Tip #10 for my Guitar Tips for 2026 is simple: play for somebody. When you learn something new, don’t just keep it in the practice room—sit down and play it for your family or friends. You know what’s going to happen? You’re going to get nervous, and that’s a good thing. Those nerves teach you how to work through the stuff that shows up when it’s time to perform, and that’s part of becoming a real musician. The other half of this tip is what I call “create a gig.” Go to a restaurant, wine bar, or coffee house where there’s no entertainment and ask, “Have you ever thought about having entertainment?” You’re creating the need. Negotiate, offer to come in and play, and see if you can work something out—generally they’ll go for it. And if you think you don’t have enough material, start with 15 songs. That’s a really good start. Grab a guitar buddy or a bass player and go together—it takes the weight off, it’s fun, and when you’re done you’ll feel like you really did something.