I live by the credo that practice makes perfect. Well, close to perfect. For guitar players this paradigm of proper guitar practice techniques will be the difference between success and failure. By nature, regardless of talent level, in all aspects of life, the more we do it or practice it, the better we get.
Doctor’s practice medicine. It sounds scary to hear someone say, my doctor practices medicine at xxxxyyyyxxx. In the Doctors case, practice applies to the ‘exercise of an occupation or profession’. For guitar players it means:
- To do or perform something habitually or repeatedly.
- To do something repeatedly in order to acquire or polish a skill.
Focus, dedication and perseverance are the main ingredients in the recipe for success when you practice the guitar. Being able to sit and play the guitar without interruption for a reasonable amount of time every day is key to learning to play the guitar. Just the other day I was zoning while I was playing my guitar. I was way out there. Although I was aware of a hiss, hiss sound, I was to zoned to break my focus. Apparently my wife was standing next to me trying to get my attention for over 5 minutes.
As many guitar players have a habit of overplaying their guitar, it is important to take short breaks every 45 minutes to an hour to allow your fingers, or little athletes to rest for about 10 or 15 minutes. This prevents injuries such as sore fingers, wrists and shoulders.
It is important as well to spend about 10 to 15 minutes doing warm up drills such as going over your scales and chords to warm up your athletes. I may be guilty of playing the guitar too long when I practice the guitar, but I mam not guilty of forgetting to warm up.
Try these basic procedures that any guitar player can put to practical use while practicing the guitar. As you get better at your skill, you will experience the joy that only comes from dedication all good guitar players have. Enjoy..