Learning the Guitar? Turning Limitations Into Strengths

In teaching guitar I come across students with various reasons as to why they will have trouble learning to play. Maybe they are taking up the guitar later in life, they might have small hands or other physical challenges, a lifestyle with time limitations, whatever.

If large hands made a great guitarist then basketballer Shaquille O’Neal would probably be the greatest guitar player around! I can almost guarantee you are already a better guitarist than he is! Consider the classical guitarist who was drafted into the Army. Concerned with how time constraints would affect his playing he devised a 45-minute practice routine to maintain his technique. He came out at the end of his enlistment with technique better then when he started!

Ultimately, our musical style is made as much by our limitations as our strengths. If you ever feel held back by your limitations, check out the following two videos for inspiration. Two examples of people with a positive attitude for the guitar and for life. Maybe they will help you turn your next “if only” or “I can’t” guitar moment into “Yes, I can!”

John Denner – Guitar Techniques interview

Best EVER version of Tom Petty’s “Mary Jane’s Last Dance”

Always remember there is something unique to you that no other person can bring to the guitar. Each day you pick up your guitar you make it possible for that gift to be revealed. Enjoy the journey. It all starts with the right attitude.