Meta: Learning music as an adult? Discover practical ways to master guitar, piano, or ukulele while keeping the joy alive.
Mastering a musical instrument has never been easy, especially the electric guitar and digital keyboard. However, these instruments are among the most popular for a reason and offer many obvious advantages.
Of course, compared to the violin, for example, learning to play the guitar seems relatively simple: you learn the basic major and minor chords, how to play with a pick, how to place your fingers on the fretboard, and how to make a few finger movements, a few bars, or even your first solo.
The only thing is that not everyone learns in the same way: some will have a better ear for music than others, and some will already have some musical experience or knowledge of music theory that will help them interpret the chosen piece of music.
Some beginners pick up electric guitar or piano lessons quickly, while others will take hours of hard work. Others will find it extremely difficult to practice with their fingers and their position on the fretboard to master the first compositions.
In recent years, AI-based music apps have transformed how beginners learn. AI apps and online lessons are excellent tools, but regardless of what you choose, you’ll need more than just software—you’ll need motivation. Let me share a few lessons I’ve seen repeatedly help beginners stay on track.
How to Stay Motivated When Starting Out
Every time a new student walks into the Everest Music shop and picks up an instrument, whether it’s an electric guitar, ukulele, or keyboard, I can almost feel their excitement. And yet, I’ve also seen how quickly that excitement can slip away when the reality of daily practice sets in.
To learn how to play the instrument and explore this new universe with its unique codes, rules, jargon, and references, you need to change your way of thinking. This shift is impossible without a vital resource: motivation.
Start Small, But Stay Consistent
Of course, mastering the guitar doesn’t happen overnight. You need consistent and diligent practice to see results, but success begins with a small step and a spark of desire to put in the work for your dream.
Playing for just 20–30 minutes a day is far more powerful than cramming in hours once a week. I always tell my students: think of it like exercise for your musical muscles, the steady routine pays off in the long run.
Build a Practice Program That Fits You
If a technique feels frustrating, don’t force it endlessly. There are AI-powered apps and training tools that can make things easier, whether it’s slowing down a tricky guitar solo, giving you chord suggestions on a ukulele, or offering rhythm exercises for digital keyboards. Find at least 2–3 tools that genuinely support your learning style. The easier your practice feels, the stronger your confidence, and the more likely you’ll stick with it.
Use a metronome or a beat app the whole time you’re learning chords, and switch between chords to the beat or fingerpick to the rhythm. Paying attention to the beat and getting into it is an important skill. The more you do it, the better you’ll get!
Balance Inspiration with Realism
It’s natural to compare yourself with others. It’s always easy to find a better musician than you, and even the most experienced musician with incredible technical skills will face the possibility of doing something better or more professional.
Just find a balance between motivation, self-discovery, and autonomy so that learning doesn’t become a struggle. In any case, the more you learn, the more you progress, and the more your game is enriched.
Push Through the Hard Days
Every musician hits a wall. Realize that there is always something to learn, regardless of your level. There will be moments when your fingers ache, when your rhythm feels clumsy, or when you just don’t feel like practicing. I promise you this: those moments pass.
Take a short break, then come back fresh. Over the decades, I’ve seen that persistence, not raw talent, is what separates those who quit from those who truly learn to play.
Let me walk you through a few tips that I’ve given countless students in my shop and studio.
Some Tips to Help a Beginner Musician Play More Easily
- Tune your instrument: This is essential. Many learners struggle simply because their guitar or keyboard isn’t properly tuned. Precise tuning is very important for creating the right tone of notes.
- Learn the basic chords and scales: Reading music notation is not for everyone, but if you know how to do it, nothing will stop you.
- Listen to a variety of music: I often tell students: don’t just practice—listen. Your ear gets sharper when exposed to different rhythms and tonalities (pop-folk, hip-hop, blues, jazz, Latin music, punk rock, grunge).
- Hold off on the fancy gear: Pedals are fun, but they also mask sloppy technique. Focus on clean, uncolored sound while your hands build muscle memory. Once your chords ring true, then you can explore effects.
- Make rhythm your best friend: Use a metronome app, stomp your foot, or even sing nonsense syllables like “ba-dee-da-da” as you play. It may feel silly, but it locks your brain and body into the beat—and that’s when music starts to flow.
- First, learn all the “open” or “cowboy” chords (A, C, D, E, and G). Then learn the barre chords F and B. Then explore the CAGED system to play these chords across the fretboard. Also, learn the major/minor scales and their abbreviated 5-note versions, the pentatonic scales. This will help you start playing melodies. Then you can move on to things like major/minor/diminished triads and their inversions, arpeggios, modes, and other scales, but I would focus on the first four points first.
- Practice over and over again: There is no secret that the best way to become a good musician is to practice all the time and without end.
- Record yourself and play it back: One of my favorite practices with students is simple: record a short piece and listen. You’ll hear things you miss while playing.
- Enjoy the process! Learning to play an instrument takes a lot of time, dedication, and hard work. Passion and enjoyment will help you stay motivated.
Final Thoughts
As adults, we don’t have endless hours like kids to casually absorb music. We need structure. That’s why I tell my students: treat practice like going to the gym. Short, regular sessions build strength and skill faster than occasional marathons.
Be honest with yourself, too. Why are you learning? To play your favorite rock song? To accompany yourself on ukulele? To finally understand those keys on your digital piano? Knowing your true motivation makes it easier to stay committed.