Making the most of your guitar playing time

Let's think about what a good practice routine is. Many players consider it to be the amount of time they spend on their instrument, others may consider it to be practicing the same thing over and over until they can play it.

Let's take the first point, you could end up playing something that doesn't improve your playing and you could spend a long time doing it. Does this sound like the best way to make the best use of your precious practice time? Of course it doesn't but you might be surprised to hear that this is how a lot of players actually 'practice'.

The second point is also considered a popular practice routine by many players. Take a song or solo then practice, practice, practice. You'll get it in the end, right? Well that may not be the case. For example the song or solo may well be far beyond your technical ability. You can practice it for 10 hours a day for 10 years but until you develop a sufficient level of technique you will not be able to play it. So the second idea starts to seem like a waste of time too if you are encountering technical difficulties.

Many world class players talk about a well structured practice routine. Make a practice session a time were you carefully meter out your time to cover as many different subjects within the realm of playing. Practice warmup exercises ,chords, scales,  solos and rhythm playing.  Dividing your time in this manner will ensure that your practice time covers as much ground as possible. Using this approach we start to develop many skills instead of trying to get to grips with just the one. It's hard to discipline yourself to do this but time and time again this is the advice of successful players?

How will you achieve this? Well I think it's fair to say there are no short-cuts so I think it comes down to a well disciplined practice session and your will to cover as many different techniques in a session as you can. Try to make your practice time a regular time in the day i.e. I will practice every day from 6pm-8pm. Practice alone if you can, it's hard enough to practice well let-alone with constant distractions from family members or friends. Practice to a metronome at all times, it's a good way to monitor you level of improvements.

Learn from other players, ask them about their practice habits. Share information with as many players as you can. Before you know it your playing should really be moving in the right direction instead of going over the same old ground.

Would you like to share your practice routines? See you on the forums!

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