Some people call it “hitting a brick wall.” I’ve also heard as “plateaued.” It can happen to anyone that is working to hone a skill or craft.

For awhile there, I kind of hit the plateau. Anytime you do that as an artist, one of two things can happen… you’re either going to start to fall back off, or you’re gonna start to rise. -Chris Young

Your mentality and perspective depend on how the plateau will affect your guitar playing. It can be an opportunity to learn, grow, and rise to the next level OR it can discourage you from learning and improving.

Plateau Flow Chart

This Plateau Flow Chart is essentially a practice routine. The best thing you can do for your playing is to Listen, Transcribe, Practice, Analyze. These are the best things a musician can do to improve. Check out my blog called “Listen, Transcribe, Practice, Analyze” for a more in depth look on how powerful this is in improving your playing, ear, and overall musicianship.

I think that we all plateau, from fitness experts to regular folks at every fitness level. What that means is we need to change our exercise routine, food, and attitude. -David Kirsch

What you are experiencing with the instrument is common. It happens across multiple disciplines. Let’s adapt Kirsch’s quote to the guitar…

Routine is SO IMPORTANT when it comes to improving. CONSISTENCY IS KEY and you have to put in consistent work to break through the plateau. This is closely related to attitude. You need the right attitude to develop the right routine.

Food can be thought of as the music are we consuming on a daily basis. When was the last time you listened to music you enjoy for at least 30 minutes without any distractions? When was the last time you went to see live music? Listen to guitarists that make you excited then figure out how to play what makes you excited. This should be part of your routine.

Attitude is as important as routine. If you want to improve, then you need some degree of intention and dedication. The greats wouldn’t exist without the right attitude. Also, do not overlook the power of curiosity. Was there something that you tried to play before you plateaued but found it too difficult? Now is the time to try it again. Stay curious. Look at techniques, riffs, genres, theory… Anything that interests you.

Get comfortable being uncomfortable, that’s how you break the plateau and reach the next level. -Chalene Johnson

When you first picked up the guitar it was likely uncomfortable. Remember learning your first strumming pattern? Or trying to sing and play at the same time? I remember these felt IMPOSSIBLE for me. But with a consistent practice routine, listening to the right music, and having the right attitude, I was able to learn.

To break through your plateau, you want to

• Identify what makes you curious or excited about the music you are listening to. Maybe it’s a technique you want to learn like sweep picking. Maybe you really love the way another player sounds. Immerse yourself in that excitement. Read about it, watching others do it, listen to the music, listen/watch interviews and then go for it!
• Develop a consistent routine to practice what makes you excited or curious.
• Have the right attitude going into this routine.
  • Be kind to yourself. Be patient. Stay curious/inspired. Talk about it with your friends, family, and me.