Practice Tips

Everyone who starts taking lessons makes the same promise to themselves: "I'm gonna practice 29 hours a day, 12 days a week!" Well, the truth is a little different. If you try to do it that way, you'll wind up bored and frustrated. Learning to play the guitar is a cumulative process, each step building on the last. In the beginning particularly it's about learning the basic motor skills. So, here are a few tips to help you practice smarter and better.

  1. Focus!
    When you're practicing, practice! Don't listen to the radio, watch TV, eat a sandwich, or talk on the phone. This is not an appropriate time for multi-tasking.
     

  2. Don't Overdo It!
    A half hour 3 or 4 times a week is fine - as long as you read tip #1!
     

  3. Be Patient.
    If you wanted to be able to fly an airplane or run a marathon, you wouldn't expect to learn how in two weeks would you? It's no different learning to play the guitar. The process builds on itself, and takes a little time. Hey! If it was easy, everyone would do it!
     

  4. Relax.
    Playing the guitar is lot of fun. Worrying about how "good" you are is not. Whether you are complete beginner or an old pro, please don't fall into the trap of comparing yourself to other players. Playing isn't a contest or a race, so relax , have fun! Why do think they call it "playing"?

Hey! Listen To This!

Johnny Smith, "Moonlight In Vermont"
The definitive record by the greatest player ever. No, really, ever!

Ferlin Husky, "Caravan"
Ferlin and the boys just foolin' around with the Ellington tune between sessions. Holy Toledo! 

  • The Who, "Live at Leeds"
    Wanna play rock? Heres how.
     

  • Chuck Berry,"Chuck Berry's Golden Decade"
    The player that launched a thousand careers with the world's greatest licks. Say "Thanks," Keith.
     

  • The Rolling Stones, "Sticky Fingers" and "Exile On Main Street"
    The Glimmer Twins at the top of their game.
     

  • John Mayall w/ Eric Clapton, "Bluesbreakers"
    The guitar tone we've all been chasing for the last forty years.
     

  • Elmore James, "Whose Muddy Shoes?"
    I heard this record and went out and bought my first guitar, okay?
     

  • Anything by Speedy West and Jimmy Bryant
    A pedal steel and electric guitar duo that'll make your jaw drop. How are they DOIN' that??!!