consider recording yourself playing or revisiting older pieces to gauge how far you’ve come. You might be surprised at how much you’ve improved, even without noticing it on a daily basis.

Change Your Approach

If you feel stuck in your practice routine, try altering it. Experiment with different styles, genres, or techniques. This can bring new insights and motivation. Additionally, consider taking lessons—either in-person or online—to gain new perspectives and skills.

Set Small Achievable Goals

Instead of setting large, distant milestones, aim for smaller, more manageable goals. Achieving these can provide a sense of accomplishment and keep you motivated. Regular small wins can significantly boost your confidence and engagement with the instrument.

Engage with Others

Joining a local music group, an online community, or participating in jam sessions can reignite your passion. Playing with others offers valuable feedback, new ideas, and emotional support. It can also help you overcome the sense of isolation that might come with feeling stagnant.

Take a Break

Sometimes, taking a short break can be beneficial. Stepping away for a few days, weeks, or even months can provide a fresh perspective and return you to your instrument with renewed enthusiasm and motivation.

Consider the Enjoyment Factor

Ultimately, music should be enjoyable. If playing guitar has become a chore rather than a joyful experience, it might be worth exploring other musical avenues or instruments. Reconnecting with the enjoyment of music can be crucial for your long-term satisfaction and engagement.

While I’m no expert, continuing your guitar journey can give you a chance to overcome even the smallest challenges. Giving up means no chance of improvement. Perhaps there is a more suitable instrument or a different musical path for you, but you won’t know unless you keep playing. If you decide to stop, please don’t feel too bad; most people would quit without any adverse situation. Still, there is always the chance that you could inspire someone to deal with tough situations like you have had to.

Remember, the journey is just as important as the destination. Keep playing, keep improving, and keep enjoying the music.