Comments on: Are you experiencing the Dip?

By: Scott

Scott — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 21:57:33 +0000

I read somewhere that 50% of people that begin to learn guitar, quit within the first year. I think a lot of it has to do with this dip. It becomes difficult to progress and people get lazy as the newness has worn off.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Fri, 29 Oct 2010 22:53:22 +0000

After two and a half years, I’m definitely experiencing this. It’s especially frustrating, because I’m so used to being good at nearly anything that requires one’s hands, including piano. I just feel like I can’t get any better, no matter what I do, but I suppose what it truly takes is indeed perseverance and determination. As easy as it would be to give up, you’ve made me realize that it would be the worst thing to do.

Thanks for the inspiration.

By: Tim

Tim — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 20:08:11 +0000

In the dip right now!!! Anxiety, fear, anger, bummed out, feeling unorganized.

I practice a lot, I work real hard!! Not sure what is going to happen. I want to be a great player.

I just read your article and I have to say I appreciate it. It is where I am for sure.

So I am going to work through this and become a great player.

I am willing to do what most won’t!! My intention is to be a player people want to learn from. I am passionate and love to explain and coach others the things I know.

Your article is very timely.

Thank You!

Tim

By: Steve

Steve — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 22:33:54 +0000

I wish my dip was something like that. I my fretting hand in the thumb joint somehow. Crap I can’t even grasp and turn a doorknob without it being very very painful. That was about six weeks ago and I am way off my practice and playing routine. I get about a 1/2 hour in every 3 rd day, it shows and it hurts like hell when I try to play. No insurance so seeing a DR is just about out.

However I did experience dips thur the early part of learning guitar. One last about about 15 years. Lately I have been studying theory and learning the fretboard slowly so as not to put too much strain on my thumb joint.

Crap it hurts just to type this stuff

By: John Tuggle

John Tuggle — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 14:10:05 +0000

Thanks for the comment John. You’re right it requires sheer determination to get good. But anything worth doing probably does.

One of my favorite quotes, “If you can find a path with no obstacles, it probably doesn’t lead anywhere.” – Frank A. Clark

By: John Leslie

John Leslie — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 00:59:52 +0000

This man is telling the truth. I started playing guitar at 38 and boy, did I dip. Gave up but kept picking up the instrument, gave up again but went back, etc…I now can hold my own against most guitarists and could probably teach if I wanted. Because, when you really struggle to play, and you get consumed with it you will come out on top. This instrument is not that difficult-it is all mental. You have 10 fingers-they can move faster than your brain can keep up with. So, hang in there!

By: Tim

Tim — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 14:04:04 +0000

In 1984 I began lessons which lasted for about a year. I developed a basic understanding good enough to join a band in high school and gig a fair amount. I never progressed beyond that basic level of understanding, and then the “dip”. I went to law school, got married, had a kid and my strat pretty much remained in the case until a year ago.

Fast forward to 2008. My 9 year old son discovered my guitar in the basement and decided he wanted to learn how to play. He now has his own guitar and has been taking lessons for about a year. As for me, I was determined to take my playing to the next level. After about a year of scouring YouTube video lessons, and more recently Johns DVD lessons, I’m really beginning to “get it”. I have a ways to go, but I’m far better guitarist at this point than I ever was during my gigging years.

Set your goals, persevere and you will be rewarded.

Tim

By: John Tuggle

John Tuggle — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 18:39:05 +0000

Thanks for the comment. I agree, although at some point, different techniques will require more focus. If you’re a beginner guitarist, learning how to play D, Cadd9, and G, is much easier than learning how to play Barre Chords.

Also learning some basic slide guitar licks is not that difficult, but to learn a Derek Trucks solo will require much more focus, and the results will not appear with as fast with the same amount of practice.

Just my opinion. I’d love to hear what others have experienced.

By: Learn Guitar Chords

Learn Guitar Chords — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 01:43:42 +0000

Part of not experiencing a dip, in my opinion, is getting the proper foundation from a great instructor, someone who can get you set on the right course and supply you with the right tools.