Practicing 101
It is rewarding to be able to play the guitar at all. It's more rewarding to be able to play it well. Practicing is essential. Here are some things to remember about practicing if you are new to it
Simple version
1) Play it until you get it right
2) Play it until you can't get it wrong
:-)
For beginners, no less than 15 minutes a day at the work station, five days a week will be necessary to achieve progress. shoot for 20 once you have enough material to practice. Review lesson assignments regularly.
It is also essential to play around. Memorize your songs and play guitar in other places, without your music. Memorizing songs shows me (and everyone else) you are serious and have been working. Practice, study, listen, but also keep it loose!
Listen! Watch! Watch and listen. Go to youtube and watch what other people are doing, both professional and amateur.
A sample beginner practice routine.
1) Pick each string open (with no finger) 4 times for pick control. Say the name of the string as you do. This is so you can memorize the names of your strings. I frequently give directions by string name, it's very important to move along fast in lessons that you know the names of your strings so you know what I'm talking about. This is your responsibility at home.
2)Chromatic exercise. There are many kinds but we will focus on basic 1-2-3-4 on each string to build our finger skills.
3) Play pieces and difficult parts of songs on your song list.
We are building basic skills at first, keep it simple and play these bits as much as you can with good quality. Focus on what you are doing. Stop at 20 minutes and at least take a break. Email me if you don't know how to practice something!
Write down questions for me on your music pages to ask me in lesson or email me later.
Have fun!
Simple version
1) Play it until you get it right
2) Play it until you can't get it wrong
:-)
For beginners, no less than 15 minutes a day at the work station, five days a week will be necessary to achieve progress. shoot for 20 once you have enough material to practice. Review lesson assignments regularly.
It is also essential to play around. Memorize your songs and play guitar in other places, without your music. Memorizing songs shows me (and everyone else) you are serious and have been working. Practice, study, listen, but also keep it loose!
Listen! Watch! Watch and listen. Go to youtube and watch what other people are doing, both professional and amateur.
A sample beginner practice routine.
1) Pick each string open (with no finger) 4 times for pick control. Say the name of the string as you do. This is so you can memorize the names of your strings. I frequently give directions by string name, it's very important to move along fast in lessons that you know the names of your strings so you know what I'm talking about. This is your responsibility at home.
2)Chromatic exercise. There are many kinds but we will focus on basic 1-2-3-4 on each string to build our finger skills.
3) Play pieces and difficult parts of songs on your song list.
We are building basic skills at first, keep it simple and play these bits as much as you can with good quality. Focus on what you are doing. Stop at 20 minutes and at least take a break. Email me if you don't know how to practice something!
Write down questions for me on your music pages to ask me in lesson or email me later.
Have fun!
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