Having returned to "the world of guitar" after far too many years of not even picking one up (long story), I am facing a strange situation of remembering bits, but forgetting most of what I knew before; about kit, and playing, and everything.
It is a wonderful new journey to be on for sure. The past few months are a mix of frustration and elation, as it slowly comes back.
There are some great resources on here to help, and some fantastic people. I have been following the "
perpetual beginners" discussion, as I sort of fall into that camp as I am learning all over again. The "
ability over practise" discussion is another interesting one too.
So can any of you kind folks give me some good advice on practicing.
Any, and all, aspects of that would be helpful.
I do want to make good use of my time.
( One lifetime is never enough if you are curious and passionate about anything )
Playing again does give me an interesting perspective however; having been there before, but taking the path fresh again.
This is also a great opportunity to un-learn any bad habits from my "previous life" as a guitarist.
Thanks all. Chris.
@octatonic - that practice log / schedule would make a good start, maybe?
Comments
I'll be very interested to see how this thread develops.
I know over at Justinguitar his advice is to split your available time into small chunks, like maybe 5 mins or even less, and then set a timer and practice different areas (technique, scales, transcribing, etc) sequentially - kind of like guitar circuit training I suppose.
I've thought about doing it, but it just seems like I want to spend longer doing the individual parts, meaning that I cant possibly fit everything in.
I try and at least pick up the guitar once a day, even if only for a quick strum.
@ChrisMusic yeah, I think for example, if I'm going to have a proper go at transcribing, I'm going to need a minimum of 30-60 mins in one session, to get anywhere with it.
Whereas technical exercises, or say learning the fingerboard - I reckon you can improve a surprising amount with only 10 mins a day.
If you're going to learn new songs, then again you need more time in one chunk.
Admittedly mucking about on the guitar is much better when your good, which comes with practice etc.
Probably the best way is to reward yourself . Say 40mins proper practice followed by 20 mins of whatever you enjoy.
@ChrisMusic it's never too soon to play with others. If you think about it using a DVD or backing tracks is playing with pre-recorded other musicians.
I wish I'd done it sooner.....
Ringleader of the Cambridge cartel, pedal champ and king of the dirt boxes (down to 21)
Supportact said: [my style is] probably more an accumulation of limitations and bad habits than a 'style'.