Members Angelojf Posted March 29, 2011 Members Share Posted March 29, 2011 How do you guys practice guitar? Are you structured about it? Do you not really practice, but rather just jam? Use a book, a teacher, a video, transcribe other peoples' solos? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members jimdunk Posted March 29, 2011 Members Share Posted March 29, 2011 I have two modes of guitar time: structured practice, and "just playing." With structured practice I have a set agenda: work on my weekly lesson assignment, work through a particular method book, practice repertoire, etc. I even set a digital timer for however much time I have to allocate to the session. I use the timer to help me stay focused on the lesson. When I'm just playing around, that says it all. Maybe I'll crank up Band in the Box and just noodle away, anything goes really. No agenda, here, just have fun. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members sxyryan Posted March 29, 2011 Members Share Posted March 29, 2011 I play almost everyday, but make it a point to practice something specific at least 3 times a week. Right now I am trying to learn my triads all over the neck and scales scales scales. I have one lick that helps with alternate picking. I set a metronome and go all the way up the neck and all the way down. I do that once in the beginning of practice and once at the end. I think that has really helped me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members bluesnapper Posted March 29, 2011 Members Share Posted March 29, 2011 I learn plenty from just listening to music - both live and recorded. I've been listening to lots of Johnny Winter recently and I've noticed myself incorporating some of his style and licks into my soloing. Jamming with guitarists much better than I really raises my game too. There's a guy who frequents open mics and blues jams around my area who plays a lot of Robben Ford-type stuff - he's got some interesting phrasing and it's great to hear something a little bit different. Proper practice? Well, a few weeks ago I sat down and worked out how to play Starstruck by Rainbow by editing a very inaccurate tab I'd downloaded by listening to the song on repeat until I'd corrected it. Then failed to share my endeavours by posting the correct tab... should probably get around to that! Once the song was worked out, I sat and watched a movie whilst playing the intro riff again and again and AGAIN until my fingers started doing it automatically - I probably played the riff and little else for a whole two hours. It's quite a tricky riff to play when you're trying to get it completely in time and it's so important and an instantly recognisable start to the song that you have to get it right first time! I've also recently discovered Youtube lesson videos - I've been watching these, sat in front of the computer learning some Richard Thompson finger-picking. Lots of different ways! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members soundcreation Posted March 29, 2011 Members Share Posted March 29, 2011 I'm generally pretty focused on learning things. When I wanted to learn my scales I started with one box learned it, then added another and so on. When I learn a song I devote time to it. Same with technique. I think it's pretty important to practice or play properly to get better. Focusing on things you DON'T know...not things you do know. I do allow myself some time to play things I like and already know as well. And I dedicate more and more time to my original stuff these days. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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