"Enjoy the ride - There's something to be said for learning, developing skills and hearing your own improvement as you work your way up to a level of competency."
I hope you enjoyed Guitar Mastery- Part 1 and have gained some insights and practice routines into how you can improve your playing and speed up the process.
In Part 2 of this series we continue on the same path to help you lock in some solid practice methods and sharpen up your act.
6) Challenge yourself - Take on some songs that are above your current level of playing. This will take some time, but the rewards will be huge and the time well spent.
7) Create the ultimate song list
Group your songs in lots of ten. Practice and play them in succession. Record or Video the process. Perform in front of a mirror and iron out any weird expressions or oddball behavioural patterns that you may be developing. Put on a show, be proud and try to play without looking at the guitar.
8) Join an Open Mic Club - Nothing fast tracks your playing like being amplified and playing LIVE. Get over the nerves, Buy better gear when you feel you deserve it, Play your songs to a listening audience and start writing your own music.
9) Play with other Musicians -
Enjoy the process of finding where you fit into the mix. Test your timing and ability to hold a groove. Being in a band is great fun and it makes you a better musician. Music is better when it is shared.
10) Take regular lessons - Lessons commit you to practice, expand your knowledge and iron out bad habits. You also get to play and learn with a musician with more experience and playing skills than you currently have.
We all have something to learn and if you make the most of the learning experience you will enlarge your circle of musical friends, contacts within the industry and opportunities. You will also be exposed to music and techniques you may not have considered learning.
Lastly, Enjoy the ride - There's something to be said for learning, developing skills and hearing your own improvement as you work your way up to a level of competency.
We live in strange times where the majority of people want “instant gratification” or they chuck the idea of learning something new off to the side when they realise it requires work.
So I say, “Dig in.” Commit to the process. You will have many teachers along the way and they will all have something of value to offer, but the ultimate lesson will be what you discover about yourself, your playing, your sound and your tenacity.
I hope you benefit from these pointers and that they help you on your journey to master the guitar. It is a very worth while pursuit and I wish you very success.
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