Hey Reader,

Most guitar players think getting better means learning another song or another scale.

Sometimes the fastest progress comes from going back to something you already know.

Pick one song you can play comfortably and spend a few minutes really listening to yourself.

Is your timing steady? A lot of players naturally speed up during easier parts and slow down when something feels difficult. Playing with a metronome, drum track, or even tapping your foot can help you hear those changes and smooth things out.

Are your notes ringing clearly? Listen for buzzing frets, muted strings, or notes that get cut off too soon. Often a small adjustment in your fretting hand or pick attack is all it takes to clean things up.

Can you play the song a little more relaxed? Tension in your hands, shoulders, or picking arm can make everything feel harder than it needs to. If you notice yourself squeezing the neck or gripping the pick too tightly, try easing up. You'll usually find your playing becomes smoother and more consistent.

The goal isn't perfection. It's learning to recognize the little things that are holding you back. Once you know what to listen and look for, improving becomes much easier.

That's exactly the kind of thing I enjoy working on during a lesson. Sometimes it only takes another set of eyes and ears to spot one or two small adjustments that can make your playing feel more comfortable and confident.

If that's something you'd like help with, just reply to this email. I'd be happy to set up a free one-on-one lesson and spend some time working on your playing together: Online 1:1 Guitar Lessons​

Rock on,

Tony