I can't recall from whom I got the idea, but it has opened up another aspect to my playing. Now I understand that at some point most people start recording, but I'm not talking about just making demos, or recording a 'finished' tune. I'm talking about listening, really listening to your progress.

I remember the first time I (a friend actually) I recorded my playing. I had been playing for a few years, was just 'ok', but I really just felt like I was in a rut. I really hadn't learned a lot in a very long time, it seemed at least. When some friends and I were just trying to work up a few tunes, one of my friends had his cassette deck rolling. I didn't even know it was being recorded. I remember the other guitarist and I were just kind of trading solos. We messed around for a while, and then while taking a break, he started the tape rolling. He had taken the first solo, and I immediately recognized his playing. HOWEVER, (and it's a big however) when he was finished, another lead started, and I truly asked him, (who is that ?), I honestly thought it was something else that he had previously recorded.

Now please don't misunderstand this, I'm not a great player, and surely wasn't then. What had shocked me was the fact that I really didn't totally appreciate how much I had learned. I had even impressed myself with a solo that I would have thought was beyond where I was as a player.

As I mentioned, I'm not even close to being a 'Guitar God', and I'll never be a truly great player, but I love playing the guitar, and I believe in using every advantage there is to better my playing. If you start recording at least some of your playing, it will give you even more feedback on where you are as a player. You might even impress yourself, and just as importantly, help you to hear where you need more work.

Well, welcome to the world of learning to play an instrument. I know quite a few musicians, and there's not one that hasn't went through a rut. It's completely normal, and you do 'come out the other side'. Well, until your next rut that is. Personally, I believe it's just your subconscious trying to tell you something. Something like, I"M BORED, or maybe, let's do something else. My point is, when (not if), you hit a rut, start taking a day off from practicing. That is of course, if you're already practicing everyday as you should be. Maybe take off every Sunday and go fishing (with a pole, not your guitar), go out and see a movie, whatever it is, just something to change the pace a little.

Some people decide they're going to do something, and they become obsessed about it. I can tell you from experience, if you do anything too long, too often, it's going to turn into something that you don't like doing anymore. Don't turn something as great as being a guitarist into something that you don't love anymore. As I mentioned in my practicing post, just play as long as you're getting something good out of it. Granted, if you're working on scales, and trying to build speed, it can get pretty mind-numbing. However, there's a difference between doing what is productive, but difficult, and just grinding it into your brain until you want to scream.

So, I'd bet if your reading this, that you're a fairly new player and not getting bored yet, or in a rut. I just want you to know that we all have our trying times learning the guitar, and even in our daily lives in general. Sometimes you just have to take a step back, relax, and know that it'll be okay. You get out of the guitar, like most things in life, what you put into it. If you get frustrated, through things and scream, you'll have nothing but bad times in your guitar endeavors. Don't be that guy.

Generally, at least starting out, you should strive to practice an absolute minimum of a half an hour per day. That doesn't included looking for your music or TAB, setting up your guitar and amp or any of the other things you need to do to get ready to practice. Ideally you'll be able to practice longer than just a half an hour. I've read of many truly great players practicing several hours per day...every day. Andres Segovia, most likely the most accomplished classical guitarist ever to have played, is just such an example. He practiced many hours every day, and although he had more talent than most, it showed in his playing. There are very few players, if any, that would reach his level of near perfection, regardless of the amount of time they devote to practicing. Don't let this get you down, you're not striving to be another Segovia, you ARE striving to play to the best of your ability.

Now, you understand the importance of practicing a certain amount of time, but also, how and what you practice is of the utmost importance. It does almost no good to 'jam' on a few 'power chords' to a CD. Yes, you may be able to learn a new tune, but if you're wanting to further you true ability and knowledge, you must do what is necessary when you practice. That involves using a metronome for one thing. I don't care how good you think you are, how good your timing seems to be...practice with a metronome. You'll be glad you did, I can promise you that.

Technique is also of the utmost importance. If you lounge around on your bed, holding the guitar in an awkward position, good luck on obtaining good results. Sit in an upright position, with the guitar resting on your weak side leg (right handers use left leg, lefties use right leg), keep your back straight and keep your thumb against the rear of the neck...not hanging on the neck. Obviously, if you're playing the many 'electric styles' of guitar, you might be standing. The main to remember, is to hold the guitar in a natural position with your hands positioned to play. I'll be adding diagrams, audio clips and video as this site progress, so please check back for a more thorough instructional section later.

So, there you have a general guideline of practicing. It is beyond the scope of this article to tell you what to practice. There will be specific lessons in the Lessons section of this site. Just remember, use your practice time wisely. If you 'practice' (2) hours per day, but you don't use a metronome, watch TV while you're playing, take frequent breaks and any number of other common distractions, you're better off waiting to practice when you can actually dedicate a block of time to practice seriously. You get out of it exactly what you put into it.

Until Next Time, Thanks for Reading,

Jeff