Practise. Practise? Practise!
As a guitar student, you’ve likely asked yourself: What should I practice? How should I structure my sessions? How much time should I spend practicing? These questions are essential for ensuring steady progress and making the most of your time with the instrument. In this guide, we’ll dive into the core elements of effective guitar practice, highlight the importance of following your teacher’s guidance, and help you build a routine that supports your growth as a guitarist.
What to Practice
A well-rounded practice routine is key to developing your skills. It should include the following core areas:
Technique
Good technique is the foundation of great guitar playing. Consistently practicing exercises that improve finger strength, dexterity, and accuracy will make your playing cleaner and more efficient. Some key exercises include:
Finger independence drills like the "spider walk"
Alternate picking patterns and exercises
String skipping, hammer-ons, pull-offs, and arpeggios
Scales and Chords
Scales and chords are essential building blocks of music. Practice these daily to improve fretboard knowledge and musical fluency:
Major, minor, and pentatonic scales
Open chords, barre chords, and more advanced shapes
Arpeggios and chord progressions
Repertoire
Working on songs you love is one of the most rewarding parts of guitar practice. Choose pieces that challenge you but are achievable with effort. Learning songs not only keeps you motivated but also helps you apply your skills in a musical context.
Improvisation and Creativity
Set aside time to explore your creative side. Whether you’re soloing over a backing track, jamming with friends, or writing your own music, improvisation is a powerful way to develop your musical voice.
Ear Training and Theory
Improving your ear and understanding of music theory will make you a more well-rounded musician. Practice recognizing intervals, scales, and chord types by ear, and study how music works to deepen your comprehension of what you play.
How to Practice
How you approach your practice sessions can be as important as what you practice.
Follow Your Teacher’s Advice
Your teacher is your guide to structured, effective learning. They’ve already walked the path you’re on, so their recommendations are tailored to your current skill level and goals. If your teacher suggests specific exercises, techniques, or songs to work on, make them a priority in your practice routine. Ignoring this advice can slow your progress or lead to developing bad habits that are hard to undo later.
Set Clear Goals
Each practice session should have a clear purpose. For example, instead of vaguely deciding to "work on scales," set a concrete goal like "play the A minor pentatonic scale cleanly at 120 BPM using alternate picking."
Break Your Practice Into Segments
Divide your session into sections for different focus areas (e.g., 15 minutes for technique, 10 minutes for scales, 20 minutes for repertoire). This ensures a balanced routine and keeps you engaged.
Use Tools for Precision
A metronome is essential for improving timing and precision. Start slowly, focus on accuracy, and gradually increase the tempo. Additionally, recording yourself can help you identify areas for improvement and track your progress over time.
Be Consistent
Consistency is the key to growth. Practicing a little each day builds muscle memory and keeps you connected to your instrument. Even 15–30 focused minutes daily can yield significant results over time.
Eliminate Distractions
Create a focused practice environment. Turn off notifications, clear the space around you, and dedicate yourself fully to your session. Quality always trumps quantity.
How Much to Practice
The ideal practice time depends on your skill level, goals, and schedule.
Beginners (15–30 minutes per day)
Focus on building basic skills like chord transitions, strumming, and simple scales. Short, frequent sessions help lay a solid foundation.
Intermediate Players (30–60 minutes per day)
Intermediate players should aim to balance advanced techniques, improvisation, repertoire, and theory. Consistency and variety are crucial at this stage.
Advanced Players (1–2 hours per day)
For advanced players working on professional-level repertoire or mastering challenging techniques, longer sessions may be necessary. Remember to take breaks to avoid fatigue or injury.
Quality Over Quantity
It’s better to practice with focus and intention for 20 minutes than to spend two hours playing aimlessly. Always prioritize deliberate, mindful practice.
The Importance of Following Your Teacher’s Guidance
Your teacher’s advice is one of the most valuable tools in your guitar journey. They’ve already navigated the challenges you’re facing and can provide a roadmap to success. When they assign exercises, suggest songs, or critique your technique, it’s with the intent of helping you progress.
Ignoring their guidance can lead to frustration, as bad habits or gaps in your skills may hold you back. Trust their expertise and communicate openly about any challenges you’re facing—they’re there to help you succeed. That is why it is so important to find an experienced and qualified teacher.
Staying Motivated
Set Milestones
Break your goals into smaller steps, like learning a new chord progression or mastering a specific lick. Celebrate these wins to keep your momentum going.
Keep It Fresh
Explore different genres, techniques, and musical styles to stay engaged and inspired.
Play What You Love
Balancing practice with songs you enjoy playing can keep you motivated and remind you why you started learning guitar in the first place.
Practice With Others
Jamming with friends or joining a band can add a social element to your practice and introduce new challenges that help you grow.
Effective practice is the foundation of becoming a skilled guitarist. By focusing on a balanced routine, following your teacher’s guidance, and practicing consistently with clear goals, you’ll see steady improvement while enjoying your guitar journey.
So, grab your guitar, follow your plan, and trust the process—your best playing is ahead of you!
