Electric Guitar Today

You want to learn how to play the guitar like a rock star? You have to practice and then practice some more. I was lost when I first started out. Scales, chords, songs…I felt there was so much to learn and I wanted to know every thing at once. It took some time before i figured out a practice schedule that acctually worked for me.

Here are the basic things an asprering guitarist must practice in order to becaome a musician.

Reading Music : learn and practice standard music notation and guitar tablature to learns. Your music reading skills will improve. You’ll be able to learn your songs faster and improve your guitar techniques. In time you’ll aslo be able to “hear” sheet music just by glancing at it.

Chords : Practice strumming. Learn various chords progressions. Play songs in different keys.You should memorize the fundamental chords for all 12 keys. You should be able to change chords fast ans smooth.

Performing : Memorizing songs and recording your self as you play will help you gain confidence. Beginners focus on their hands. When you record yourself you can concentrate on listenting. You’ll know exactly where you need more work.

Theory & Technique : Study scales & more advanced chords. Learn and practice arpeggios, slides, pull-offs, finger-picking, hammers and other techniques.

Fretboard :  Memorize the notes on your fretboard if you plan on soloing.

Ear Training : Try to learn and identify chords, notes,  intervals, rhythms, and other basic elements used in music. Ear training is especially important to those who wish to play and sing.

Improvisation : It’s time to put all of what you learned together. Practice your techniqies and play sounds you’ve learned. Make your own chords and use scales to write your own songs.

Daily Practice Schedule:

Playing the guitar takes time but the efforts are worth it. You really want to succed? You should play at least one hour every day.  Here is a schedule to help you out.

1. 10 min. Warm Ups
2. 15 min. Theory (scales, chords…)
3. 10 min. Ear training
4. 15 min. guitar techniques (alternate picking, tapping…)
5. 10 min. Improvisation

Guitar playing is like any thing else. I will leave you with a quote from Abraham Lincoln:“Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other one thing.”

Play, play and then play some more!