JustinGuitar has been the first stepping stone for many successful guitar journeys, and many aspiring guitar players have learned how to play guitar with guitar teacher Justin Sandercoe’s help. Although the populars JustinGuitar Lessons and Songs App is described as an engaging and effective step-by-step beginner guitar course, it’s not just beginners and rookies who can benefit from Justin’s teaching.

Case in point: passionate hobby guitarist and singer Sanna Keskioja first started playing the guitar when she was a teenager, but one could say that she experienced a renaissance in guitar playing when she got acquainted with Musopia’s JustinGuitar App.

“I wish I had had the JustinGuitar App when I first started practicing years ago. It would’ve made a big difference”, Sanna says. “Back in the day, when I started playing, you didn’t have anything like these guitar lessons as an option.”

“I started playing because I simply thought the guitar was such a cool instrument. I really liked the sound, and I used to be a huge fan of Led Zeppelin and other guitar heroes back in the day.”

“I wish I had had the JustinGuitar App when I first started practicing years ago. It would’ve made a big difference.”

She first started to play classical guitar when she was 16 but soon encountered a problem: her hands were simply too small to get along with the classical guitar. “I felt like it took up all of my time just trying to stretch my fingers to hit the right spots, to be able to play the songs”, she explains. She ditched the classical guitar but later found a better way to play that suited her needs.

“During my studies, I got motivated to learn basic guitar chords to accompany myself when I was singing, which is the most important form of musical expression for me. The most important thing about playing is that I can accompany myself when I sing.”

This revelation made all the difference since strumming was easier, even with smaller hands. “Still, with small hands, you must pay attention to how you position your hand to reach the right chords at the right time. Justin’s technical tips have been very helpful to improve my strumming and rhythm skills”, she explains.

“I first found Justin’s app in 2022. I had just recovered from a finger injury and was ready to start practicing again. That’s when I got acquainted with JustinGuitar.”

It made all the difference. Sanna says that she first tried to look for quality teaching on YouTube but soon noticed that JustinGuitar’s teaching methods were much higher quality. “Justin Sandercoe is a top-notch teacher”, Sanna says. “He is a fantastic teacher: very systematic, his pedagogical skills are of high quality, and, most of all, his technical tips are excellent.”

“I have learned a lot of new things! The most important skill for me was learning to strum guitar properly. I’m not a natural at it, and Justin’s teaching has helped me improve significantly. Justin’s advice generally is much better than what I’ve received before. Thanks to him, I’ve truly been able to improve my sound. When I started taking guitar lessons, there was no such thing as remote music lessons. As a self-taught musician, it would have been much easier if I had had the chance to start learning with an app like this from the beginning. Now, I need to keep correcting a lot of old mistakes.”

Besides the quality and possibilities of remote guitar lessons, Sanna finds that a lot has changed in the world of guitar playing. “Back when I first started playing, there were just guys we looked up to as guitar heroes. Girls didn’t really play in bands, and there were barely any female guitar heroes yet. Now, there are several great, cool female guitar players, like the amazing Finnish guitarist Erja Lyytinen”, Sanna says.

“Thanks to JustinGuitar , I’ve truly been able to improve my own sound.”

“I myself don’t entertain the idea of becoming a major guitarist. At the moment, I simply enjoy improving my technique and being able to accompany myself while singing. One day, I’d like to perhaps play guitar in a band and write my own songs, but before that, I need first to have the guts to play in front of people”, Sanna laughs.

For her, the best part about playing is the flow state you get into. “If you’ve just had the worst day and start playing guitar, hours suddenly fly by, and you lose all sense of time.”

Music, in general, is more than just a hobby for her. “Music is such an integral part of life and of who I am as a person. It is quite simply irreplaceable; I can’t even begin to imagine a life without it. For me, music has always been number one. It’s always there, one way or the other.”

Although Sanna doesn’t entertain broad audiences with a guitar yet, she has found a lovely and somewhat original way to spread joy with music. “Next to music, I love riding and being around horses. When I notice that a horse might be a bit tense, I start to sing. I’ve noticed it relaxes both parties equally”, Sanna laughs.

Read the previous My Music Journey

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The post My Music Journey: Sanna Keskioja first appeared on Musopia Blog.

