Looking for inspiration to help you improve your guitar playing? These 10 life quotes will help you develop the mindset and habits of a successful guitarist.
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There’s something magical about a well-chosen quote. It can capture the spirit of music and inspire us to express ourselves in new ways.
As musicians, we can benefit from the insights of those who have achieved excellence in their field.
The key is to connect the quote with your personal experience. These ten quotes will boost your confidence and enthusiasm for playing the guitar.
Quote #1.
“Within you is the divine capacity to manifest and attract all you desire.” – Wayne Dyer
It can be hard to believe in yourself sometimes when it comes to playing the guitar, can’t it?
“Will I ever sound good?” and “I’m not as good as him/her” are just a few examples of self-limiting thoughts holding you back from guitar success.
Believe your guitar playing can sound epic, and you’ll naturally work your socks off to make that happen.
You have just as much potential as anyone else to become great at playing the guitar. Just keep practicing and enjoy the journey of getting better.
Quote #2.
“Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the things you did.” – Mark Twain
Would you love to play at an open mic night, but your lack of confidence is holding you back?
Have you ever found yourself lost in daydreams of playing guitar like a pro? Well, why not take that dream a step further and make it a reality?
With dedication and practice, you can turn those guitar fantasies into actual skills. Don’t let your dreams remain just a thought, turn them into a tangible achievement.
When it’s time to shuffle off this mortal coil, nobody wants to think if only I’d just gone for it. Stop getting in your own way, believe in yourself and set a date.
Quote #3.
“Never complain, never explain. Resist the temptation to defend yourself or make excuses” – Brian Tracy
In my experience as a guitar teacher, I’ve noticed that the folks who really excel at playing are the ones who don’t let excuses get in their way.
It’s always helpful to receive constructive feedback on your playing, and it’s important to take it into consideration and continue working on it.
It’s best to avoid making excuses for not practicing, like blaming work or family obligations or saying your fingers are too chubby for the job.
Taking control of your progress is crucial; sincere effort is the key to improvement. Dedicate your energy to enhancing your skills rather than dwelling on excuses.
Quote #4.
“My day begins with gratitude and joy. I look forward with enthusiasm to the adventures of the day, knowing that in my life, All is good.” – Louise Hay
Before you even pluck a guitar string, pause for a moment and check in with yourself.
Take note of your emotional state. Are you filled with inspiration and ready to dive in, or do you feel a bit low and drained?
Here’s a simple trick: shift your focus to the brilliance of your life and count your blessings for everything you have, especially when compared to the millions less fortunate on this planet.
The fact you can even afford to have a guitar is a blessing. So get a smile on your face and go into your practice session with an abundance mindset instead of a scarcity one.
You’ll be amazed at how much more productive and fun your session will be.
Quote #5.
“Those who know do not speak. Those who speak do not know.” – Lao Tzu – Tao Te Ching
Ancient Chinese wisdom is quite something.
If you’re seeking inspiration on how to navigate life, the Tao Te Ching is an essential read, regarded as one of the most significant philosophical texts globally.
Keep this line in your back pocket for those moments when you encounter self-proclaimed experts, whether in person or online, boosting themselves while belittling others.
So, recall this quote when you hear them bragging about how they could play barre chords perfectly within two hours of picking a guitar up or trying to dazzle you with overly complicated music theory jargon.
Watch how the comments now make you smile and think, “Aww, the poor dear”, instead of “I could smack him one.”
Quote #6.
“You can conquer almost any fear if you will only make up your mind to do so. For remember, fear doesn’t exist anywhere except in the mind” – Dale Carnegie
Do you get crippling anxiety and nerves just at the thought of playing your guitar in front of others?
You’re not alone. But here’s a powerful reminder: you hold the reins to transform that feeling.
If you label something as a problem, it becomes one. But if you affirm to yourself, “I’ve got this, I won’t let it shake me,” those self-made fears dissolve.
Imagine yourself on stage, playing your guitar with confidence and passion. The audience is captivated by your music. You feel completely in your element.
That’s the reality you can create for yourself. All you have to do is believe in yourself and take the first step.
So go out there and play your guitar with confidence! You’ve got this!
Quote #7.
“It’s better to travel well than to arrive” – Gautama Buddha
Want to hear the top advice I share with my guitar students daily? “Don’t rush.” Learning guitar isn’t about speed; it’s about the journey.
Those clickbait claims that promise instant pro status in 5 days? Don’t buy it; it’s a myth.
Take it easy, go at your own pace, and enjoy every step of your guitar improvement journey. It’s all about the ride, my friend.
Quote #8.
“Procrastination is one of the most common and deadliest of diseases and its toll on success and happiness is heavy.” – Wayne Dyer
We all do it from time to time. Procrastinate. It really is the thief of time, isn’t it? And when it comes to your progress on the guitar, wasting time can be a killer.
Life can throw curveballs, and that’s perfectly okay. I mean, imagine telling your partner, “Sorry, I read I need to stop procrastinating and play my guitar more, so I didn’t have time to cook dinner.”
That might not win you any popularity points.
Here are two tips to help you beat time-wasting. First, make practice easy; use a practice planner.
Try our 25 minute workout here to make it even easier.
Secondly, make your practice space a guitar-only zone free from distractions. Simple, yet highly effective.
Quote #9.
“I never fail. I either win or learn” – Nelson Mandela
This quote applies to any of you who may have had a nightmare of a live performance.
We’ve all had our moments. I once got so lost in making dramatic faces at the camera during a solo at a festival with over 50,000 people (and it was being broadcast to multiple European countries) that I missed my cue to come back in.
I wanted the ground to swallow me up!
It wasn’t a failure, but rather a valuable life lesson: focus on playing your guitar instead of showing off for the camera. 🤣
What’s the most valuable lesson you can take from a mistake you’ve made playing the guitar?
Quote #10.
“Don’t die with your music still inside you” – Unknown
I saved this one for last because I believe it’s self-explanatory. You’re here because playing the guitar is one of your passions and a way to express yourself.
Don’t worry about who’s listening and just play with all your heart.
Summing it Up
And with that, we wrap up our journey through ten life quotes that can redefine your path as a guitarist.
Life and music are deeply entwined, and these quotes offer unique perspectives to enrich your musical voyage.
Keep strumming, keep learning, and let the harmonies of life and guitar blend beautifully together.
