I just started listening to some jazz standards too! It's cool to see how different it is from what I'm used to. I think I’ll try to learn a few simple songs first before diving into improvisation.

Sounds like you're on the right track! Everyone starts somewhere, and your fingers will definitely get more flexible with practice. Just keep at it; you'll surprise yourself with how much progress you make!

I thought lessons or structured guides would help me learn guitar, since I've had success with that approach in other areas like drawing. However, it seems to drain my motivation when it comes to music. Resources like JustinGuitar just feel so slow and don't lead to playing the music I actually want ...

Okay, so I get that practice is important, but how long should I actually spend on these chords? Like, if I practice for 30 minutes today, is that enough or should I be doing like an hour? And should I be doing anything special while practicing?

Okay, so everyone keeps saying the pain is normal, but how long does it actually last? I really want to keep playing but I don't want to mess up my fingers or get discouraged. Should I just keep pushing through? Also, what’s this about lighter strings? Do they really make that much of a difference?

I’m really lost here. What does it mean to use outside notes? How do I even start? I thought you just play what’s in the scale? Can someone break it down for me?

So, are you saying that even if I play the same note on different guitars, they can sound really different? I thought it was just about hitting the right note. How do I know which guitar is right for me?

This might be extremely obvious, but I thought I'd share in case it helps someone else. I just did an experiment by picking a string while carefully descending my finger onto the fret, and I discovered I barely even need to press whatsoever to get a clear, well-defined note. Not only that, but my ...

Start splitting your practice, like 10 mins exercises, then spend the rest on simple riffs or songs. Connect exercises to actual playing instead of just repeating them. You’ll notice way more progress once you do this.

I'm still new to guitar theory, can someone explain what chromatic mediants are?

I'm still new to music, but I find that listening and feeling the music is important for making a connection with it. Keep exploring and experimenting with your guitar.

I’m kind of lost here. So, was Mozart just super gifted, or did he actually study hard? I mean, how does someone become that good at music? Is it all practice, or is there some secret sauce to it?

Always start with Opeth.

Yep. Many times they're songs that don't exist, which is simultaneously annoying and kind of a nice source of songwriting inspiration.

I'm glad I'm an adult and in a mature band.

Learn the circle of fifths and play or practice with a metronome.

It's trite, but true (especially in anonymous online spaces): haters gonna hate. I wouldn't pay them any mind.

I'm just starting out and already feeling overwhelmed with finding time to practice. It's inspiring to hear stories from adult learners who are making it work. Thanks for sharing your experience!

I never even thought about this before. I guess it's just personal preference for each guitarist.

I'm new to guitar playing as well and I've struggled with this too. Don't worry, it's all part of the learning process. Keep experimenting and you'll find what works best for you.

There are so many great Beatles songs and they are fun because they are challenging.

Everyone remembers their first song, even if it sounded terrible at the time! What was the first song you learned to play, and how long did it take you to get it right?

Anyone know any guitar method or tips for someone dumb as rocks? Not trying to be funny.

Definitely cowboy chord changes should be your focus. It takes awhile for muscle memory to click. I would also be doing the 5 pentatonic shapes as outlined in Justin. Use a metronome to improve your timing. You got this!

I can strum along with my favorite songs. I can finger pick. But I can’t combine strumming with picking individual strings. Ripple (Grateful Dead), Tell Me Why (Neil Young), etc. I just can’t get the hang of it.