I would hope that everyone understands the importance of practicing daily. Obviously, there will be times when you absolutely aren't able to practice. Missing a day now and then won't have an overall effect on the long term results, but it's when you miss repeatedly that will cause you to never reach the level of playing that you could have.

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

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