Five Universal Laws of Managing Guitar Practice Time
Are you getting the most from your guitar practice time or is it a boring, frustrating chore that seems to be going nowhere? Most likely you are nodding and pointing to the boring, frustration description. If so, you are not alone. 94% of all guitar players fall into this category! Everyone tells you to practice but they are short of advice when it comes to telling you ‘how’ to practice. I’m going to share 5 very important laws of practicing that will save you from the grisly fate that awaits the other 94%.
The 5 Universal laws of practice:
1. The Law of Setting Goals. This one has to come first because we all work better when we have a clearly defined target. If you want to achieve anything you need two things.
- Clarity of intent.
- Force of will.
Once you have a clear, written goal which you refer to daily it’s only a matter of time before you achieve your goal.
Make sure your goal is realistic and achievable. Break it down into small pieces that are your short range targets. Review your goals often and be prepared to change them if necessary.
2. The Law of Time Frames. Break your practice session into precise time frames. Use a clock or kitchen timer to make certain you don’t go over your time frame and into overload!
Before you practice decide whether you are working on ‘motor skills’ or ‘data memory’. Data memory time frames are short: between 2 to 5 minutes, whereas motor skill practice works best at 30 minutes.
3. The Law of Motivation. All the very best guitar players throughout history have been self-motivated (internally motivated) musicians.
The trick here is to go for quality; not quantity. Your fingers are not the thinking part of your body. Make sure you are not exceeding your time frames and training yourself to make mistakes.
The number one cause of lack of motivation is overload. Stand up and get away from the guitar after 20 minutes of motor skill practice before the law of diminishing returns sets in.
4. The Law of Getting Organized. Give yourself every opportunity for success, get your practice room organized.
- Practice a set amount of time at a set time everyday.
- Buy a music stand.
- Make sure your practice room has full spectrum lighting.
- Have your guitar set-up by a professional repair person.
- Use a metronome when you practice.
5. The Law of Measuring Your Progress. Have a progress check up every three months. Ask yourself if you have achieved your three monthly goals. Are you on target? If you have reached your three monthly goals remember to set new goals.
Use a metronome to help document your speed and accuracy targets. Record yourself regularly to help you decide on what aspects of your guitar playing you need to work on.
Now it’s back to practicing your guitar.
About the Author:
Mike Hayes is a guitar teacher, author, performing musician and session guitarist with over 30 years of professional experience. Find out more about how to learn guitar fast with his popular FREE e-course
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