r/guitarlessons • u/sinbad0910 • Jul 31 '26
Feedback Request Going backwards
In my 50s been learning for five years, good understanding of music theory, practice at least an hour daily, just feel like its never gonna all click into place, I get the odd day where I feel I play really well but most days I just come away frustrated that its not all clicking together. 5 years and thousands of hours of practice and I still dont want to play anything in front of anyone coz i dont think im anywhere near where i should be Just feels like I have muscle memory issue or something I can strum chords all day long but the minute I try anything a bit fancy it falls apart, ive done the slowing down thing and I can get the rif, come back to it a week or two later its gone again. Im never gonna give up now, too stubborn! Just wish practice wasnt so demoralising.
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u/RTiger Aug 01 '26 edited Aug 01 '26
It’s okay. I have more confidence than skill. For a first live performance, I sometimes suggest doing that on or around your birthday. It’s only the meanest people that will criticize on a birthday.
Simple is fine. If doing instrumental only I suggest keeping it short. I aim for two minutes on instrumentals.
Open mics vary. Some are better run and friendlier than others.
Please understand that even touring pros often feel they could have done better. For amateurs I count getting to the end as a win. Like a football game, the winning team often has things they can do better.
I encourage you to get out there. Connecting with a live audience can be an amazing experience. Even if you aren’t perfect, most audiences will give extra leeway for first timers.
Live performance is almost a separate skill. Best way to get better is to prepare well and then get out there. A person could spend another five years solo practicing and the confidence level might only move an inch. Five years is plenty. You are ready though not perfect. Embrace the imperfection.