Top Myths About Learning Guitar Debunked

Learning to play the guitar is an exciting journey, but it's easy to get caught up in myths that may discourage you before you even start. Whether you're a beginner or you've been playing for a while, it's important to separate fact from fiction to set yourself up for success. Let’s explore some of the most common myths about learning guitar and debunk them once and for all!

1. “You Need to Start Young to Be Good”

• Myth: Many people believe that if you don’t start learning the guitar at a young age, you’ll never be as good as those who do. But this couldn’t be further from the truth.
• Reality: While it's true that children may have more time to practice due to fewer responsibilities, it doesn’t mean adults can’t succeed. In fact, there are many players who began their musical journey in their 20s, 30s, 40s, or even later and have become very accomplished guitarists. The key to success is consistent practice and dedication.
• According to our Beginner’s Music Learning Checklist, setting a regular practice routine is much more important than your age. You can start learning at any stage in life and still make great progress if you're committed to improving.

2. “Small Hands Can’t Play Guitar”

• Myth: Another common misconception is that if you have small hands, you won't be able to play the guitar effectively. This often discourages beginners from even trying.
• Reality: Hand size is not as important as technique. Many famous guitarists, including some with smaller hands, have developed specific techniques to compensate for this. One of the most common solutions is learning proper thumb positioning, which helps you reach chords and frets comfortably.
• If you're concerned about your hand size, there are plenty of guitar models that can accommodate smaller hands. For instance, guitars with slimmer neck profiles or shorter scales might be more comfortable. In our How to Choose Your First Guitar Under $200 guide, we highlight beginner-friendly guitars that are perfect for those with smaller hands.

3. “You Have to Learn to Read Music First”

• Myth: It’s easy to think that you need to learn to read traditional sheet music before you can start playing the guitar. Many beginners feel overwhelmed by this thought and put off starting.
• Reality: While reading sheet music is valuable, it is not a requirement for learning to play the guitar. In fact, most guitarists begin by learning chords, tablature (TABs), and chord charts, which are much easier to understand and apply. Many famous guitarists, including Jimi Hendrix and Eric Clapton, didn’t know how to read music when they first started, yet they became incredibly skilled players.
• If you’re still unsure about whether you need to read music, you can read more about this in our article, Can You Learn Music Without Knowing How to Read Notes?. It breaks down the benefits of learning to play without the need for traditional notation and shows that there are multiple pathways to becoming a skilled musician.

4. “You Need Expensive Gear to Sound Good”

• Myth: Many people assume that in order to sound good on the guitar, you need to have the best, most expensive gear. This can discourage beginners from even trying because they think they can't afford the “right” equipment.
• Reality: While high-end guitars and amps can sound fantastic, they are not essential for beginners. What’s more important is how well your instrument is set up and how you use it. You can make an affordable guitar sound great with proper setup, maintenance, and the right accessories.
• When purchasing your first guitar, you don't need to spend hundreds or thousands of dollars. In fact, there are many great guitars for under $200 that sound fantastic and play well. We’ve provided a list of recommended budget guitars in our Guitar Buying Tips, which shows that affordable models can still offer great tone and comfort for learning.

5. “If You Can’t Play Fast, You’re Not Good”

• Myth: Another myth that holds many beginners back is the idea that speed is the ultimate measure of a guitarist’s skill. Speed isn’t everything, and focusing solely on playing fast can lead to poor technique and sloppy playing.
• Reality: Being able to play fast does not automatically make you a great guitarist. What truly matters is your timing, tone, and expression. These elements are what make music emotionally impactful. Rushing into speed without focusing on proper technique can lead to frustration and bad habits.
• As a beginner, it’s essential to focus on building a solid foundation in rhythm and timing before trying to increase your speed. Our Guide to Understanding Tempo and BPM is a great resource for learning how to develop your rhythm, which is crucial before speeding up your playing.

Final Thought:

• It’s important to remember that learning the guitar is a personal journey, and there’s no single path to success. The guitar is for everyone, no matter your age, hand size, or musical background. Don’t let myths and misconceptions hold you back. Instead, focus on finding the guitar that suits your needs, setting a practice schedule, and enjoying the process.
• If you ever doubt yourself or feel discouraged, revisit the points in this article. As a beginner, it’s normal to face challenges, but with consistent practice and the right mindset, you'll continue to progress.
• Remember, every great guitarist started somewhere—whether that was as a child or an adult, with small hands or large ones, reading music or just learning chords. The key to success is persistence and enjoying the process.