Keep looking for ways to improve your musical skills and don’t dismiss the idea of a good teacher

I’ve been switching around with teachers, changing my focuses and sometimes leaving it alone for months or even years. My idea is that it isn’t how long you’ve been playing. A thing that my latest teacher told me is that when someone says they’ve been playing guitar for fifty years, it doesn’t really tell you anything except that they are an old dude. I thought that was funny and also a little bit true - if you’re not focused in your practices and not following something that necessarily works, it can turn out that way. 

This is why I think a teacher is important. I’ve tried a few and luckily have found the one that works best for me. And it’s great! Learning is going really smoothly. This guy does the whole shazam in the most effective way to get someone better at their skill (in this case guitar) that I can think of: gives you songs to learn without looking up the tabs; shows you the correct way to play them afterwards; gives you technique and ear training exercises and much more even to an insane level which I am actually excited for. Basically the message of this post is that if learning isn't going like this for you and you've talked to your teacher and nothing seems to change, try a different one and see how it goes.

If I hadn't have done that, I wouldn't be where I am today. He quickly saw my playing abilities and immediately gave me things I needed to improve on which my old teacher didn't bring up - and that actually improved my playing. Find the best teacher in your area through trial and error, look for good reviews and most importantly stick with them.

Of course that doesn't dismiss the idea that a good teacher requires a good student. I remember reading about a student coming in for lessons, and after overhearing another student, was surprised at how good they were - all because of a good student and good teacher.

So what does being a good student involve?

Pay attention to what he's saying, ask questions. Do the homework. If something comes up in your practice like you're recording yourself and you're not happy with it, tell them!

The second is practice SMART not HARD ;)

If you are a local and want a teacher like this, check out Sunshine Coast Guitar Studio - Guitar & Bass Lessons. Very good.