For many aspiring guitarists, beginning the journey often comes with its own set of challenges.
The unfamiliarity of gripping the fretboard, the initial pain from the strings against the fingertips, and the struggle to produce clean sounds can dishearten even the most determined learners.
However, those who push through these early hurdles often find themselves rewarded with the joys that guitar-playing offers.
From lively campfire gatherings to spontaneous jam sessions, and sometimes even the formation of bands or music careers, the guitar has a unique way of bringing people together.
While many guitar enthusiasts start learning in their childhood, others like David Gilbert, a father from Englewood, take up the instrument later in life.
Seeking to introduce his children to the magic of live music, Gilbert began his guitar journey recently.
At nearly 40, he acknowledges that while the chances of becoming a guitar virtuoso might be slim, he aims to learn enough chords to play campfire songs for his family.
Gilbert shares, “I can get to a point where I can subject my family to some campfire songs.
And I think that kind of speaks to the essence of guitar — as this common man’s instrument that doesn’t take too much to get to a point where you can play some simple sing-along songs with kids.”
Emphasizing the accessibility of the instrument, Gilbert’s current goal is straightforward: to learn a variety of chords.
In the digital age, aspiring guitarists are turning to platforms like YouTube for guidance and instruction.
Warren Rubin, a lifelong guitarist and member of the Arvada-based band Dive Bar Diva, recognizes the plethora of resources available today.
Having started playing at a young age, Rubin believes today’s learners enjoy unprecedented access to knowledge regarding the guitar.
“You don’t have to take classes every week or every month; as much as you need to just pursue interesting ideas, watching others who different approaches to the instrument,” Rubin states.
He asserts we currently reside in a “golden age” of guitar learning, thanks to talented musicians on YouTube willing to share their skills.
While YouTube serves as a valuable tool for many, Rubin, despite decades of experience, still opts for in-person lessons.
His dedication to learning exemplifies his belief in the importance of fundamentals.
All the best guitarists he knows continue to seek knowledge, reinforcing that lessons bolster one’s skills and understanding of the instrument.
The Denver metro area offers numerous music schools, such as Arvada’s Pickin’ Parlor, Denver’s Swallow Hill Music, Englewood’s Denver Music Institute, and the Littleton School of Music.
These institutions provide lessons tailored to various styles and skill levels for those wishing to pursue structured learning.
Some musicians, however, take a different route.
Kevin Pounds, a Colorado Springs-based artist known as Kevin Lbs., learned guitar entirely on his own, honing his skills by ear.
“I spent my first year playing, probably hours a day, sounding out Nirvana songs by ear,” Pounds shares.
Gradually, he became more familiar with the chords and notes on the fretboard, though his beginnings were unstructured.
Encouraging learners to seek inspiration rather than despair in comparison, Pounds advises struggling guitarists not to measure their progress against others.
“Try not to compare yourself to others.
It can be very discouraging.
But don’t be afraid to steal their tricks or techniques.
You’re always going to put your own scent on it anyway,” he emphasizes.
Gilbert recognizes the main challenges he faces as a beginner: developing muscle memory for quick chord changes and finding time to practice amidst his full-time job and parental responsibilities.
He discloses that he sometimes feels reminiscent of the frustrations tied to learning a foreign language, particularly while trying to master rapid chord changes.
Moreover, carving out time to practice proves tricky; he often only has brief evenings to dedicate to his instrument.
However, Gilbert appreciates the flexibility that platforms like YouTube afford him.
He notes, “If I’m lucky, I’ve got half an hour in the evening to sit down with a YouTube tutorial and mess around with guitar.
But that’s sort of the benefit of the YouTube thing.
I don’t have to build lessons into my schedule; I can fit them in where it works.”
Rubin shares his perspective, suggesting that the focus should not be on mastery but simply enjoying the experience of playing.
He asserts, “If it brings you joy, you already play well enough.
You don’t need to become a virtuoso.
What brings you joy? Is it just playing three chords and being able to sing some of your favorite songs?
Or maybe it’s sitting in your chair, noodling a little bit while you watch television?
Do it.
It’s never too late to start.”
Rubin’s sentiments resonate with many who embark on this musical journey, as the pursuit of joy in music remains a core sentiment among guitar players of all levels.
Whether seeking to learn simple campfire songs or yearning for deeper musical understanding, the guitar provides an enriching outlet for personal growth and connection.
image source from：https://coloradocommunitymedia.com/2025/06/17/how-to-finally-learn-to-play-guitar-this-summer/
