PRESENCE - Volume 61
Inspiration For Guitarists
Every guitarist hits it eventually.
Progress slows down. Things that used to feel exciting start feeling stale. And almost immediately the brain starts looking for a solution — something new to learn, a new technique to chase, a new song to tackle.
I get it. It feels like forward motion. But in my experience it's usually the wrong move.
Here's what's actually happening most of the time.
When guitarists feel stuck they tend to reach for something new. And the internet is happy to oblige — there's no shortage of lessons, techniques, and rabbit holes to disappear into. The problem is that most of what's out there falls into one of three traps:
It's something you aren't ready for yet. Not because you aren't capable, but because the foundation isn't solid enough to support it. You end up frustrated, convinced the problem is you. It isn't.
It won't transfer anywhere. You learn it, you can play it, and then you realize it only works in one specific context. One song, one key, one situation. It doesn't make you a better guitarist — it just makes you someone who can play that one thing.
It comes up so rarely it barely matters. Hyper-specific techniques that sound impressive in a lesson video but almost never show up in real playing. You've spent weeks on something you'll use twice a year.
The plateau isn't a sign that you need more material. It's almost always a sign that something foundational needs attention.
This is exactly why I focus so much of my teaching around what I call the 3 Essential Skills — the Number System, the CAGED System, and the Landmark Pentatonic System. Not because they're the only things worth knowing, but because they transfer to any song, any style, any situation. Strengthen those and the plateau doesn't just end — it stops coming back as often.
If you're feeling stuck right now, before you go looking for something new, ask yourself honestly: how solid is your foundation?
Because the answer to the plateau is almost never out there. It's usually already in your hands.
Talk soon, Dustin
PS — If you want help figuring out exactly where to focus — that's what Office Hours is for. The first call is Tuesday April 21st at 1:00 pm EST and there are still spots available at the founding rate of $47/month.