Recognize that two different shapes of C major are all the same notes. Yes, it's more than piano requires you to remember, but that's just how the guitar is. It all comes down to challenging yourself and working through the challenge. Following the chord changes does a lot to help you navigate.

I navigate the fretboard from two points of view if I can put it that way...
One is learning where the most common root notes are - I'd say those are C, G, D, A, and E. Everything else is only one fret up or down from those (or three frets from C, G, and E). I can find them more quickly on the bass ...

Learning guitar can be frustrating at first, but it's all part of the journey. Try to find resources like online lessons or tutorials to help guide your practice. Patience is key!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EAOgUdFK0CI- this is how jazz players "play the changes"

Stick to the basic form of the existing melody, but find ways to vary note choices. I think the best way to begin is to listen to players who do this. Check out some live jam bands like the Allman Brothers. Compare the live version to the studio version and check out what’s different in a given solo.

Mental practice of theory and fretboard visualization, humming arpeggios while imagining song progressions are efficient ways to boost learning.

They're relatively rare in popular music so people skip over them. I very rarely play diminished chords. They sound unpleasant to a lot of people. They definitely have their place though.

The major and minor scales are the same set of notes. The only thing that changes is where the root note sits within the scale. So the major scale extensions you're finding are the exact same extensions to make the minor scale. Search for 'relative minor' for more information.

Great songs come from deep emotions and life experiences. Don't be afraid to tap into your feelings when writing music.

Target the notes of the ii chord!

I suggest listening to the Music Student 101 podcast. Music theory can be applied to any instrument, so don't feel like you need something guitar-specific. It has really helped me improve my understanding of scales and chords.

This is the reason some of the greatest players ever use the Pentatonic scale as a baseline. When you get good at this, it makes the Pentatonic scale infinitely more useful.
What does the standard Minor Pentatonic scale do? E Minor Penta over an E Minor chord essentially outlines the Em7 chord right ...

Probably work on combining a couple of other positions so you can move around a bit. Then try and concentrate on some phrasing. Like a little phrase that is the question, then a similar phrase that answers that question. This makes it more musical than random noodling.

However, enjoying playing is ...

The best place to really start is to learn how to read sheet music and start building an understanding of harmony. Listen deeper to music and practice hearing the chords and melodies and work regularly on enhancing your ear training. IF you can, stufy classical music and then move into jazz.

From ...

I think theory can be useful in compositions when you are looking to go somewhere that might not be diatonic. Or you are somewhere trying to get back to somewhere. But the majority of popular music is ultimately simple chord patterns and you should not get too bogged down by theory when composing in ...

Practicing rhythm exercises and using ear training apps can be beneficial. Utilize the resources available online and through apps to enhance your guitar theory knowledge. Keep up the good work!

I’m currently learning the Betts solo at the end of Stormy Monday. I think it really fits your criteria.

Ear training is essential for becoming a better guitarist. Developing ear-hand coordination will really elevate your playing.

A lot of it is familiarity, honestly. We’ve heard those progressions in thousands of songs, so our brains are wired to respond to them. But it’s also about tension and release — the V wants to resolve to I, and the vi kind of feels like a “deceptive” emotional twist. It’s predictable but satisfying.

Don’t binge-watch advanced jazz reharmonization videos too early.
That’s where overload happens. LOL

If it is a lead tone then I will almost always have delay and reverb turned on. But I do vary up the settings of these depending on what I am doing. It is so easy to do these days with modellers / mult fx - can easily have multiple patches set up for multiple songs. Though I do have my go to ...

I only sell on Bandcamp and YouTube as a streaming service. Screw Spotify and its evil empires.

As someone who works in the studio, I can see the appeal of using AI for quick and easy visuals. But I also understand the importance of authenticity in the music industry.

Unless you’re a jingle writer, don’t let anyone dictate the subject matter of songs you compose. You're allowed to write however you want about whatever you want. Self-expression is the whole point.

Inversions refer to different ways of playing the same chord by changing the order of the notes. Extensions are additional notes added to the basic triad to create a richer sound. Experimenting with inversions and extensions can help you create unique and moody chord progressions.