Hey guys i've been playing for about 4 years now really buckling down the last year or so. I'm feeling a bit stuck and I'm not sure how to progress. I can play basic strummers and I know a bunch of chords and scales but the application of those concepts just isn't coming through in my playing. Most lead guitar goes right over my head. Does anyone have any advice for how they broke through plateaus in their journey? or maybe just some tips and tricks on how to improve thanks!
Thanks for sharing this. It sounds like you have learned a few chords (or more) and focusing on performance (playing songs)
Two parts are important for guitar playing.
1) Technique, theory and ear training.
2) Learning, playing songs.
So when I teach guitar, first thing.. I don't teach any songs.
I teach something missing for my students.
Knowing knowledges & applying concepts are two different things.
You can learn so much information on internet. Scales, chord (shapes) and reading about theory (words not intervals!)
Maybe you can slow down and re-sprganaize how to spend your time on your guitar learning journey.
I strongly suggest this.
1) Re-learn chromatic scale with more attention on every details.
2) Check triad inversions and learn the fretboard.
3) Discover other styles or other concept... like R 3 7 / R 7 3 swing guitar so you can learn left hand muting technique.
Do these everyday especially Chromatic & R 3 7 swing groove.
Even 5 minutes. Longest is 15-20 minutes total so that you don't get tired doing things.
Do this for 90 days.
I think you will change A LOT!
After that you will enjoy learning more songs!
Because you have prepared!