Learning a New Skill? Don’t Make This Novice Mistake

If you skip the basics, you’ll never get good

Photo by Jefferson Santos on Unsplash

Don’t let a failure of vision derail you.

When I was 18, I decided I was going to learn to play the guitar. I bought a Fender Strat copy and began taking lessons down at the local music shop.

I started with the basics, first learning open chords, picking techniques, and to keep me interested, my instructor would teach me a simple riff or two, like the beginning of “One” or “Ain’t talking bout Love”.

So far, so good.

I came in one day wanting to learn “Rock You Like a Hurricane.” Instead, my instructor said “I’m going to start you on scales today, because that’s slightly more important. Otherwise, all you’ll be able to do is play ‘Rock You Like a Hurricane’ on a street corner.”

He was right, of course.

But not long after, I heard a song on the radio called “Cliffs of Dover.”

I’m sure you’ll agree that in terms of guitar playing, the word “ridiculous” would pretty accurately describe it.