Are you ready to start your guitar mastery journey?
Apply for the program today
Are you ready to start your guitar mastery journey?
Apply for the program today
There could be a number of feelings arising at this time. You've just given yourself a whole new routine and taken on a ridiculous challenge that most people would flee in frenzy from. You're in it, and that means you're on your way to win it! But the journey is not devoid of emotions and doubts. Let's break down some common feelings that arise around this time so we can get on with growing and becoming badass guitar players.
It's really tempting to compare ourselves to others, but luckily, worrying about if you are ahead or behind other students is pretty pointless. Our culture is focused on instant gratification and we are all somewhat programmed to strive for faster results, even if it means sacrificing quality and experience, but let's just not do that!
GMI's core-curriculum is about developing a deep relationship with your guitar so that you can play music from your heart and soul. This means that your practice sessions –while challenging or tedious at times– should be focused on the moment-to-moment experience, rather than the results.
Remember that if you can bring heart into your technique practice, then playing with heart when you're jamming is going to be a breeze!
It's ironic: the secret is the deeper you relax into your experience of practice without worrying about what you're getting, the better results you will get. This is easier said than done, but if you're doing this program it means you have something to say on guitar and the drive to learn how to say it. This is artistic intelligence, and anyone with artistic intelligence will have the capacity to stop giving a hoot about comparing themselves to others so they can focus on savoring the practice.
Maybe! Maybe not! It doesn't really matter :) Remember that that is not the goal. The 3 month timeline is about your work with your mentor, which means you are developing a healthy, efficient and sustainable practice routine and getting expert guidance along the way. Once the 3 months is up, you will be empowered with everything you've been cultivating to continue the curriculum for as long as it takes.
Yup, that happens. Sometimes we can play exercise after exercise, and we're still not ripping insane solos on stage, and we're like "What the heck!?!?!" Well if this is you, it probably means that a major breakthrough is coming, so consider it good news! The best we can do is show up and let the practice do the rest. Your growth will happen in its own time if you are truly showing up to your practice sessions with awareness and a positive mindset.
Another possibility to consider is that you may want to commit more deeply to Creative Time. If you feel like you've been very structured and rigid in your scale practice, try experimenting with these exercises in a more artistic and curious way. If you don't know how to go about doing that, definitely hop on our Weekly QnA Sessions on Wednesdays at 5:30pm PST and ask Ila. She's full of all kinds of creative practice ideas.
That's normal and that's why we designed the review items to go out in spaced repetition. You might have to spend a little time refreshing your memory, but next time that exercise comes around the process will be even faster. Eventually, remembering the exercise is so fast that you actually just know it! That's how it works. Just be patient and put as much time into your review items as you can.
YES! Your mentor LOVES you! Our team of mentors is specifically hand-picked for their badassery on guitar, their passion for teaching the real nitty gritty, and their compassionate & kind nature, which means no matter what you are going through, your mentor cares. So if you are feeling alone in any way, remember that your mentor would love to hear from you. And if for some reason you want a second opinion on something, make sure to join the Weekly QnA calls to ask questions, or reach out to us at GMI through email.