As an aspiring guitarist, one of the most common questions asked is how to get the most out of practice time. The answer largely depends on your personal goals and the path you want to take in your guitar journey.
How to plan your guitar practice
First, determine your ultimate goal as a guitarist. Do you want to shred up and down the neck, or would you prefer to strum chords on an acoustic guitar around a campfire? Your goal will dictate the most effective use of your practice time.
Identify your path
Once you’ve identified your path, it’s important to recognize that you may encounter roadblocks or challenges along the way. These obstacles are natural and will require a focused approach to overcome them. To tackle these roadblocks, follow these two steps:
- Choose your path: Decide what you want to achieve with your guitar playing. This will give you a clear direction to follow and help you stay motivated in your practice sessions.
- Address roadblocks: As you progress down your chosen path, you’ll encounter challenges or limitations in your playing. Identify these roadblocks and work on specific exercises or techniques to overcome them. This targeted approach will enable you to move forward and continue advancing toward your goals.
Seek Guidance
However, many guitarists struggle with identifying the next steps in their journey, as they may not be aware of what they don’t know. This is where seeking guidance from an experienced teacher or mentor can be invaluable. A knowledgeable instructor can provide a step-by-step, cohesive system that helps you progress and overcome any obstacles you may face.
Isolate the problem and work on it
If you’re unable to find a mentor or prefer to learn on your own, try focusing on the two steps mentioned earlier. Determine your path and begin working on exercises or songs that align with your goals. As you encounter challenges, isolate the problem and practice specific techniques to overcome it. This focused approach will help you make steady progress and ultimately achieve your guitar-playing goals.
In summary, getting the most out of your guitar practice time requires a clear understanding of your goals, a willingness to tackle roadblocks, and the determination to persevere through challenges. With the right mindset and approach, you’ll be well on your way to becoming the guitarist you’ve always wanted to be.
