Guitar Practicing Techniques
It takes practice to become a skilled guitar player, but no one wants to endure countless hours of rehearsal time. Utilizing correct practice techniques each time you sit down with your guitar will help you save time while improving your playing ability. If you make the most out of your practice sessions, those intricate riffs and solos won't seem so difficult.
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Preparation and Dedication
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There are ways to improve your practice time without even picking up your guitar. Plan a routine for your rehearsal time and stick with it. There's no right or wrong time to practice, but try to choose a point during the day when you're alert, focused and motivated. Practice at least five days each week.
Warming Up
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Although it's overlooked by many guitar players, stretching before a practice session is critical to your long-term playing ability. To avoid pain and tendinitis risks, be sure to spend at least 10 minutes warming up before practicing. Stretch out your fingers as far as you can, then relax and repeat. You can also use a hand-held exercise ball. Stretch the muscles in your arms and shoulders as well. Take a break if you become tired or sore; don't just ignore the discomfort.
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The Metronome
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There's no better tool than a metronome to keep your tempo constant while practicing. This handy gadget makes a click or beep sound at a designated speed. Choose a piece of music that you're having difficulty with and play it along with the metronome. Start out slowly, then adjust the speed by two to four beats per minute once you're able to play the song you're practicing without mistakes.
Changing Chords
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Practicing transitions between chords can help you work through those tricky musical progressions. Focus on a pair of chords that give you the most trouble within a selection of music. Practice going back and forth between the chords, slowly at first, then building speed as you become more comfortable. Once you've ironed out the troublesome spots, return to the full chord progression. Go slowly once again, gradually increasing to your goal tempo.
Strumming
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With all the different strum patterns in music, there's no doubt you'll eventually encounter one that you find confusing. Find the chord in the progression that's easiest for you to play. While staying on that chord, mimic the strum pattern you're trying to learn. Take five minutes to strum the pattern over and over. Go slowly if you need to, then pick up speed as the rhythm becomes second-nature. Once you've got a handle on the strum pattern, add the rest of the chords. Spend five to ten minutes repeating the progression until you get it down.
Recording
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It's difficult to assess your abilities as you're playing, so it's a good idea to invest in some sort of recording device. It doesn't have to be anything fancy; a small tape recorder will do. Record your practice sessions, then listen to them once you're finished. Pick out any areas that don't sound quite right and focus on the trouble spots during your next practice.
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References
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