Dealing With Frustration

 Let's face it, if you've played Guitar for any amount of time (or any other instrument for that matter) you'll have inevitably felt the pangs of frustration over your playing. Whether it's a part of a song you're trying to nail or some new, difficult technique, it can be very frustrating. As for myself, I'd like to say that this has never happened to me, but I'd really lying through my teeth! And unfortunately, I don't see this frustration ever completely going away any time soon. However, over the years I have been given some great advice and have found some ways to deal with these various frustrations about my playing, at least to a manageable level. Here are three tips that I think can help.

One thing to realize is that being frustrated about your playing can be a blessing. WHAT?! That's right, if you're always content with your playing and you never feel any frustration, you're probably never going to get very good! Think about it. Without the desire to improve, how would you improve? Getting better at Guitar doesn't happen by magic, you have to deliberately work at it. So while being in the throes of frustration and anxiety over your Guitar playing, try to remind yourself that this all comes from your desire to improve. And if channeled properly, will help you succeed in doing just that.

Another thing that has helped me feel better about all of this is the fact that many famous musicians often feel frustrated themselves. Sure while there are many grand, seemingly invincible master players out there in the world of music, the reality of it is that most musicians wish they were better than they are. I remember watching an interview of Jazz Piano legend Bill Evans where he discussed, "the problem" of Jazz. As he elaborated on this, he basically talked about the enormity of playing Jazz music and how musicians often didn't grasp how difficult it really was. Evans was also quoted as once being terrified of Jazz and improvisation, feeling that he'd never learn how to do it. Additionally, Jazz Fusion guitarist Mike Stern has said the same thing in interviews. Now no one, would ever accuse either of these guys as being bad at what they do yet they've clearly been frustrated over their playing at times.

Lastly, I think the thing that has helped me the most deal with being frustrated over my playing, is trusting in the process and loving the Guitar. If you have a holistic approach to playing / studying, meaning that you work on technique, ear training, transcription, sight reading, etc, you really will get better. You'll have a system of checks and balances with all of the various approaches cross pollinating one another. And of course anything that you love doing is much more palatable, even during the tough times.

So, when you're bummed out about your playing, remember, 1) it can be a good thing, 2) you're not alone - everyone feels that way and, 3) if you work smart and love what you're doing, you will get better!


Stay tuned for the next installment of Have Guitar Will Travel.