Is It Better to Learn Proper Technique Early?
Finding the Balance Between Enjoyment and Discipline in Guitar Playing
The Joy of Playing First
Let’s be honest — a lot of us picked up the guitar not to be perfect, but because it looked cool, sounded cool, and gave us something to do (especially during lockdown). Whether it was learning Nirvana riffs in your bedroom or noodling around with blues licks for hours, that joy of making sound is what kept you coming back. And that joy is valid — more than valid, it’s essential.
Many people start learning guitar on their own and do just fine. YouTube videos, tabs, friends, and some trial and error go a long way. If you’re enjoying yourself, making music, and not hurting your hands, it can feel like you’re doing something right — and for the most part, you probably are.
Then Comes the Guitar Teacher
So you’ve been teaching yourself guitar for a while and things are going alright. But then life gets busy, progress slows, and you think, “maybe now’s the time to find a guitar teacher.” You finally sign up for some guitar lessons, hoping to get better… and that’s when everything changes.
Suddenly, you’re told the way you hold the pick is wrong, your hand position is off, your posture is a problem, and now you’re back to doing basic finger exercises. It’s frustrating. You went in hoping to unlock the next level, not be told you need to forget everything and start again.
The Truth About Technique
So is it better to learn proper technique early?
Short answer: yes, but…
The longer answer is: yes, good technique helps in the long run — but it doesn’t need to be perfect from day one. And more importantly, it should never come at the cost of sucking the fun out of playing.
There’s a difference between developing bad habits that limit you (like tension that causes pain or a picking style that bottlenecks your speed) and just doing things in a way that’s a little unconventional. A good guitar teacher knows the difference — and works with you, not against you.
When Technique Becomes a Barrier
If your teacher’s approach makes you dread picking up the guitar, something’s off. Guitar lessons shouldn’t feel like a punishment. Yes, constructive feedback is part of the process. But if all you’re doing is exercises that feel robotic and you’re not enjoying playing anymore, that’s a red flag.
The role of a guitar teacher is to enhance your connection with the instrument, not replace it with rules and drills. If the changes feel unnatural and you’re not seeing improvement, it’s worth having an honest chat with your teacher — or looking for someone whose style suits you better.
Finding the Balance
Here’s a more realistic way to look at it:
- If you’re a total beginner: Building good technique from the start helps avoid problems later. It’s like learning to type properly instead of hunting and pecking — it pays off.
- If you’ve already been playing for a while: You can fix technique issues without tearing everything down. It just takes a smart approach — one that builds on what you can already do, while slowly ironing out the things that hold you back.
In London, there are loads of guitar teachers with different styles. If your current guitar lessons feel too rigid or joyless, you might just need to try someone else — someone who listens to what you want and shapes the lessons around that.
Our Take on It
We believe learning guitar should be something you look forward to, not a chore. Technique is important — but so is keeping the spirit alive. Whether you’re looking for relaxed one-on-one sessions, or you want to tackle technical stuff seriously, a good guitar teacher will help you find the balance that suits you.
If you’re based in the city and looking for guitar lessons in London, feel free to get in touch. We work with all kinds of players — beginners, self-taught lockdown strummers, frustrated intermediates, you name it. You won’t be asked to forget everything and start again. We’ll meet you where you’re at and take it from there.
Because ultimately, the best technique is the one that gets you playing more — not less.
Final Thought
So… is guitar playing really that strict?
Only if you let it be. Learn the rules, sure — but don’t lose the reason you picked up the guitar in the first place.
Interested in guitar lessons in London? Reach out today and let’s find a style that works for you.