How to Move From an Intermediate to Advanced Guitarist

Moving from an intermediate to an advanced guitarist is a process that requires dedication, focus, and a strategic approach. Aspiring musicians often find themselves at a crossroads—wondering how to elevate their playing beyond the basics. The key lies in prioritizing the precision of known skills over the sheer quantity of skills.

It’s essential to take your playing outside of the classroom and bedroom. Engage with fellow musicians, perform at local venues, or join jam sessions. These real-world experiences will challenge you and force you to adapt your techniques in ways that practicing alone cannot replicate.

To truly maximize your effectiveness during practice sessions, it’s crucial to have clear goals in mind. Advanced skills require a significant time investment; thus, knowing what you want to achieve is vital. For instance, if you're looking to master complex solos or improve your improvisation skills, tailor your practice around those specific objectives.

Remember that while these suggestions may not dictate what you should do technically on the guitar, they emphasize how you select what to focus on during practice. The underlying principles of effective practice remain constant: consistency, intentionality, and reflection are key elements that will guide your evolution as a guitarist. Embrace this mindset shift—your path from intermediate to advanced will be clearer than ever before!

If you’re not sure how to go about this, and you’re in the Beaumont, Tx. area, get in touch with me and we can examine your goals and develop a plan to reach them together!

If you’re just starting out, I can help with that too! Get your free beginner guitarist crash course here.

I’ll see you on the next one.

Play Loud. Be Heard.

Gavin F. Haley
Headmaster
Apex Guitar Institute