Learn & Master Guitar Secret #7

Learn How to Really Practice!

Making the most of practice time is something everyone struggles with -- from the beginner to the pro.

Truth is...practicing is rarely "fun." But it truly is the only way to get real results in improving your playing.

As a professional player, I know the importance of a focused practice time. But I had to find that out BEFORE I was a pro!

And it happened almost without me noticing:

My parents bought me a decent guitar as soon as it became clear that I was really going to stick with learning.

One of my clearest memories is of my dad pushing back away from the supper table and saying, "Steve, go get your guitar." It became my nightly routine to sit and do my regular guitar practice EVERY evening after supper.

Dad was a smart one, because he knew that if I were to ever become good at this, it would take LOTS of tiny little steps...all taken over time. And he was right.

After teaching lots of people to play, I've come up with some tips that will help you get the most out of your practice time:

1. Make it Consistent. Have a dedicated time to practice. If you are waiting to practice until you have a few minutes of "extra" time, then most days you'll never get around to it.

Instead, set aside 10 or 15 minutes at a convenient point in your normal daily routine (the key word here being "routine.") *A lot of my students prefer early in the morning or later in the evening when the house is quiet and the cares of the day have gone.

2. Focused Attention. Most of us, unfortunately find that practice time is very limited, so you must make the most of every minute. Truthfully, more can be accomplished in 15 minutes of focused attention on a single aspect of your playing than 45 minutes of 'just messing around' with your guitar as you watch TV.

3. A Dedicated Spot to Practice. Your practice area doesn't need to be fancy. It can be very simple--a small corner of a room. You just need a place with a chair (preferably with no arms), a music stand, your guitar (and a guitar stand), a metronome, a pencil, and an amp if needed.

Personally, I like being by a window as well. It helps to be in a quiet area away from a lot of distractions. **In Nashville, they call this 'woodshedding,' which means you get alone...away from social distractions.

4. Make it Easy to Practice. Here are some quick ideas to make practicing easier...

--Keep your guitar out of the case and on a guitar stand. You'll be amazed at how much your guitar will 'call to you' when it's visible. Keeping your guitar out on a stand will inspire you to practice every time you walk by it.

--Keep your music out on a music stand. A music stand is a relatively inexpensive purchase. And it's much better for holding your materials than trying to prop them up awkwardly on a coffee table or chair.

I hope this helps. Keep up the great work and don't forget to check out Learn & Master Guitar. Remember, I fully guarantee it!

Keep Learning and Growing!

Steve Krenz
Author and Instructor
Learn & Master Guitar

Steve Krenz is a professional guitarist and guitar teacher in Nashville, Tennessee. For more information on his award-winning Learn and Master Guitar home study course, click on the button below.