Bogmonster
New member
- Joined
- Jan 31, 2016
- Messages
- 9
Hey guys,
I’m looking for some insight here. I’ve been playing guitar now for about 15 years and I’m looking for some insight into practicing, or more specifically, how you practice and what works/doesn’t work for you.
Bit of background first. I’d consider myself to be a relatively advanced player (I’m no Steve Vai or anything, but I can hold my own in a band situation) with somewhat of a good grasp on theory and a decent ear (I hope) for music. Again, there’s always something there to learn and I really enjoy the whole learning process and just getting better. I still have loads to learn though. I play mostly rock/blues (guys like Rory Gallagher, Gary Moore, Slash etc. are big influences) and some metal too (some of the more technical players like Petrucci and Satriani have some serious chops).
I’ve been reading loads of articles lately on practicing more efficiently and creating a schedule. I’ve tried this for a few months now with a schedule (splitting time up for theory, techniques, songs and songwriting, ear training etc.) and initially found it good. But as the time moved on I felt I was spreading myself a bit thin covering too much ground or not getting enough time per practice session to cover enough of a certain topic. I generally try to split sessions up into maybe 20-30 minute blocks of these (time depending) and about 45-50 minutes just jamming and applying what I’ve learned or perfecting songs I play with my band. I try to get in 2-3 hrs but with work and life in general I don’t practice every single day. Usually every 2[SUP]nd[/SUP] day.
My old way of practicing was just to have what I was working on (song, technique, theory etc.) and just work on that for however long it took (never usually longer than 1 hour) to grasp the concept and then apply it to backing tracks or use it musically. When I’ve absorbed enough, I’d move on to something else that day and do the same. This lets me learn new stuff and is keeping my mind thinking on actually using it. The next session I’d usually have a quick revision and move on and repeat this process. I find I get completely absorbed in this stuff and don’t notice the time passing so I just work away and it’s really strengthened my playing. When on a schedule I find my process a little slower since it’s more time restricted.
I’d like to hear your thoughts on what you do (especially the really advanced players). Are you very regimented or do you just practice what you’re in the mood for? What works for you?
Apologies for the long post and thanks for taking the time to read it! Any other questions I can answer then please ask.
Rock on! :yah
I’m looking for some insight here. I’ve been playing guitar now for about 15 years and I’m looking for some insight into practicing, or more specifically, how you practice and what works/doesn’t work for you.
Bit of background first. I’d consider myself to be a relatively advanced player (I’m no Steve Vai or anything, but I can hold my own in a band situation) with somewhat of a good grasp on theory and a decent ear (I hope) for music. Again, there’s always something there to learn and I really enjoy the whole learning process and just getting better. I still have loads to learn though. I play mostly rock/blues (guys like Rory Gallagher, Gary Moore, Slash etc. are big influences) and some metal too (some of the more technical players like Petrucci and Satriani have some serious chops).
I’ve been reading loads of articles lately on practicing more efficiently and creating a schedule. I’ve tried this for a few months now with a schedule (splitting time up for theory, techniques, songs and songwriting, ear training etc.) and initially found it good. But as the time moved on I felt I was spreading myself a bit thin covering too much ground or not getting enough time per practice session to cover enough of a certain topic. I generally try to split sessions up into maybe 20-30 minute blocks of these (time depending) and about 45-50 minutes just jamming and applying what I’ve learned or perfecting songs I play with my band. I try to get in 2-3 hrs but with work and life in general I don’t practice every single day. Usually every 2[SUP]nd[/SUP] day.
My old way of practicing was just to have what I was working on (song, technique, theory etc.) and just work on that for however long it took (never usually longer than 1 hour) to grasp the concept and then apply it to backing tracks or use it musically. When I’ve absorbed enough, I’d move on to something else that day and do the same. This lets me learn new stuff and is keeping my mind thinking on actually using it. The next session I’d usually have a quick revision and move on and repeat this process. I find I get completely absorbed in this stuff and don’t notice the time passing so I just work away and it’s really strengthened my playing. When on a schedule I find my process a little slower since it’s more time restricted.
I’d like to hear your thoughts on what you do (especially the really advanced players). Are you very regimented or do you just practice what you’re in the mood for? What works for you?
Apologies for the long post and thanks for taking the time to read it! Any other questions I can answer then please ask.
Rock on! :yah