Do you ever wonder how some people come to be great at playing the guitar? Do you wonder if you could ever be that great?

Well, what if I told you that you could? I’m here to give you some tips on how to become so great at the guitar. There are quite a few principles and guitar practice techniques that you need to learn in order to get to a high level of playing. Some principles aren’t just for guitar players, either. They can be applied toward any aspect of life.

1.    DEDICATION – You MUST devote yourself wholly to the task. This may be difficult, especially if you don’t “have the time” for practicing or playing. You may have to sacrifice some things in your daily life in order to make time for your practicing.  If you have to, cut down on the time you go out with your friends so that you can dedicate yourself to practicing the guitar.

2.     PRACTICE – Once you’ve set aside some time for playing, make sure that it is precisely what you do! After all, you don’t want to sacrifice something for nothing. If you’re home and free to practice the guitar, make sure that you DO SO! Write out a routine or practice schedule if you must.

Example:

7:00 – 7:15 Practice on changing from Dm to C7.
7:15-7:30 Practice G Ionian scale at various tempos.
7:30 – 7:45 Practice some right hand tapping.
7:45 – 8:00 Work on practicing 2nd inversion “Em” arpeggio at various tempos.

Did you know you can play a G major scale many times in 15 minutes? In fact, you can probably play it around 90 times! You could even break the hour long lesson into six, ten minute lessons if you want.

3.     PERSERVERENCE- Now that you have some dedicated time, STICK WITH IT! If Saturdays at 7 PM is your time to practice, then do not let anything else interfere with that time. Now, as well all know, “Life Happens.” If something happens and you can’t practice, make sure you make up for it Sunday or Monday. Try not to skip again.

4.    FOCUS – Now that you’re devoting some time to your guitar practice routine, you need to totally focus on everything that you do. For instance, if you are learning to sweep pick the Em arpeggio, you may notice that at a certain point, you have problems with moving your fingers. Isolate your “problem” and just repeat that spot over and over again. Pay attention to all the moves your hands are making. While you’re at it, watch out for your nerves! Try to stay as relaxed as possible.

5.    PATIENCE – This is a MUST! No, you can’t become a guitar hero overnight, no matter how much you practice. Still, you can become one someday, but you have to have patience and practice as much as you can.
Some people like to brag that they became a guitar expert after just a short amount of time.

·    Are they able to compose a good tune?
·    Can they improvise?
·    Do they understand how to bridal speed and mix it up with beautiful slow playing as well?
·    Do they even have a sense of melody?
·    Can they harmonize leads?

Your playing will mature with time. Sometimes, even the pros take extra lessons and practice because there’s always something to new to learn.

6.    BELIEVE IN WHAT YOU ARE DOING – Always stay positive, and never let anyone else tell you that something can’t be done or that “your playing doesn’t sound right”. In order to become a player, you’re going to have to learn how to play. Whether you want to play electric guitar, bass, or acoustic, you can’t ever give up. Even if you end up writing a bunch of lousy songs, there is always room to learn more!