Most people will tell you that trying to learn guitar quickly isn’t the best approach. But maybe you’re thinking, “I don’t care—I want it all, and I want it now!” So, against all advice, how do you actually learn to play the guitar fast—really fast? The answer: learn smarter. Because actually smarter is faster. By using some smart strategies, you can speed up your progress without sacrificing quality. If you’re ready to dive into the fast lane, here are ten steps to mastering the basics, picking up new techniques, and playing songs sooner than you thought possible.
1. Set Clear, Achievable Goals
Set clear, focused guitar goals—whether it’s mastering a song, nailing a riff, or learning to solo. Write down one or two key goals to track your progress and stay motivated.
2. Practice with Purpose, Not Just for Hours
Focused practice beats long, unfocused sessions every time. Set short, timed practices to work on specific skills, like chord changes or scales. Purposeful, targeted sessions make a bigger impact and prevent burnout.
3. Start with High-Quality Online Lessons
The internet offers a wealth of guitar learning platforms to speed up your progress. Sites like Guitar Tricks, TrueFire, and popular YouTube channels provide step-by-step guidance. Try lessons from different teachers to find the right fit for your style. Personally, I prefer TrueFire-JamPlay. Though it’s not free, it’s hard to beat for the sheer amount of content and options—whether you’re learning a riff, mastering a style, tackling a song, or working on a solo. They’ve got it all.
4. Nail Your Basic Techniques Early
Taking the time to learn the fundamentals properly—like chord shapes, scales, and picking techniques—saves a lot of time later on. Good habits early on will keep your learning smooth and prevent bad habits that can slow you down.
5. Learn Songs You Love
When you’re passionate about a song, learning becomes fun and motivating. Start with the rhythm sections or simplified versions, and build up to the full song. The sooner you play real songs, the more fun learning becomes.
6. Record Yourself Regularly
Recording your practice sessions helps you catch mistakes you might miss in real time and lets you track improvement over time. Even using a phone works fine for this—just play back, listen, and note what needs work.
7. Slow is faster and make the Metronome your best buddy
Time is key when learning guitar. Start by slowing down enough to play the section without mistakes, even if it means breaking it into the smallest parts—sometimes just two notes. Once you can play it cleanly, use a metronome to practice. Start at a slow tempo, and when you can play it flawlessly, increase the tempo by 10%. For example, if you’re at 60bpm, move to 66bpm. If you make a mistake, drop back to the previous speed and repeat until you’re mistake-free. Keep increasing the tempo until you can play at 150% of the original speed. Then, return to the original tempo, and the passage will feel like second nature.
Remember, a metronome is essential for developing rhythm and timing, which are critical for fast, clean playing. Start slow and increase the tempo gradually as you get comfortable.
8. Practice with a Community or Buddy
Learning with others can keep you accountable and bring in fresh ideas. Join a local group, jam with friends, or participate in online communities. Seeing others’ progress can also keep you motivated to keep improving.
9. Warm Up with Scales and Finger Exercises
A good warm-up routine gets your fingers moving and helps prevent injury. Try finger exercises, scales, or chord progressions to prepare for more challenging pieces. Remember, it’s not about pressing the strings hard, but playing with precision and timing. Keep a light touch for better control and fluidity.
10. Push Your Limits
Challenge yourself with new skills outside your comfort zone. Try faster tempos, tougher songs, or a new genre. Small challenges keep learning exciting and ensure you keep advancing.
Pros and Cons of Learning Quickly
Pros
- Faster progression towards playing full songs and jamming.
- Keeps motivation high with tangible results.
- Builds a disciplined approach to practice.
Cons
- Higher risk of developing bad habits if techniques aren’t learned properly.
- Rushed learning can sometimes miss the “feel” of guitar playing. If you are learning smarter, enjoy it: you are getting there way faster that you can realize.
- Potential for burnout.
Additional Tips for Fast Guitar Progress
- Break It Down: Divide complex techniques or songs into smaller parts. Master each section before putting it all together.
- Use a Metronome: Can’t repeat it enough: practice with a metronome to build a strong sense of timing and control.
- Warm Up Properly: A good warm-up routine prevents injury and gets your fingers moving smoothly. Finger exercises or scales are perfect for this.
- Challenge Yourself: Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone with harder songs or faster tempos. Small challenges build confidence and skill.
Recommended Resources for Quick Learning
- YouTube Channels – Free and varied lessons; try channels like Marty Music, JustinGuitar, or Carl Brown for fast, accessible lessons.
- Guitar Tricks – Structured courses with clear paths from beginner to advanced levels.
- TrueFire – Diverse instructors and specific styles, good for building specialized skills. It’s not free, but it is one of the best learning platforms available.
- Yousician – Interactive app that tracks progress with fun exercises.
- Fender Play – Beginner-friendly and song-focused, perfect for fast tracking popular songs.
Conclusion
Learning guitar quickly is about smart, focused practice and using great resources. Set goals, prioritize technique, and keep your practice sessions short and effective. Before you know it, you’ll be playing your favorite songs and surprising yourself with just how much progress you’ve made. Stick with these tips, stay motivated, and enjoy the journey!
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