They say the only exercise some people get in January is walking back and forth to the fridge. We all know the January gym-goer stereotype: packed facilities, enthusiastic resolutions, and an abrupt drop-off by mid-February. If you’ve ever felt the thrill of starting a new workout routine only to see it fizzle out, then perhaps it’s time to consider a different kind of workout for the soul – learning to play a musical instrument, in this case guitar or uke.
Don’t worry; this isn’t a journey laden with pitfalls. In fact, with a bit of strategy and commitment, you can stay on track and make beautiful music. Here’s how to sidestep the common traps on your musical journey.

Switching from gym sessions to guitar or uke practice is not just a change of routine; it’s a shift in mindset. Instead of dreading the next workout, imagine looking forward to creating your own melodies. To make this transition smoother, consider finding an accountability partner – someone who shares your passion for music. Having a friend to check in with, share progress in chord and strumming skills, and maybe even jam together can make the learning process more enjoyable.

Just like hitting the gym regularly, consistent practice is crucial when learning to play guitar. Aim for a daily practice routine, even if it’s just for a short duration. The key is to build a habit, ensuring that playing guitar becomes as ingrained in your daily routine as your morning coffee. Set realistic goals and milestones, and celebrate small victories along the way.

One of the best ways to keep the enthusiasm alive is by playing songs you love. In fact, in our Big Guitar Survey, 17% of respondents claimed their biggest motivation was learning to play their favorite songs with guitar or ukulele. Whether it’s your favorite rock anthem, a classic jazz tune, or a pop chart-topper, learning to play songs that resonate with you will keep you motivated. With each successful rendition, you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment that propels you forward in your musical journey.

Learn more about the Big Guitar Survey and discover tips based on its results.

Learning an instrument doesn’t have to be a solitary pursuit. Joining a band or ensemble introduces an element of camaraderie and shared progress. Playing with others not only enhances your skills but also provides a social aspect to your musical journey. Local communities, music schools, and online platforms are great places to find like-minded musicians to collaborate with.

In the age of smartphones and apps, technology can be a powerful ally in your musical journey. Check guitar apps that offer guitar tuner, lessons, practice schedules, and even virtual instructors. Choose the app that fits your learning style the best and provides a structured learning path, making it easier to track your progress and stay motivated. Plus, they allow you to practice at your own pace, anytime, anywhere. If your new preferred instrument is a guitar or ukulele, be sure to check out our apps JustinGuitar Lessons & Songs App and Kala Ukulele Tuner & Songs App.

So, as you swap the treadmill for the metronome and dumbbells for drumsticks, remember that learning an instrument doesn’t have to follow the same pitfalls as a New Year’s fitness resolution. With an accountability partner, daily practice, playing your favorite songs, joining a band, and embracing technology, your musical journey can be both fulfilling and enjoyable. So, here’s to hitting the right notes and steering clear of the January blues – let the music play on!

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The post Skip the January Blues: Navigating the Musical Journey Without Hitting Sour Notes first appeared on Musopia Blog.

Musopia recently carried out a Big Guitar Survey with over 8000 participants to learn more about what goes on behind the process of learning to play the guitar. We found exciting observations and tips from the guitarists that participated in our survey, and now we want to cast a better light on these results.

Learning to play the guitar – or any instrument – for that matter, is an exciting adventure. Perfecting a new skill like an instrument can bring many new, challenging and fulfilling things into your life. You can learn much about yourself, feel a sense of achievement, and be proud of yourself when you master new techniques and songs. It can give your life a new meaning, bring you a new and pleasurable way to pass your time, introduce new friends into your life, and even become a career and a livelihood! 

Challenges in the Learning Process

Although the advantages and perks are undeniable, learning to play an instrument is not always purely just a picnic. Every new guitar player undoubtedly experiences moments of frustration and self-doubt when trying to master the instrument and become better and better at it.

These feelings are entirely natural, and everyone experiences them every once in a while. Many new learners said in the survey, the biggest challenge is to make your fingers work right. Some also said that sometimes they didn’t know what to do or learn next and that difficult songs and techniques frustrated them. Other said that it was hard to stay motivated.

Frustration was generally the number one cause for giving up, while the lack of time or money appeared to be general reasons as well.

