Every new guitarist hits a wall at some point—blisters, buzzing strings, sore wrists, or frustration with changing chords. These early struggles are totally normal, but they can feel discouraging if you don’t have a clear way forward.
As guitar teachers who work with beginners every day, we’ve seen the same challenges come up again and again. Here’s our guide to the most common guitar hurdles—and what you can do to power through them.
Problem #1: Finger Pain
What’s Happening: New players often experience fingertip discomfort from pressing down on the strings.
What Helps:
- Keep sessions short and consistent—10–15 minutes a day is enough
- Use a guitar with lighter gauge strings
- Try pressing just hard enough to get a clean sound—no need to overdo it
Most beginners build finger strength and calluses within 2–3 weeks.
Problem #2: Sloppy Chord Transitions
What’s Happening: Switching between chords takes time and leads to pauses in rhythm.
What Helps:
- Practice chord “push-ups”—switch between two chords repeatedly
- Keep your strumming hand moving, even if you miss a note
- Slow it down! Use a metronome to find your comfortable pace
Need more rhythm tips? See our post on why rhythm matters for guitar to stay in time while learning.
Problem #3: String Buzz or Muffled Notes
What’s Happening: Strings don’t ring clearly, often due to finger placement or pressure.
What Helps:
- Press close to the fret (not on top of it)
- Make sure each finger is curled and not muting neighboring strings
- Adjust wrist and thumb positioning for better angle and reach
Problem #4: Losing Motivation
What’s Happening: Progress feels slow, and it’s easy to get discouraged.
What Helps:
- Learn a song your child loves—even if it’s simplified
- Record progress weekly to hear improvement
- Set small goals (e.g., “Play G–C–D with no pauses”)
You can also find helpful videos and motivation strategies on Justin Guitar’s site, a free resource we often recommend to students.
FAQ: Mastering the Guitar
How long does it take to get comfortable on guitar?
Most beginners feel more confident after 3–6 months of regular practice. Comfort with chords and transitions grows gradually.
What’s the biggest mistake new players make?
Trying to play too fast too soon. Slow, accurate practice builds better habits than rushing through songs.
Can lessons help with motivation?
Absolutely. A good teacher will adjust the pace, personalize your song list, and celebrate wins to keep you moving forward.
