25 Practice Tips for Effective Guitar Practice
Guitar practice is an art and a skill. In fact, learning guitar is actually learning how to practice.
When we practice well, pieces come more easily. Our hands gain dexterity and agility. And we can meet the challenges in the music we aim to play.
In the video below, you’ll find 25 practice tips. You can use some or all of these in your daily practice.
The Benefits of Great Practice
The end result of effective practice is that we play pieces of music we enjoy. With time, these pieces grow in complexity and razzle-dazzle.
But the real payoff of intentional practice is the daily reward of doing good work.
When we add structure and targeted challenge to our practice, we focus more. The outer world recedes, and we may even lose track of time.
As we work at the edge of “hard, but not too hard,” we feel successful because we overcome specific problems and obstacles. We feel more in control of our progress.
And these successes motivate us to continue tomorrow. Practice becomes end end unto itself because it adds so much to daily life.
More Practice Resources
You can find many articles and tutorials on practice on ClassicalGuitarShed.com.
- The full guitar lesson archive – You’ll find lessons on most of the main areas of classical guitar study.
- The Free Sheet Music Library – Over 1000 pieces of classical guitar sheet music and TABs.
- The Woodshed® Classical Guitar Program – A step-by-step program to help you play beautifully
Small Improvements Add Up in Guitar Practice
If you take even one tip from the video above, you can improve your practice for years to come.
Many people find it more comfortable to make small changes one at a time than to change many things at once. And the likelihood of sticking with the change increases.
If you like, write down any of the tips that speak to you. Then try them out in your upcoming guitar practices. It’s best to give them a few days to settle in. If something doesn’t feel “natural” to you, it may just need a little time.
All the best in your practice!
Hi, I’m Allen Mathews.
I started as a folk guitarist, then fell in love with classical guitar in my 20’s. Despite a lot of practice and schooling, I still couldn’t get my music to flow well. I struggled with excess tension. My music sounded forced. And my hands and body were often sore. I got frustrated, and couldn’t see the way forward. Then, over the next decade, I studied with two other stellar teachers – one focused on the technical movements, and one on the musical (he was a concert pianist). In time, I came to discover a new set of formulas and movements. These brought new life and vitality to my practice. Now I help guitarists find more comfort and flow in their music, so they play more beautifully.
Click here for a sample formula.
I came on board three months ago and I’m loving it more than ever. I have maintained my practice pattern. I’m sticking wholeheartedly with the program as written. That makes it easy to see what I NEED to work on rather than just playing the shiny places I’ve gone beyond…..I’ve learned to focus 100% on what I’m doing that very minute….I’m developing strength in my left hand...I spend time with the videos in the evenings and always find something more to help me. I’m not looking for info anywhere else. Everything I need is right here in The Woodshed. You say “Jump” and I say “How high.” I’m so grateful I found you. You speak in a language I understand.
~ Gloria Mader
-Gloria Mader
Allen, your website and teaching methods are excellent. You have an easy going yet encouraging way of inspiring people to learn and practice their art. And you are always accessible to your students to personally answer questions. I appreciate ... that personal touch. The course on reading rhythm and playing higher up the neck I found particularly helpful. God bless you and many thanks.
~ Joe Bazan
-Joe Bazan
“Success lies in relentless execution of the basics.”
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