Hello, music beasts! Rotem Sivan here, and I want to talk about something that I was wrong about when I first started playing guitar. I figured I just needed 10,000 hours of practice, and then I’d be good at this instrument.
It didn’t matter if it was jazz, funk, or blues – I thought all I needed was those 10,000 hours. If I practiced 4 hours a day for a year, I’d get about 1,500 hours, so I’d need about 7 and a half years to reach that goal. Well, let’s do it, I thought.
But here’s where a lot of people, including myself, fall short: we need to know how to practice effectively. That’s exactly what we’re going to talk about today – how to actually make it happen.
Level 1 – What NOT to do!
I used to practice by playing the same scale or position 100 times until I thought I’d mastered it and the instrument. But I was really wrong because this is not the right way to approach it. I wasted a lot of time, and I want to save you from making the same mistake while also making the learning process more interesting and fun.
Level 2 – How Can We Create Strong Memories?
The question we’re asking is, how can we create strong memories? The answer, supported by scientific research, is that we need to be emotionally invested. When we care about this beautiful piece of wood, we can learn much faster.
It’s okay to fail and make mistakes, but when we succeed, there will be an adrenaline boost (or epinephrine in the brain) that helps solidify and lock the memory in our system. Of course, we also need sleep and proper nutrition, but the emotional aspect of playing is crucial.
Level 3 – Practice Consistently
Consistency is key when it comes to practice. I understand that we all have busy lives, but we are the masters of our own time. Something that helped me a lot was actually scheduling practice time in my calendar, like from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. or early in the morning. Find a 30-minute window that works for you and dedicate it to music practice.
Level 4 – TIMER
If you’re on a time budget, I strongly suggest using a timer. People often noodle around instead of practicing effectively. If you have 30 minutes, divide it into 3 to 5-minute chunks with a timer and practice exactly what you planned to work on.
Level 5 – Dive Deeper
It’s important to dive deeper into the material you’re practicing. Instead of just scratching the surface by playing a scale in a couple of positions without really understanding it, ask yourself if you truly comprehend the information. Can you hear it? Can you sing it? These questions are the building blocks of practicing in a truthful and accurate way.
Let’s take a specific example. If you’re learning a line, don’t just learn it as a finger motion. Understand what’s happening harmonically so that you can create variations, change notes, and adapt the line to different contexts. This flexibility comes from spending time singing, listening to the scale, and connecting with how it feels.
Level 6 – Sing!
Singing is a crucial aspect of practicing guitar that often gets overlooked. Many guitarists are shocked when I ask them to sing, and there’s a lack of connection between the throat, ears, and fingers. We can all sing – I’m not asking you to be an opera singer, but I am asking you to listen to the notes and understand how they feel. If you’re serious about guitar and want to progress, incorporate singing, ear training, and melody into your practice routine.
Level 7 – People
There’s a wealth of information around us, and often, that information comes from other people. Be open to asking questions, talking to friends and colleagues, and learning from your heroes. If you see someone playing a cool line or chord, ask them about it. The idea of music, for me, is about interacting with people. Play music with others and create significant memories. Don’t just rely on YouTube videos – go out there and engage with the music community.
Level 8 – Do it.
It’s never too early to start creating music. Even if you only know two chords, try writing a song. The process of creating, even if the result is “shitty,” is a huge part of how we progress. Record something, experiment, and learn from the experience. As you keep doing it, you’ll get better, especially if you care about it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it really take to get good at guitar?
The idea of needing 10,000 hours to master an instrument is a misconception. While dedicated practice is essential, the quality and effectiveness of your practice matter more than the sheer number of hours. Focus on practicing strategically, diving deep into the material, and engaging emotionally with the music.
Is it okay to make mistakes while practicing?
Absolutely! Making mistakes is a natural part of the learning process. Embrace the failures and celebrate the successes. When you finally nail that challenging line or concept, the adrenaline boost helps solidify the memory in your system. Don’t be afraid to experiment and learn from your mistakes.
How important is playing with other musicians for improving guitar skills?
Playing with other musicians is crucial for musical growth. It allows you to learn from others, ask questions, and create meaningful experiences. Collaborating with others helps you develop your timing, listening skills, and musical expression. Don’t underestimate the power of human interaction in your musical journey.
Remember, mastering the guitar is not a sprint – it’s a marathon. Take your time, dive into the information, and enjoy the process. With the right mindset and approach, you can unlock your full potential as a musician.
Thank you for listening, and I hope these insights resonate with you. If you found this helpful, please share it with a friend. Keep creating, keep learning, and most importantly, keep enjoying the journey. I’ll see you very soon!
Visit my website: rotemsivan.com.
Join me on Patreon: patreon.com/Rotem/Sivan
See you guys soon! Peace Out