Learning From Fellow Guitarists

However, learning to play the guitar can be made much easier when one finds the right learning method for themselves. This is where we step in: Musopia’s apps for learning to play the guitar aim to help every new guitarist on their individual learning path. This is also why we wanted to gather the best tips from our fellow guitarists to beginners. We asked the guitar survey participants “ What advice would you give to yourself as a total beginner”?

There were thousands of replies, which we curated into

Top 10 Tips for Every Beginner Learning to Play Guitar

1. Be patient and never give up!
2. Practice regularly
3. Place your guitar somewhere where it’s easy to pick up every day
4. Find a learning method that works for you. It could be lessons in person, an app, online videos, or a combination of the above.
5. Don’t rush: take your time to learn the basics
6. Make a playlist of songs that you want to learn.
7. Find someone to play with, so you can support each other.
8. Realise that progress will be slow and don’t be too hard on yourself.
9. Learn new songs and techniques and go outside of your comfort zone.
10. Have fun, enjoy yourself and don’t take it too seriously!

Whenever you need some support, remember these tips from fellow guitarists and let them guide your learning path! 

Learn from professionals by reading Top Tips from Music Educators.
Interested in our secrets? Head to Musopia’s Secret Sauce of Learning to Play Music.

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Musopia carried out a Big Guitar Survey to find out more about the motivations and reasons behind learning a new instrument. In other words, we wanted to know what truly ignites the music in you. What we found out through the survey confirms many of the reasons why we love music.

Entertainment

According to the answers to our Big Guitar Survey, the most common reason behind learning to play was entertainment. Besides finding learning fun and rewarding, using those skills to entertain yourself and others played a big role in motivating you to learn to play. Also playing music in a group or band was specified as one of the fun factors. Who wouldn’t love a good jamming session with a group of people who share a love for music?

Your favorite songs

The close second motivational factor in the survey was learning to play your favorite songs. A cool guitar riff or a specific melody can spark the motivation for picking up a guitar. Among the most popular songs were many classics such as Hotel California, Stairway to Heaven, and Sultans of Swing.

Harmony & peace

Many survey respondents mentioned the calming effect of music as a reason for playing an instrument. It has been scientifically proven that music can reduce stress, anxiety, pain, and even depression. Music can also help calm down a hyperactive brain. The Finnish Brain Association says that this can be measured too: the effect of music can be seen in a lowering heart rate, decreasing blood pressure, and changes in hormone secretion, more specifically in lower cortisol and endorphin levels.

Energy

Funnily enough, also the energizing effect of music was among the top reasons and motivations for playing an instrument. While peaceful music can create a stress-free environment, more upbeat music increases energy and improves the overall mood. Very Well Mind’s article on the psychological benefits of music says that music can boost performance. In research done on this topic, it was found that adding a strong rhythmic beat to walking or running, boosted the athlete’s performance but also motivated them to stick to the endurance. On a side note, try adding songs with 125-140 beats per minute to your running list, this should do the trick for giving your pace a boost.

Also, the Finnish Brain Association backs up this theory. According to their article, as soon as a person hears music, his body syncs up with the music and its beat. When a group of people listens to the same song, their bodies start working in the same rhythm.

Escaping to music

Escaping their daily worries or stress with music was another frequently mentioned factor in the Big Guitar Survey. On one hand, learning a new instrument requires high focus and therefore does not allow the learner to think of other things. Setting up chords with one hand and strumming with the other, all while trying to stay in the rhythm, does not leave much space for worrying about your work projects. On the other hand, music’s stress-managing effects apply also to situations where the person is doing something else while “just” listening to music. 

Other listed reasons included activating your brain. It was mentioned that playing an instrument activates a part of the brain that otherwise doesn’t get used in daily life. According to the Finnish Brain Association, music has many health benefits to the brain: it increases blood flow and can even improve your memory. Music stimulates the parts of the brain that are responsible for feelings, cognition, and motor skills.

Some respondents mentioned that learning one instrument has made them want to learn additional ones to broaden their repertoire.

For many people, music offers all reasons and benefits listed above. It is interesting how the factors can change depending on the situation and the kind of music that is played. We can conclude that music and learning to play it, make life better in many ways. The trick is to find the right kind of music for each situation.

Learning to play guitar? Read tips from fellow guitarists.

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The post What is YOUR reason to play? first appeared on Musopia Blog.