I’ve talked before about why learning guitar as an adult can actually be better than learning as a kid—and I stand by that. However, there's one critical area where adults tend to stumble—something younger players do instinctively, and that often gives them an unexpected advantage. Today, let’s dive into that.

Think about this: When was the last time you felt deeply inspired by something musical—a great lick, a new technique, or an exciting concept—only to say, "I'll try that someday when I have more time"? We've all done it. As adults, we're constantly balancing responsibilities and logic with our musical ambitions. We like to plan, to organize, to wait for the "right" moment. But what if that moment never comes?

Here's the issue: Music, at its core, thrives on passion, spontaneity, and impulse. Younger musicians seem to intuitively grasp this. When they discover something exciting, they drop everything and dive right into it. They don’t wait for the perfect conditions—they seize the moment.

Adults, meanwhile, often postpone these spontaneous impulses. We make mental notes, save videos, bookmark lessons, or buy books and let them gather dust. The problem is that inspiration is fleeting. The intense desire to learn that new thing fades quickly, and once it's gone, it's hard—if not impossible—to rekindle.

So what's the secret? How do we balance our structured, adult minds with the impulsive, spontaneous energy of youth?

Here's my recommendation: Aim for balance.

• Structured Practice: Four or five days a week, keep a disciplined, regular practice schedule. Build your fundamentals, technique, and repertoire methodically.

• Spontaneous Exploration: Allow two or three days a week where you completely abandon structure and chase whatever excites you. When you feel inspired by something new—immediately pursue it, without hesitation. Spend as much time as you want, even if it doesn’t neatly fit into your current goals or skillset.

This combination keeps your musical journey both productive and exciting. The structured days ensure consistent growth, while the spontaneous days feed your creativity and keep your passion alive.

Your Challenge Today:

Right now, think of something you've been postponing—a guitar lesson you've been curious about, that video lesson you bookmarked, or that untouched guitar book sitting on your shelf. Stop waiting. Dive in today and reignite your inspiration.

Happy playing,

Andre