Take a moment to find out what might really be holding back your guitar playing...
The 5 Pillars of Guitar Progress
Strengthen these five areas and everything about playing guitar gets easier, more musical and a whole lot more fun!
You can learn dozens of chords, scales, songs and bits of theory.
All of that can be useful.
...But after teaching thousands of guitarists over the years, I've found there are five areas that determine whether all that learning is actually turning you into the guitarist you want to become.
Here are the five pillars of progress:
Technique
Play comfortably, cleanly and with control.
Musicality
Make what you play actually sound and feel like music.
Repertoire
Build a collection of complete songs you're proud to play.
Motivation
Enjoy your playing, see your progress and keep moving forward.
Planning
Know exactly what to work on and what to do next.
This Is About More Than Playing Guitar
Improving these five areas isn't just about becoming a better guitarist.
It's about being able to play songs for your family, jam with friends, play at a BBQ or church, or simply lose yourself in music at the end of the day.
The guitar can keep your fingers moving, challenge your brain, bring you closer to other people and give you something rewarding to keep improving at for years to come.
It can become part of who you are and something that improves your life.
Rate yourself on the following now...
Take a few minutes to go through them below.
Rate yourself from 1–10 on each one as you go.
You don't need five perfect scores. The goal is to spot which areas are strong, which are weak, and what might be holding you back.
#1. TECHNIQUE
Can you play comfortably, cleanly and with control?
Think about chord changes, fingerpicking, tension, unwanted buzzing, awkward movements and whether you can play clean, clear notes easily and consistently.
Technique is step #1 and the foundation of everything.
If you can unlock smooth technique, you'll open the doors to being able to do what you want on the guitar. Without it, everything gets harder.
Rate your Technique: __ / 10
#2. MUSICALITY
Does your playing sound smooth and lyrical, or does it still feel stiff and mechanical?
Think about rhythm, timing, dynamics, flow and expression.
You can play all the correct notes and chords and still feel like something is missing.
Rate your Musicality: __ / 10
#3. REPERTOIRE
Have you built a collection of complete pieces you genuinely want to play?
Not riffs you once learnt. Not half-finished songs you don't enjoy playing.
Actual pieces you enjoy playing and would be happy to play for somebody else.
Rate your Repertoire: __ / 10
#4. MOTIVATION
Does your motivation come and go? Has your guitar been gathering dust lately?
Maybe you tell yourself you don't have time, then somehow spend 30 minutes scrolling your phone.
Progress is much easier when you enjoy practising, see yourself improving and have something you're excited to work towards.
Rate your Motivation: __ / 10
#5. PLANNING
Do you know what you should be working on today? Tomorrow?
Have you got a clear idea of how to improve this month and where your playing could be by the end of the year?
A good plan doesn't mean scheduling every minute of your practice.
It means knowing what matters, what can wait and what you should focus on today, this week and over the coming months.
Rate your Planning: __ / 10
Now Look At Your Scores
Your lowest score could reveal what's really holding you back
You might have something like:
Technique: 6 | Musicality: 4 | Repertoire: 3 | Motivation: 5 | Planning: 2
Whatever your scores, knowing them is useful.
Because instead of thinking... "Why am I still rubbish at guitar?"
...you've started identifying where the real problem might be.
One weak pillar can affect the others too. Guitar playing doesn't happen in a vacuum.
For example:
The goal isn't five 10/10 scores.
It's to quickly strengthen all five so they start working together.
...And when that happens, you'll be much closer to becoming the confident, musical guitarist you set out to be.
Want Some Help Working Out What To Do Next?
If you've spotted any areas that are holding you back, take my quick Guitar Quiz.
Tell me a little about your playing and, if it looks like I can help, you'll have the opportunity to book a free Guitar Doctor call with me.
Prefer a structured programme you can work through yourself?
Find out more about the Six String Life Academy →
Watch Just Some Of What My Students Have Achieved
...After Transforming Their Playing Across The Five Pillars
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"I've made more progress in one year with Dan than in the previous six. Finally being able to play five songs and make them sound good felt amazing."
Denise (Age 66)
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“Recording myself showed me how far I’ve come and even led to playing for a room of 40 people.”
JP (Age 74)
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“I wasn’t comfortable filming myself, but finishing my Five Song Club video felt like a real milestone.”
Leslie (Age 72)
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"I'm a retired 70-year-old marine biologist. Since joining the Academy, I play better than I ever thought possible—with real joy and confidence."
Tom (Age 70)
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