, playing in general

Hi steveco,welcome here,could you be more spicific as too what you are trying too do, and how much you know,what kind of insterment etc. then we can help you more.

It sounds like you're only learning to play licks and riffs. To feel accomplishment you need something with substance. Maybe try picking up an acoustic. Learn some rhythm and then add some lead to it. At this point I only play acoustic and it is really cool to look back at how hard I thought something was in the beginning. I have hit a plateau but I find myself trying harder and diff tings to keep me going.

The key words here (your words) You have been trying for a few years on and off.  I did that same thing for many years and still was no better than when I started.  Not until I really got interested and practiced every day did I start to see my self getting better.  Progress takes quite a bit of interest and lots of work.  There is no reason you can't enjoy playing while you are working hard toward getting better.  It sounds as if you are having a hard time keeping interested in what you are doing.  Continue practicing scales and chords, but as they said above, try to fit all of what you are learning into an actual song.  Pick some of your favorite songs and start there.  Then go to Youtube and watch as many covers of that song as you can find. You will find that watching others play and sing the same songs will help a lot. I am guessing you are not a singer or you would find that singing along with the chords to a certain song will give you a feeling of accomplishment after awhile.  I am not very helpful perhaps, but do take these things into consideration and the best of luck to you.  Of course feel free to keep asking questions.

Hey steveco! I play both electric and acoustic and go back and forth between the two to keep fresh. I found out quite early in my playing, when I started two years ago, that I am not a lead guitarist so I play rhythm with just a bit of lead. I don't know enough about music theory to help and mu fingers are too slow. Sure, I do some lead riffs but only the easier ones. If they get too difficult I cannot do them fast enough.

You know what? I'm ok with that. I can play the songs I want to play and have found out that I am fairly good at developing different arrangements of songs so I put my own stamp on them. It is also nice when I get with my brother and my nephew. the nephew plays lead and my brother and I play rhythm so we can all participate in different ways.

Instead of trying to concentrate on lead switch to rhythm. You may find it more satisfying.

Good luck!