I am sure this has been covered but please bear with me. I get some time to practice and i wind up wasing it all trying to search forums etc.
My question is, where to start? I have the app which is awesome and here is the website and then all the options, it is overwhelming. I am supper ADHD and with this many options it is too overwhelming. Can anyone suggest a clear path? Does Justin do that somewhere?
I have been playing since just before the pandemic, all youtube learning and firuring out half ass songs, all by myself but I need a path to stick to, in order to learn some stuff the right way. Suggestions? Please help! App or website or combo? uhgggg
Hi James! You’re correct that this has been asked before, so you’re in good company. Also, the consistent answer is: start at the very beginning of Justin’s Beginner’s course, and do every lesson. Some will seem easy. Some will seem unnecessary. Many offer information you didn’t have before.
You’ll find yourself learning things you don’t think you need. Learn them anyway!!! I was surprised to find that skills I thought did not apply to the music Iike usually do have a place.
You have the app, so you can use it in combination with the website. The lessons track on both platforms. The website offers written information on each lesson, which isn’t available (as I understand) on the app. The app excels for its play-along features.
Do you think i should be doing theory as well? Im windering if i should go for 15 min lessons, 15 min theory, 15 min play? Trying to nail down a good plan.
To your question about using your time: Justin gives guidance on practice, and how much time to spend at what, at the end of each module through Grade 3. At first it’s very prescriptive, and over time he teaches us how to decide for ourselves how to allocate practice time. Follow that guidance!
Regarding theory: Justin does introduce theory concepts in his lessons when the theory adds to what he’s teaching. Here’s my experience: I like to understand the “whys” of things, so I wanted more theory. I started studying (using Justin’s paid course) around the end of Grade 1. I got a lot out of it until, I think, about the middle of Theory Grade 4. (The theory grades and guitar-lesson grades do not align.) No problem, I set theory aside for a while. Now I return to it when I feel the itch again. I continue learning episodically; my guitar skills can’t keep up with what’s being presented, and learning theory without having skills to apply it isn’t much fun for me. Finally, I’ve learned a lot by reading theory conversations here on the Community. When I don’t understand something and it seems interesting, I take a few minutes to understand part of it. I’ve accumulated a surprising amount of understading this way.
You say you struggle with having too many options (which I understand). So try to be honest with yourself and understand whether studying theory will be a distraction from learning to play guitar, in this moment, rather than a benefit. And as I said, realize that once you begin theory you may set it aside from time to time. Then before picking it up again, ask that question: is this a distraction from increasing my guitar skills.
Grades 1 and 2 of Justin’s Practical Music Theory course are free (no credit card required so no fear of forgetting to cancel before some deadline). Maybe check those out and see what you think. Also, there’s a topic in this community called something like “Tips from the official guides” that has some great theory discussions. See for example Richard’s very thorough exploration of the Circle of Fifths. That’ll keep you going for a while! Just don’t let it become a rabbit hole!
Start at Grade 1 Module 1 Lesson 1 and then work through each module 1 lesson at a time and then use the practice session provided to guide you practice,
When practicing avoid Youtube and ALL social media, INCLUDING this forum.
Use practice time purely for practice.
I don’t use the app, it was introduce after I was well on my journey but I would still recommend using the web site Grade lessons as the guide and the app as a supplement to learning and playing songs.
Take your time don’t rush and be easy on yourself. And ask when not sure.
Start at the beginning, try not to get too distracted & follow Toby’s sound (pun intended) advice… you’re learning to PLAY guitar. Play implies Fun! If you’re having fun, you pick up the guitar more often. The more you pick it up, the more you learn & the more Fun you have… it’s a never-ending circle !!! So Enjoy the ride & don’t agonize about it… also, it’s not a sprint, it’s ok to progress at YOUR OWN PACE!
To paraphrase,
Take it easy, Take it easy, Don’t let the sounds from your guitar drive you Crazy!!!
Plus, this Community is always here to help you out!
Also, the consistent answer is: start at the very beginning of Justin’s Beginner’s course, and do every lesson. Some will seem easy. Some will seem unnecessary. Many offer information you didn’t have before.
advice… you’re learning to PLAY guitar. Play implies Fun! If you’re having fun, you pick up the guitar more often. The more you pick it up, the more you learn & the more Fun you have… it’s a never-ending circle 
!!! So Enjoy the ride & don’t agonize about it… also, it’s not a sprint, it’s ok to progress at YOUR OWN PACE!