Isbell’s Tips to Keep Young Guitarists Playing

Nashville, Tennessee – Singer-songwriter Jason Isbell is offering advice to new guitar players to help them stick with the instrument. Speaking on the Guitar Moves podcast, Isbell emphasized the importance of getting a budget guitar set up before leaving the store. This simple step can make learning more enjoyable and prevent beginners from quitting.

Isbell suggests spending a little extra money—between $50 and $100—to ensure that the guitar is adjusted properly. “Get it set up. Spend the 50, or 80, or 100 bucks, and before you leave the music store let them set it up for you,” he said. He believes that adjustments like setting the right action and leveling the frets can significantly improve the playing experience for newcomers.

He reflected on his own experience, noting, “I wish somebody would have told me that when I was a kid.” Isbell recognized that many young players may not have the means to buy high-quality instruments, but by investing in a setup, they can have a much better experience when they start playing.

Alongside this advice, co-host Matt Sweeney mentioned that many beginners face discomfort when they start learning. Isbell acknowledged this point, saying, “You don’t want people to stop playing because it hurts.” He encouraged listeners to persist through the initial pain of learning to play, reinforcing the notion that proper adjustments can mitigate discomfort.

Isbell recently released his new album, “Foxes In The Snow,” in March and is set to embark on a tour throughout 2025. Fans can check his schedule to catch him live on stage.