5 Things I Learnt While Building My Own Guitar.

Over the past 12 months, I’ve embarked on a journey that, until recently, seemed completely out of reach: building my very own acoustic guitar. While I’ve always been passionate about music and guitars, the thought of creating one myself felt well beyond my abilities.

But just over a year ago, I decided to take the plunge. With a mix of apprehension and determination, I not only crafted a beautiful handmade instrument but also learnt a great deal about myself along the way.

Here are five of the most valuable lessons I picked up on this incredible journey:

1. Challenge Your Assumptions and Beliefs

We all carry assumptions and beliefs that hold us back. For most of my life, I believed that pursuits like woodworking and metalworking were well beyond me. As it turns out, I was wrong. With the right guidance and an open mind, I discovered that learning something entirely new—and succeeding—is very much possible.

This hit home especially hard as I’ve worked in learning and development for more than 30 years. It’s one thing to encourage others to challenge their assumptions, but quite another to confront your own. This project reminded me how much potential lies beyond our self-imposed limits.

2. Find Meaning in the Destination

I’ve always believed in the power of visualisation, and this experience only strengthened that belief. From the very beginning, I imagined the finished guitar as a meaningful, personal creation that I could cherish.

That vision provided me with a sense of purpose, motivating me through even the trickiest and most monotonous parts of the process. Working towards something significant made every step feel worthwhile.

3. Enjoy the Journey

The first chord I strummed on my finished guitar was an emotional and deeply satisfying moment. But I soon realised that the real joy wasn’t limited to the end result—it was present throughout the entire journey.

From researching different types of wood to learning about building techniques, celebrating each milestone, and even watching glue dry, I found immense pleasure in the process itself. It’s so easy to fixate on the destination and overlook the beauty of the path that takes us there.

As Charles Fred wrote in The 24 Hour Rule: “Pause is a discipline, not a delay.” Sometimes, you really do need to stop and enjoy the moment.

4. Trust the Process—and Those Around You

Several parts of the guitar-building process were downright terrifying. Tasks like bending wood to form the guitar’s shape or carefully carving the neck felt completely foreign to me. But I learnt to trust both the process and the people guiding me.

I was fortunate to have an excellent instructor, Steve Toscano from Toscano Guitars, who provided step-by-step guidance and stepped in when things could have gone wrong. I was also surrounded by fellow students who generously shared their advice and encouragement.

This experience reminded me that, no matter how overwhelming a challenge might seem, following a proven process and leaning on the support of others can make all the difference.

5. Most Mistakes Can Be Fixed

Let’s be clear—things didn’t always go to plan. I made plenty of mistakes along the way, some of them quite significant. But these moments turned out to be my greatest opportunities for learning.

In guitar building, as in life, most mistakes can be fixed or managed. Accepting this gave me the confidence to experiment and push through without fear of failure. Mistakes are not the end; they’re often where the real growth happens.

A Final Thought: It’s Never Too Late to Try Something New

This experience reminded me that it’s never too late to try something different. In recent months, I’ve heard stories of people in later stages of their careers choosing to pursue entirely new paths. It takes courage, but the rewards can be life-changing.

Although I don’t plan to become a professional luthier, I’ve already started work on my third guitar build—a clear sign that this hobby has become something of an obsession. Each project sharpens my skills and helps me learn more about myself.

Acknowledgements

A huge thank you to the Australian Guitar Making School and to my skilled and patient instructor, Steve Toscano. Your guidance and support made this journey both possible and deeply rewarding.

Building my own guitar was so much more than a creative project—it became a journey of self-discovery. Whether it’s picking up a new skill, exploring a passion, or pursuing a long-held dream, I hope my story inspires you to challenge your assumptions, trust the process, and enjoy the ride.

Mark Busine

Founder and Chief Leadership Advisor