The start of the new year is a perfect time to set fresh goals and embark on a journey of growth. If you’re a beginner guitar learner, setting realistic resolutions can help you make consistent progress while keeping the joy of playing alive. Here are 10 achievable resolutions to consider for the year ahead:
1. Practice Regularly
Consistency beats intensity. Commit to practicing at least 15-30 minutes a day, five days a week. Regular practice will help you build muscle memory and strengthen your foundation.
Ultimate Tip: Create a practice schedule and stick to it. Fill your notebook or set reminders on your phone or block time in your calendar to ensure practice becomes a non-negotiable part of your day. If you want more tips on how to construct your perfect practice routine, here is one of our Blogposts that gives you some practical advise suitable as for beginners, as well as for more advanced guitar enthusiasts:
2. Learn One New Song Every Month
Choose songs that excite you! Don't just stick to the most popular songs for uitar learners, pick the genre and song that you really like. Learning one new song each month should be realistic even for the beginner, plus it will keep things interesting while expanding your repertoire and boosting your confidence.
Ultimate Tip: First break down the song into manageable sections and focus on mastering one part at a time. You can use websites like Songsterr or check out the song library in Fretello App, where you can easily play along the Tabs in real time.
Most important: don't forget to celebrate small milestones like nailing a tricky chord progression!
3. Master Basic Chords
Focus on getting comfortable with basic chords like G, C, D, E, and A. Once you can switch between them smoothly, you’ll be able to play countless songs.
Ultimate Tip: To practice your chords you can follow some Youtube tutorials or simply find the instructions online. Check out our Blogposts to start:
3 Guitar Scales To Practice First (For Beginners)
Beginners: Learn These 9 Easy Guitar Chords First
We are also posting some chord video tutorials on our Instagram page @fretello_music, so stay tuned, if you don't want to miss it.
Of course, the best practical and organised way to master your chords is to through our Fretello App! You have the benefit of not missing a single useful guitar chord taught to you by the best in the guitar game and in the most engaging form that will keep you interested and motivated.
Whichever method you choose, always remember to practice chord transitions slowly, using a metronome to maintain a steady rhythm. Gradually increase your speed as your fingers become more agile.
4. Improve Strumming Techniques
Experiment with different strumming patterns. Start with simple up-and-down strokes, then work your way up to more complex rhythms. Use a metronome to keep time.
Ultimate Tip: Practice strumming on muted strings to focus purely on rhythm without worrying about chords. And of course Fretello App has the whole series of lessons dedicated strictly to teaching you strumming patterns along with chord progressions, songs and other skills essential for beginner guitar learner. Another good idea would be to listen to songs, watch some tutorials online and try to mimic their strumming patterns.
5. Build Finger Strength
Include finger exercises in your routine. Spider exercises and finger stretches will improve your dexterity and make chord transitions easier.
Ultimate Tip: Start each practice session with a quick warm-up to loosen your fingers and prevent strain. Here are some warm-up exercises you can use: 4 Warm-Ups That Will Help You Play Even Better. Once you do that, you can gradually increase the difficulty of exercises as your strength improves. Check out, for example a caterpillar exercise from Guitar Nutrition.
6. Learn to Read Tabs
Guitar tablature (tabs) is an easy and effective way to learn new songs and solos. Make it a goal to understand and read tabs confidently.
Ultimate Tip: Start with simple tabs and work your way up to more complex ones. Use online resources or apps to find beginner-friendly tabs for your favourite songs. You can start with one of our Blogposts, where we give the most essential and useful Tips for you to succeed in reading sheet music:
7. Record Your Progress
Use your phone or computer to record your practice sessions. Listening back helps you identify areas for improvement and track how far you’ve come.
Ultimate Tip: Create a dedicated folder for your recordings. Label them with dates and notes about what you’re working on to keep a clear timeline of your progress.
8. Expand Your Music Theory Knowledge
Learn the basics of music theory, such as scales, intervals, and chord construction. This knowledge will deepen your understanding of the guitar and make you a better musician.
Ultimate Tip: Pair theory with practical application. For example, after learning a scale, practice improvising melodies using it to solidify your understanding.
9. Join a Guitar Community
Connect with other guitar learners online or in your local area. Sharing tips, challenges, and successes with others can keep you motivated and inspired.
Ultimate Tip: Participate in forums, social media groups, or local meetups. Engaging with others can provide accountability and introduce you to new techniques and ideas.
10. Have Fun!
Remember why you picked up the guitar in the first place. Whether it’s jamming with friends, playing along with your favorite tunes, or improvising, make sure to enjoy the process.
Ultimate Tip: Don’t stress about perfection. Focus on progress and the joy of playing. Take breaks when needed to avoid burnout.
Bonus Tip: Track Your Resolutions
Write down your goals and review them monthly. Celebrate small wins, adjust where needed, and stay committed to the journey.
Starting the year with these resolutions will not only improve your guitar skills but also deepen your love for music. So pick up your guitar, set your goals, and make 2025 the year of melodies and progress!
How to take your guitar playing skills to the next level
The next step to bridging that gap is to explore the step-by-step lessons of the Fretello Learn Path. Not only will you learn how to master all of these chords, but it’ll teach you the basics and beyond including scales, power chords, improvisation and composition techniques, and much more!