How Learning to Sight-Read On Guitar Changed My Career (And Why You Should Start Now)
How Learning to Sight-Read Guitar Changed My Career (And Why You Should Start Now)
The Skill Most Guitarists Avoid
Sight-reading is one of those skills that most guitar players tend to dodge. It’s not often taught, and for many of us, TAB and our ears are the main go-to tools. That was definitely the case for me for years. I remember my music teachers saying a guitarist who could sight-read was worth their weight in gold — and as I got more serious about music, I understood why. Sight-reading on guitar is tough. Unlike piano, where each note has one clear place, the guitar lets you play the same note in multiple spots. Middle C can be played in at least two different places on the fretboard — and some notes appear in three!
It wasn’t something I took seriously early on. I avoided it for the same reasons many of us do — it’s intimidating, it feels slow, and honestly, I didn’t think I needed it. But when I decided I wanted to go professional, I knew I had to change that.
My Six-Month Sight-Reading Journey
I realised that without strong reading skills, I’d be locking myself out of a huge range of opportunities — theatre shows, reading gigs, cruise ships, and more. So, I set myself a goal: six months of daily reading practice.
I committed to spending a minimum of half an hour a day reading music. That meant drilling rhythms, learning to recognise notes on the stave, and translating those notes onto the fretboard — not just playing by pattern, but actually reading. It was frustrating at first, and progress felt slow. But over time, things started to click. Notes became quicker to identify. Rhythms became more natural. I began to feel more in control of the process.
Eventually, I felt ready to test my skills in the real world.
The Cruise Ship Audition That Didn’t Go to Plan
I auditioned for a cruise ship orchestra position — something that would challenge my sight-reading every single night with new material and guest performers. I felt ready.
I wasn’t.
I failed that audition. Badly.
Looking back, it was the best thing that could’ve happened. It showed me exactly where the gaps were. There’s no shame in falling short — what matters is what you do after. So I got back to work. Harder than before. I kept the daily routine, worked through more challenging material, and focused on the areas that let me down.
The Christmas Day That Changed My Life
A few months later, I was playing in a UK pantomime — a great gig that required some prep-based reading, which I was now much more confident with. Out of the blue, the cruise agent contacted me again: a second chance at the audition. But there was a catch — the only day I had free to do it was Christmas Day.
So that was it. Christmas dinner, then straight to the audition — just me and my guitar, putting in the work one more time.
This time, I passed.
A few days later, I was on a plane, guitar in hand, heading off on a four-month contract. I spent those months sight-reading music every single night — and I came home a different player. Confident. Reliable. Ready.
Why I Teach Reading from Day One
That cruise ship job was the beginning of something bigger. My reading skills opened doors to shows, pit work, and session jobs — and today, I’m proud to be performing on the West End. That never would’ve happened if I hadn’t knuckled down and committed to learning to read.
And that’s why I teach all of my students the value of sight-reading from day one. Not because it’s easy — but because it’s empowering. Being able to pick up a chart and play it unlocks real freedom as a musician. It builds trust, professionalism, and musicianship.
If you’re on the fence about learning to read, take it from me: it’s worth every second you put into it.
Want to Learn to Read Music (Without the Intimidation)?
At Play Like a Pro, I’ve built a system that teaches sight-reading and chart reading from the ground up — no gatekeeping, no pressure, just consistent, achievable progress. If you're ready to unlock more freedom on the fretboard and open new musical doors, check out my free resources and courses here.
