One proven way to get better at playing an instrument, especially the guitar, is to develop a good practice routine. A routine that is fun, but also productive. A good routine will make a guitarist’s playing stand out and be reliable. A developing guitarist should spend from 5 to 15 minutes on each Item below depending on their needs and experience (not all items have to be included in one session).
Also, a guitarist should take breaks and drink plenty of fluids; such as water with a little honey added (a natural electrolyte replenishing drink). A guitarist practice routine is more effective if they have clear goals. Lastly, they will keep a journal of their progress which includes all the scales, chords, and such they have worked on. A developing guitarist will go back to their journal again and again for review. They will be able to clearly see and chart their progress. In the end, they will be practicing like a professional.
Technique and Theory:
Warm up and Technique: A developing guitarist should do warm up exercises firsts. The exercises should be slow and easy. They should focus on making their technique better. Also, a developing guitarist should ask other guitarist to show them "How they play?" It can be more important than what they play. A slight change in a guitarist’s technique can greatly improve their playing.
Scales, Arpeggios, and Modes: A developing guitarist should study lead patterns, pentatonic scales, major/minor scales, and modes. A guitarist should learn at least three different ways to play the same scale. They will play them forwards and backwards. They will start and end on different notes. They will play them in groups of two notes, three notes, four notes, and then five. They will try different phrasings and rhythms.
Chords: A developing guitarist should learn power chords, octave chords, and optional fingerings of chords. They should learn at least 3 different ways to play the same chord. They should study the CAGED system and chord progressions.
Sight Reading: A developing guitarist will do some sight reading that is simple and readable. It will help them to learn music faster. It will help them to interpret music. They should try to transcribe music originally for the piano (or some other instrument) so they can play it on the guitar. They should transpose a know song into a different musical key. They should learn to read music in combination with tablature. They will memorize the fretboard .
Theory: A developing guitarist will learn chord progressions, triads, keys, modes, intervals and the theory behind them. They will use theory as a tool. Also, they will study song form and structure: Intro, Verse, Chorus, Bridge, and Outro. They will study the different styles of music and song writing.
Setting the Groove: The developing guitarist will practice different rhythm attacks, comping, and metronome use. They will take simple melodies and change the rhythm. They will take a melody and play it over different rhythms. They will try comping to music on the radio.
Songs and Music:
Polishing: A developing guitarist will focus on a song or exercise they have practiced before. They will fine tune it. They will reinforce what they already know. They will work on stamina and reliability. They should play a song three times in a row without mistakes.
New Material: A developing guitarist will focus on something totally new to them. They will try to find songs they like, but are within their grasp of playing. Also, they will work on songs that challenge them to get to the next level. They will focus on learning three complete songs well.
Open Practice: A developing guitarist will just have fun! They will play and see what happens – no rules! A developing guitarist should record themselves for 10 minutes of non-stop improvised playing. They should do this every day. Much of what they play may be purged, but it will not all be bad. It will be like keeping a music diary.
Jam Session: A developing guitarist will practice with others. They will have a guitar party at their house. They will listen to and watch other musicians perform. Afterwards, they will try to create a song in the same style. They will play lead over a random song on the radio. They will try to find the songs key, chords, melody, and rhythm.
Linking: A developing guitarist should practice something they know quite well for 3 minutes, then "new" related material for 3 to 5 minutes, then go back to what they know for another 3 minutes. This will help them to link new material with old.
A strong practice routine can get a developing guitarist over the hump and make them a better player. A developing guitarist uses a routine to focus their energy and achieve their goals. They should always warm-up, practice technique, scales, chords, melody, rhythm, theory, and songs. They should mix their routine up a bit.
For example: They should focus on songs for 20 minutes, then technique for 10 minutes – then take a break. When they return, they should focus on technique for 20 minutes, then songs for 10 minutes. A developing guitarist will practice like a professional and achieve the success.
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