More Guitar Practice Tips

Discipline when you are practicing the guitar is very important. Learning to play the guitar is one of the most rewarding things I have ever done in my life but it was also one of the hardest. Why I became good at my instrument is simple. Everyday in my bedroom from the time I was sixteen, I practiced a lot. I’m 52 now. When I practice, improving my fundamentals like changing chords, improving my repertoire of songs and running up and down scales is where I spend the most of my time.

Sometimes it was easy to make time to practice because I was in a good mood and I really wanted to play. During those times it was so cool just listening to how great it sounded just changing from the D chord to the G chord that I could do it for hours. But on other days it was my discipline and desire to play and improve that made me practice and develop as a player.

Practicing regularly and practicing well are the two main factors when it come to the discpline of playing guitar. Addressing both of these issues is important.

The most obvious and easiest to do is practicing regularly. You must play guitar everyday. Long and agonizing practice sessions lasting hours at a time are not needed. If you are focused during your practice time 30 minutes are usually enough. Doing regular, small amounts of practice is far better than going all out for hours once a week. I know you have a busy life but in reality most anyone can find 30 minutes a day to practice if they really want to. Making the time time to practice is what is important and since there is no set best time to practice, I like doing it in the evening to wind down after a stressful day.

Practicing badly is a more common and difficult to address problem. This affects some of the most experienced players as well. This problem has several causes and solutions.

  • Playing the same thing over and over every time you play. Playing something perfectly before you move is important. However, when you do figure out how to play something, you need to keep challenging yourself by moving forward.
  • Moving on too quickly can also be a problem. Before moving on to the next thing practice one piece until you can play it well. An excellent habit for any musician to have is playing perfectly and accurately.
  • Not focusing on developing all parts of your musicianship when you are practicing. I like to split my playing into parts. For example I might spend 5 minutes practicing new scales or chords, 10 minutes working on writing new music for myself and maybe 15 minutes learning a new song or part of a song.
  • Playing things too fast when you first try and learn them. When you are trying to learn a new song this can cause you to become disillusioned with your playing. I try first playing a song at slow speeds before trying fast like most guitarists do.

When playing guitar, in order to get good, practicing properly and regularly is the best way. This requires discipline. Discipline to stay focused and on track while practicing as well as discipline to practice regularly. Remaining disciplined in your practice will ensure you become and excellent player.