Have you ever been in a slump or had days when your desire to practice was minimal to even none? Do you look at your guitar idols and think, "What's the use? I will never be that good!"

Well, if any of this sounds like you, you have come to the right article. But before I can say anything else to you, I would like to tell you that truthfully I can't give you anything and don't expect a magic wand. What I can give you is some advice and a better way of helping you look at your situation. All you need to do is to open your mind and heart. It is really up to you and only you have the power to decide what you will do.

Doubt is a natural human feeling. There has never been a human born who has not wrestled with doubt. Believe me! If you read about the lives of any of the great musicians, scientists, or entertainers who have contributed to this world you will find doubt in all their stories. What made all these great men and women carry on was that they did not let their doubt stop them from going for it. Maybe, as examples, you are just starting to do sweeping arpeggios and you can't get the pick to hit the strings right or maybe you are more advanced and can't get over the 180 mark on the metronome. Whatever you're doing, in music or in life, there comes a time when we face something we have never faced before and doubt comes in. I can hear you say, "Hey Mario, I really feel what you are saying but what can I do man?"

Believe

Everyone I have mentioned and many more understand that success in any endeavor comes with a great price of hard work and determination and to the man who thinks he can. When you doubt your potential to accomplish your dream, you will give up. I think that sometimes we forget that talent is a product of hard work. No one can make you a better player! You must earn it!

I will also suggest that if you are stuck, don't be ashamed of asking for help. There are many great resources on the net. My friend and mentor Tom Hess has written some great articles. One in particular is about finding a guitar teacher. Yes, playing guitar can be a great challenge, but one that can be accomplished and overcome one lick at a time. Well there is nothing like it in the world!

Remember, man stepped on the moon, man has flown the skies, and he has built great buildings and done marvels with medicine. So be certain that your goals are within your reach. All that is required is hard work, focus, and belief in yourself. Here is a poem dealing with believing in yourself:

The Man Who Thinks He Can!
If you think you are beaten, you are;
If you think you dare not, you dont!
If you'd like to win, but think you can't,
It's almost a cinch that you wont.

If you think you'll lose, you're lost
For out in the world we find
Success begins with a fellow's will;
It's all in the state of mind!

If you think you're outclassed, you are;
You've got to think high to rise.
You've got to be sure of yourself
before you can win the prize.

Life's battles don't always go
To the strongest or fastest man;
But sooner or later the man who wins
Is the man who thinks he can!

Author ~ Walter D. Wintle

We must believe to succeed. Good Luck.  Please email me with questions or comments at marioamengual@bellsouth.net