How to Practice Guitar Lessons

Repeating lessons in loops is actually the only practice method you need in music. But then, the blog will end here and I want to write something at least in my first blog post.

Let us discuss some simple steps and methods that will help.

1. Start with number 25. Say for example G major scale. Play the scale 25 times as a starter. You will feel a lot better after this. Then go on repeating this set of “25 “. At about 150 to 200 you will be playing it a lot smoother and it will actually start sounding like “music”.

2. The timer method: this is probably the best way of practicing. Even better than counting the numbers. E.g. if you are practicing a chord change from C to G, set a timer for 2 minutes, start playing the chord shift. Stop when timer rings. This way you concentrate more on the process rather than keeping a track of counting.

3. Song tabs practice: Play 2 or 3 bars at a time. Repeat at least 15 to 20 times, get the tune, the melody right. Then go on to the next 2 bars and repeat. Then connect all the first 4 bars. This is better than attempting the whole song at once. Break it into parts, practice each one separately, then connect and play the whole song together.

4. Singing: students say why should I sing, I just want to play the guitar. I am not a singer and don’t want to be. Not a good idea. To connect with “notes”, to connect with music, you must sing. You need not become Sonu Nigam but try matching the notes. Sing Saa Re Ga Ma, Na na na na when you play scales, song tabs. Any instrument is outside your body, but singing comes from your own vocal chords. So the more you sing, more you understand music, ear-train yourself and become a better singer. It is a loop. Singing improves music understanding, and in turn it improves your singing ability. The more you sing, voice opens up and you will be a good enough singer to sound good with guitar strums.

Everybody starts learning guitar to play songs. Whatever exercises, the scales, etc are not exactly songs. But I used to and still do enjoy playing those basic 1 2 3 4 exercises also. It is just the sound of strings, feel of the strings or may be just some challenge of speed and clarity. I do enjoy. And there are many I know who share the same thought. They just like holding the guitar and playing some thing, doesn’t matter song or not.

So, enjoy your practice sessions.

Happy Repeating!!