You have to play guitar slowly in order to play fast because speed comes from accuracy and control, not just moving your fingers quickly. When you play slowly, you give your brain and fingers time to learn the correct movements, build muscle memory, and develop good technique. This means fewer mistakes, cleaner playing, and smoother transitions. If you try to play fast too soon, you’re more likely to build sloppy habits, miss notes, or create tension in your hands—all of which slow you down in the long run. By practicing slowly and precisely, your fingers learn to move efficiently, and over time, your speed increases naturally and with control.