Guitar & Comfort Zone — Leave It, But Not Too Much

Lesson #586 • Mar 21, 2025

About This Lesson

In today’s lesson I want to talk about comfort zone as a guitarist, and why it’s essential you leave your comfort zone if you want to grow. A crucial aspect to this is not leaving your comfort zone too much — lest you find yourself in over your head. This creates a bit of a delicate balancing act, as we need to find a level of challenge that’s just right — not too much, but also not too little.

In my video, I’ll walk through how I think about this topic — and give some general advice on finding that sometimes elusive sweet spot.

Instructional PDF 2 pages

Lesson Discussion

Quotes from others

From Michael Blank:

But you do want to be careful that you don’t get too far outside your comfort zone. If you’re thrown into a situation that is WAY beyond what you’re used to, you may not be in a position to cope.

I call this the Panic Zone, and it’s not a place where you can grow. That’s the place where you’re paralyzed by fear or freaking out. Either way, you want to stay out of the Panic Zone!

So, the key here is finding that perfect place between Too Easy and Too Hard where you can thrive.

The goal is to live our lives in the Growth Zone, that region just outside our Comfort Zone–but before we reach the Panic Zone. That’s where we can become a better version of ourselves.

In the Growth Zone, you start to have a vision for what’s possible without getting overwhelmed.

From Bear Grylls:

Adventure should be 80 percent I think this is manageable, but it’s good to have that last 20 percent where you’re right outside your comfort zone. Still safe, but outside your comfort zone.

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Guitar & Comfort Zone — Leave It, But Not Too Much

About This Lesson

Instructional PDF 2 pages

Lesson Discussion

Quotes from others

Related Lessons

Unlock My Secret Stash!

Browse Related Lessons

Enjoy My Lessons? Show Your Support!

Looking for More Song Lessons?

Featured Courses

Strumming & Rhythm

Fingerstyle & Travis Picking

Blues Starter Kit

Reading Music for Guitarists

Learning Lead Guitar

Beginner Chord Guide

Practical Music Theory

Using a Capo

Walk Ups & Walk Downs

CAGED Essentials

Fun & Helpful Tools I've Made

Fret Monster

Capo Captain

Key Master

Blank Tabs

Subscribe to my YouTube channel

Recent Lessons